With world-renowned beaches, mesmerizing bioluminescent bays, and tropical rainforests, it’s no wonder Puerto Rico is growing in popularity among travelers.
It’s also a low-maintenance choice for many regarding travel administration. Puerto Rico is a visa-free destination for over 40 countries and territories. Here’s everything you need to know about whether you need a visa and how to get one before visiting Puerto Rico.
Who Can Travel to Puerto Rico Without a Visa?
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning you must follow the same visa requirements as the US before visiting. The good news is US citizens, including those living in other US territories, can travel visa-free to Puerto Rico. Since it’s considered a domestic destination, US mainland travelers don’t need a passport either. An official state-issued ID such as a driver’s license is still a requisite, however.
Citizens from an additional 41 countries can visit Puerto Rico without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days. The list of visa-exempt countries includes most European nations as well as countries in Latin America, East Asia, and Oceania.
Although they are visa-exempt, VWP travelers must have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and a valid e-passport for up to six months after the trip. Canadians and Bermudians can travel visa-free to Puerto Rico, but they must have a passport or valid ID.
How Do I Get an ESTA?
The ESTA is a digital system accessed through the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website that determines if VWP applicants are eligible to travel visa-free to the United States. You’ll need to provide your home and email addresses, phone numbers, and emergency contact information. The application costs US$21 and must be paid online. Once approved, the ESTA stays valid for two years.
How Do I Get a Tourist Visa?
Citizens from over 140 countries located throughout Africa, Asia, Oceania, and most of Latin America need a non-immigrant visa to visit Puerto Rico for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2) purposes. Applying for a Puerto Rico tourism visa requires two main steps:
- Submitting a DS-160 form application.
- Attending an interview at your local US embassy or consulate.
You will need a passport, a digital passport-style photo, plus your travel itinerary and history to complete your DS-160 form. Additional supporting documents related to the purpose of your visit, profession, and salary may also be required.
Once you’ve finished the application, print out your confirmation page – you’ll need it for payment and your interview. Each official US embassy webpage outlines the payment protocol and appointment scheduling.
Although some embassies require bank transfers or in-person payments, many will redirect you to third-party websites to pay the non-refundable US$185 fee for non-immigrant visas. These websites allow you to schedule appointments at a US embassy, further advancing your visa application process.
Can I Extend My Stay in Puerto Rico?
You can extend your stay in Puerto Rico by applying to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services before the period established in your I-94 form expires. The CBP stamp on your travel document and the I-94 website indicate your authorized period of stay. It is important to note that a tourist visa duration may differ from your visa expiration date, which can range from 6 months to 10 years.
Keep in mind you need a valid reason for your extension, and you must prove your intention to leave the country in order to secure approval.
How Do I Get a Holiday Working Visa for Puerto Rico?
The J-1 visa allows university students and professors to study and work for up to four months in Puerto Rico. Applying for a J-1 visa follows a process similar to a B-2 tourist visa; however, you must find a sponsor company and be accepted into the Exchange Visitor Program first. Additionally, you must register at the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and pay a US$220 fee before proceeding with the J-1 visa application. For more details about J-1 requirements for Puerto Rico, consult your local Department of State office.
