Is a visa required for Puerto Rico?

With its famous beaches, stunning bioluminescent bays, and lush tropical rainforests, it’s easy to see why Puerto Rico is becoming increasingly popular among travelers.

It's also a hassle-free option for many in terms of travel requirements—Puerto Rico is visa-free for citizens of over 40 countries and territories. Here’s what you need to know about visa requirements and how to obtain one before visiting Puerto Rico.

Who can visit Puerto Rico without a visa?

As an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico follows the same visa regulations as the US for travelers.

Great news for US citizens, including those from other US territories: you can visit Puerto Rico without a visa. Since it's treated as a domestic location, travelers from the mainland US don't need a passport, but a state-issued ID like a driver's license is still necessary.

Additionally, citizens from 41 other countries can enjoy visa-free travel to Puerto Rico for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This list of exempt nations includes most European countries, along with nations from Latin America, East Asia, and Oceania.

While VWP travelers are exempt from visas, they must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and possess a valid e-passport that remains valid for at least six months after their visit. Canadians and Bermudians can also travel visa-free to Puerto Rico, provided they have a passport or valid ID.

How can I obtain an ESTA?

The ESTA is an online system available via the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website that assesses the eligibility of VWP applicants for visa-free travel to the United States.

You’ll need to enter your home and email addresses, phone numbers, and emergency contact details. The application fee is $21, payable online. Once your ESTA is approved, it remains valid for two years.

What steps do I take to obtain a tourist visa?

Citizens from more than 140 countries across Africa, Asia, Oceania, and most of Latin America must secure a non-immigrant visa to visit Puerto Rico, whether for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2) purposes.

To apply for a tourism visa to Puerto Rico, you essentially need to complete two steps: submitting a DS-160 form application and attending an interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate.

You'll require a passport, a digital passport-style photo, along with your travel itinerary and history to fill out the DS-160 form. Additional documents may be necessary to explain the purpose of your visit, as well as details about your profession and salary.

After completing your application, be sure to print your confirmation page—this is essential for making a payment and for your interview. Each official US embassy website outlines the process for paying your application fee and scheduling an appointment.

While some embassies may ask for bank transfers or in-person payments, most will guide you to third-party sites like Official US Visa Information and Appointment Services or UsTravelDocs to pay the non-refundable $185 fee for non-immigrant visas. Both platforms allow you to book appointments at a US embassy, which is the second step in your visa application process.

During your in-person interview, you'll need to provide the following items:

• Passport

• Printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page with your ID number

• Recent passport-style photo (printed)

• Proof of visa fee payment (receipt or evidence)

• Appointment letter (printed copy)

• Your intended travel itinerary

• Supporting documents (such as proof of assets and employment, bank statements, etc.)

Your visa application process isn't complete until both steps are finished. In certain cases, an additional reciprocity fee may apply on the day of the interview. Once your visa is approved, it will be sent to you via courier.

Can I prolong my stay in Puerto Rico?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Puerto Rico by applying to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services before your I-94 form expires.

The authorized duration of your stay is indicated by the CBP stamp on your travel document, and you can also check the I-94 website for details. Note that the length of your tourist visa may differ from your visa expiration date, which can range from 6 months to 10 years.

Remember, you must have a valid reason for your extension, and you need to demonstrate your intention to leave the country for it to be approved.

What is the process for obtaining a holiday working visa for Puerto Rico?

The J-1 visa permits university students and professors to study and work in Puerto Rico for up to four months. The application process for a J-1 is similar to that of a B-2 tourist visa, but you'll need to secure a sponsor company and be accepted into the Exchange Visitor Program first.

You must also register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and pay a fee of US$220 before moving forward with the J-1 visa application. For more details on J-1 requirements for Puerto Rico, visit the local Department of State website.