Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico in 2023?

Do you need a passport to go to Puerto rico?

Traveling to Puerto Rico is much easier than you think. Since the lift of COVID restrictions in Puerto Rico, a lot of travelers have been planning their vacation to Puerto Rico. This brings up a lot of questions about the island such as do you need a passport to go to Puerto rico? . This article answers the most frequently asked questions about the island of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated US territory. This means that all of the US laws apply on the island. US citizens and permanent residents can travel to Puerto Rico with a government-issued photo ID. Foreign travelers with a valid US visa residing in the US can also travel to Puerto Rico with their passport or United States government issued photo ID. Foreign travelers coming from outside the US need a valid US visa and a passport to enter Puerto Rico as with any other port of entry.

The US government requires that after May 2023 all driving licenses need to be a Real ID for traveling purposes. US citizens that wish to use their driving license to board a plane must have a driving license that is categorized as a Real ID.

Domestic visitors no longer have to fill out a declaration form, show proof of vaccination or provide a negative PCR test.



Do US citizens or permanent residents need a passport for Puerto Rico?

To enter Puerto Rico the only documentation that US citizens and permanent residents need are their government-issued photo IDs. 

The US government requires that after May 2023 all driving licenses need to be a Real ID for traveling purposes. US citizens that wish to use their driving license to board a plane must have a driving license that is categorized as a Real ID.

Do Non-US citizens need a passport for Puerto Rico?

Non-US citizens and foreign travelers need a password and a valid US Visa when visiting Puerto Rico. The entry requirements to visit Puerto Rico are the same as for any other city in the US.

Where is Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is situated in the Caribbean Sea. It is a 2 hour flight from the east coast of Florida. The easiest way to get to Puerto Rico is to take a flight to Miami/Fort Lauderdale and then take a connecting flight from there to Luiz Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan. 

Is Puerto Rico part of the US?

Yes. Puerto Rico became a US territory in 1898 following the Spanish-American war. It is now part of the United States of America. All Puerto Rico citizens are also citizens of the United States of America. Any American citizen can freely travel in and out of Puerto Rico at any time.

What language is spoken in Puerto Rico?

Most citizens of Puerto Rico speak Spanish as their first language. Spanish is the most prolific language on the island. The smaller towns of Rincon and Cabo Rojo have more Spanish speaking people than those that speak English. Due to the emerging tourism market in Puerto Rico a lot of people in recent times have begun to learn English as their second language. If you are going to Puerto Rico for a vacation you should not have a problem if you can speak English. There will always be somebody around that can speak English and interpret for you. Especially in the capital city of San Juan, most people now speak English.



What time zone is Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico uses Atlantic Standard Time throughout the year, with no Daylight Saving Time, due to how close it is to the Equator. This is also true in the United States Virgin Islands.

What is the capital of Puerto Rico?

The capital of Puerto Rico is the city of San Juan. San Juan is a metropolitan city on the north coast of Puerto Rico. Most people fly into San Juan as their first stop in Puerto Rico. San Juan has a lot of western influence even though it is a Caribbean city. There are so many things to do in San Juan, you should at least spend a couple days in the city.

What type of money does Puerto Rico use?

Puerto Rico uses the US dollar as its currency.

What is the drinking age in Puerto Rico?

The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18. Anybody above the age of 18 can purchase and consume alcohol. 

Is Puerto Rico safe?

Yes. It is a very safe Island and has average rates of crime. if you stay in well lit areas which are frequented by tourists you should be completely safe. However I would recommend staying away from areas such as La Perla which have seen some crime in recent years.



When is hurricane season in Puerto Rico?

Hurricane season in Puerto Rico is from June until the end of November. During this time the island gets a lot of rain and the tide gets pretty rough on the beach. Puerto Rico has suffered from some serious hurricanes in the past. In 2022 people were stuck in Puerto Rico for a long time due to Hurricane Fiona that widely impacted the island.

When is the best time to travel to Puerto Rico?

The best time to visit Puerto Rico is between the months of March and June. This is the dry season in Puerto Rico and you have ample sunshine for all of your tourist activities.

Can I use the same cell service in Puerto Rico?

Yes. You can use the same service in Puerto Rico as in the mainland United States. Most cell companies do not charge any extra cost for services in Puerto Rico.

Is tap water safe to drink in Puerto Rico?

Yes. Puerto Rico has the same standard of tap water as the mainland United States. This means that tap water is safe to drink in Puerto Rico. However I would caution against this since tap water on the island will have different minerals and local bacteria which might cause an upset stomach even though it is safe to drink.

Checkout other Puerto Rico posts

Complete Guide to Surfing in Rincon, Puerto Rico

23 Best Things to do in Rincon, Puerto Rico

Complete Guide for a day trip to dreamy Cayo Icacos Island

Isla Verde Beach – Guide to the 3 beaches of Isla Verde

25 Awesome Things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico

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