As an unincorporated territory of the United States, travelers are often unsure about the visa requirements for Puerto Rico.
Although Puerto Rico is not one of the 50 U.S. states, it does form part of the USA and foreigners can visit under the same conditions as those visiting New York, California, or Hawaii.
This means that tourists need either an ESTA for Puerto Rico or a non-immigrant tourist visa.
More information on document requirements and the ESTA application below.
Do I need a visa for Puerto Rico?
Citizens from countries in the Visa Waiver Program do not need a visa to visit Puerto Rico but they must have an ESTA.
The ESTA application is 100% online and can be made from any smartphone, laptop, or another electronic device.
Only basic personal information and travel details are required.
The ESTA is valid for trips to Puerto Rico of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit.
Those who are not eligible for the ESTA for Puerto Rico, due to nationality or length/purpose of stay, need a Puerto Rico tourist visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. visa applications take longer to process and an interview is required.
Applying for an ESTA for Puerto Rico
As mentioned above, to be eligible for the ESTA for Puerto Rico, travelers must hold a passport issued by a relevant visa waiver country.
Just some of the nations included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program are Australia, New Zealand and European member nations of the Schengen Area.
Those holding a double nationality can also request an ESTA for Puerto Rico.
3-step ESTA application for Puerto Rico
The online application is quick and easy.
Travelers need to:
- Fill out the ESTA form with personal and passport details
- Answer security questions
- Submit the application for processing
ESTA processing is fast, most people receive the travel authorization for Puerto Rico by email within 2 business days.
Travelers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before their flight in case of any unexpected delays.
Questions on the ESTA Application Form for Puerto Rico
To complete the ESTA application for Puerto Rico, travelers must provide the following details:
- Full name, gender, date of birth and nationality
- Passport country, number and issue/expiry dates
- Employment information
- Address whilst in the U.S.
- Emergency contact details
There is also a series of eligibility questions to ensure the individual may safely travel to Puerto Rico without a visa.
On completion of the form, applicants pay the ESTA fee for Puerto Rico using a debit or credit card.
The request is then submitted for review.
Requirements for Traveling to Puerto Rico with the ESTA
ESTA holders may go to Puerto Rico for tourism or business reasons, or for transit. It is valid for stays of up to 90 days.
There are several other U.S. visa types for those interested in working, studying or living in Puerto Rico.
ESTA is valid for 2 years, or until the biometric passport expires, whichever is first. The same ESTA visa waiver can be used to visit the 50 U.S. states.
Foreign citizens do not need to apply for separate entry permits.
Documents Required to Travel to Puerto Rico
Foreigners must have these documents to enter Puerto Rico:
- Valid biometric passport
- ESTA visa waiver or U.S. visa
Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
Foreigners need a valid passport to travel to Puerto Rico.
The same passport must be used to apply for the ESTA and cross the border, the information has to match exactly.
As soon as the passport expires ESTA becomes invalid and a new request must be submitted.
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to go to Puerto Rico. They do, however, need a government-issued ID in order to board a flight to the island.