Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. U.S. citizens traveling directly between the U.S. mainland and the island do not need a passport for entry or exit. Travel to Puerto Rico is considered domestic travel, similar to flying between any two U.S. states. While a passport is not required, travelers must still present an acceptable form of identification to pass through airport security checkpoints.
Required Identification for US Citizens
Although a passport is not necessary for U.S. citizens, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all adult air travelers aged 18 and older to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the security checkpoint. The most common form of acceptable identification is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card. Travelers should be aware of the upcoming enforcement of the REAL ID Act.
Beginning May 7, 2025, all air travelers 18 years of age and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights, including those to Puerto Rico. A REAL ID-compliant card is typically marked with a star symbol in the upper corner. If a traveler’s state-issued ID is not compliant after this date, they must present an alternative document to fly.
Acceptable Alternative Identification
Acceptable alternative forms of identification include:
- U.S. passport book
- U.S. passport card
- U.S. military ID
- Permanent Resident Card
- DHS trusted traveler card, such as Global Entry
Travelers who do not present a compliant ID or an acceptable alternative after the enforcement date may be subject to additional screening or denied entry to the security checkpoint.
The TSA does not require minors under the age of 18 traveling with an adult to present identification for domestic flights. However, some airlines may request proof of age, such as a birth certificate, especially for infants traveling as lap children. Travelers should check the specific airline’s requirements before traveling with children.
When a Passport Becomes Necessary
A U.S. citizen traveling to Puerto Rico needs a passport if their itinerary includes any stop in a foreign country. This requirement applies even if the stop is a brief layover or connection in a non-U.S. airport, such as in Canada or Mexico. The passport is necessary to comply with the entry and exit requirements of the foreign nation, not for entry into Puerto Rico itself.
A passport is also required if a U.S. citizen is arriving in Puerto Rico directly from a foreign country. In this scenario, the traveler is entering the U.S. domestic travel zone from an international location, which necessitates the use of a passport for re-entry into U.S. jurisdiction. The passport confirms citizenship and identity upon arrival from abroad.
Travelers taking a cruise that includes Puerto Rico as a port of call may have different documentation requirements. While a “closed-loop” cruise (one that begins and ends at the same U.S. port) may allow U.S. citizens to use a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, many cruise lines recommend a passport book. A passport is the only document that guarantees immediate re-entry into the U.S. if a traveler needs to fly home unexpectedly from a foreign port due to an emergency.
Travel Document Requirements for Non-US Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens traveling to Puerto Rico must adhere to the same entry requirements as those traveling to the mainland United States. Since Puerto Rico is treated as a U.S. port of entry for international travelers, a valid passport is mandatory for all foreign nationals.
Depending on their country of origin, non-U.S. citizens may also need a visa or an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the territory. Travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can visit for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. The specific documentation required is determined by U.S. federal immigration law, and travelers should confirm their individual requirements with the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate before their trip.
A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) is an acceptable document for legal permanent residents of the U.S. to travel to Puerto Rico. Non-U.S. citizens should ensure their travel documents are valid for the duration of their stay. Any document required for entry into the continental U.S. is also required for entry into Puerto Rico.