Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? No, there is no passport needed for Puerto Rico for U.S. citizens. Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, Americans do not need a passport to fly there. But you would definitely need an ID. In this guide, you will find everything about the necessary documentation you need to have ready before your next Puerto Rico trip.
Planning a trip to Puerto Rico? Here’s what you need to know:
Good news—U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico.
No passport validity rules apply.
No passport pages are required.
And you don’t need a visa either.
As a U.S. citizen you don’t need your passport to enter the unincorporated U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. You can fly to Puerto Rico with just a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or a permanent resident card.
And when heading back to the U.S., no passport is required—unless you make a stop in a foreign country along the way.
Wherever you go, KAYAK is here to help you travel smart. Because every trip starts with a plan—and we’ve got yours.
Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?
No. U.S. citizens traveling directly between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico do not need a passport. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S. territory, which means travel there is considered domestic, not international. You can board your flight with the same government-issued photo ID you’d use for any other domestic trip within the United States.
That said, there’s an important caveat: if you’re arriving in Puerto Rico from outside the United States (for example, connecting through a foreign country), you’re entering U.S. territory by air from abroad and must present a passport. The same applies if your return trip from Puerto Rico includes a stop in a foreign port or country. In those cases, standard international travel document requirements kick in.
Passport Needed?
No
Blank pages needed
No passport is needed
Passport validity
None
Visa tourist needed
No
Is a travel visa needed to go to Puerto Rico from the U.S.?
No, you don’t need a visa if you’re a U.S. citizen. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, Americans flying there are not traveling internationally. It’s just like hopping on a plane from New York to California.
However, if you’re not a U.S. citizen, the rules change. Non-U.S. citizens must present a valid passport and meet the same visa or entry authorization requirements as they would for entering the U.S. mainland. That means if you need a visa to visit the United States, you’ll need one for Puerto Rico too. Eligible travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), while others must obtain the appropriate U.S. visa before travel.
Fly to Puerto Rico from another country: what documents do you need?
If you’re flying to Puerto Rico from outside the United States, you must carry the documents required for international air travel. For U.S. citizens, that means a valid U.S. passport. Even though Puerto Rico is U.S. territory, arriving by air from a foreign country counts as entering the United States internationally, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires a passport for that entry.
So if you’re connecting through Paris, France (or any other foreign city) on your way to San Juan, pack your passport. The same rule applies to lawful permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens: you’ll need your passport, green card (Form I-551), or other appropriate travel documents, plus any required visas.
What ID do you need to fly to Puerto Rico?
Americans flying to Puerto Rico need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. However, that driver’s license must be Real ID-compliant. As of May 7, 2025, TSA began full enforcement of Real ID requirements for domestic flights, which means travelers 18 and older using a state driver’s license or ID card must present a Real ID-compliant credential (or use an alternative TSA-accepted document like a passport).
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Permanent resident card (Form I-551, also known as a green card)
- Other TSA-accepted documents (military ID, trusted traveler cards, etc.)
A passport will work perfectly, but it’s not required for U.S. citizens on direct domestic flights. If your state driver’s license doesn’t have the Real ID star in the corner, now’s the time to upgrade, or just bring your passport to the airport instead.
What is a Real ID?
Real ID is a federally compliant state driver’s license or ID card that meets stricter security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Check with your state’s DMV for their exact requirements, but in many states, you’ll need your Social Security number, two proofs of address, and evidence of your full legal name and date of birth.
Real ID hack: If you’re having trouble proving “full legal name” because of marriage or divorce, consider getting a passport first (it’s often a simpler process). Then use that passport as proof of legal name and date of birth when applying for your Real ID. Alternatively, just use your passport for air travel and skip the Real ID hassle altogether.
You’ll know your license is Real ID-compliant if it has a star (usually gold or black) in the upper corner. No star? You’ll need to visit your DMV or use a different form of ID for flights.
Can I fly to Puerto Rico with just an ID?
Yes, you can, but it must be a TSA-accepted government-issued photo ID. For most travelers, that means a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (required as of May 7, 2025 for domestic flights). Types of ID that are acceptable for flying to Puerto Rico include a driver’s license, a permanent resident card, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or other TSA-listed documents.
Even a passport will work (and it’s always a safe backup if your state ID isn’t Real ID-compliant yet). The key is making sure your ID is current, valid, and accepted by TSA for domestic air travel.
Can I travel from Puerto Rico to the U.S. without a passport?
What do you need to go to Puerto Rico?
Other than sunscreen and flip-flops, you need the same ID you’d use to fly anywhere within the United States. Namely, a TSA-accepted government-issued photo ID, such as a Real ID-compliant driver’s license. You can even use a passport or passport card, but a passport is not necessary for direct domestic travel.
Here’s your quick packing checklist for documents:
- Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (or a passport as an alternative)
- Boarding pass and any travel confirmations
- Travel insurance documents (optional but smart)
- Your sense of adventure (required)
Note: A passport card can be used for domestic air travel, but remember it’s not valid for international flights. If you’re planning any side trips outside Puerto Rico that involve flying, bring your passport book instead.
What are the 5 best places to see or things to do?
When you visit Puerto Rico make sure you:
- Visit Old San Juan: Golf carts can take you to the most popular attractions there, including colorful colonial streets and historic forts.
- Experience El Yunque: The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and lush jungle scenery.
- Visit the Afro-Caribbean coastal neighborhood of Piñones: Known for its food kiosks serving fresh seafood and traditional Puerto Rican snacks.
- Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico: A cultural gem showcasing Puerto Rican and Caribbean art.
- Make a trip to the village of La Parguera: Taste the local food and experience its famous bioluminescent bay on a nighttime boat tour.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Puerto Rico
Yes. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, and most people born there are U.S. citizens.
Non-U.S. citizens must travel with a valid passport. Visa requirements are the same as entering the U.S. mainland; eligible travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), while others must obtain the appropriate U.S. visa before travel.
U.S. citizens don’t need a passport for domestic travel to Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands when traveling from the U.S. mainland. American Samoa typically requires a passport or certified birth certificate, and the Freely Associated States (Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau) require a passport.
Puerto Rico uses Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4, and does not observe daylight saving time.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Monitor forecasts and consider trip insurance if traveling during those months.
Most major U.S. carriers provide service in Puerto Rico, but check your carrier for roaming coverage and any extra fees before you travel.
Bottom line
The Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico is a US territory. That means US citizens can fly there with the same ID they use to fly within the United States. That’s right: you just need your Real ID-compliant driver’s license (or passport), a plane ticket, and a carry-on bag, and you are ready to fly off to enjoy Puerto Rico.
Just remember: if you’re flying from outside the U.S. or your return trip touches a foreign country, bring your passport. Otherwise, pack light on documents and heavy on excitement.
The foregoing article was last updated in January 2026. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
Sources:
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
https://www.usa.gov/visit-territories
https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-980
