preloadA bright cityscape with multicoloured residences on the slopes by the sea.

Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico? No, there is no passport needed for Puerto Rico for US 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.

Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?

Passport Needed?


No

Blank pages needed


No passport is needed

Passport validity


None

Visa tourist needed


No

Can I fly to Puerto Rico with just an ID?

Yes, you can, but it must be a photo ID issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent government office. Types of ID that are acceptable for flying to Puerto Rico include, but are not limited to, a driver’s license or a permanent resident card. Even a passport will work.

Close up of California driving licence

What ID do you need to fly to Puerto Rico?

Americans flying to Puerto Rico need a government-issued photo ID, such as driver’s license. However, that driver’s license will have to be Real ID compliant by May 7, 2025.

What is a Real ID?

Real ID meets stricter security standards. Check with your state’s DMV for their exact requirements, but in many states, you 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 are having trouble proving “full legal name” because of marriage/divorce, first get a passport, a much simpler task than getting a Real ID. Then use it as proof of legal name and DOB.

Is a travel visa needed to go to Puerto Rico from the U.S.?

No, you don’t need a visa. You need a visa for some international travel. But since Puerto Rico is a US territory, Americans flying there are not traveling internationally.

Fly to Puerto Rico from another country: what documents do you need?

If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport in order to enter Puerto Rico, whether you’ve flown in from Paris, Texas or Paris, France.

Can I travel from Puerto Rico to the U.S. without a passport?

If you are a US citizen or an LPR, a Lawful Permanent Resident, traveling from Puerto Rico to the United States, you do not need a passport. However, if you touch a foreign place or port along the way, you will need to have your passport to come back to the U.S.

A building with light green exterior walls and white arched mouldings around its windows and doorway.

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 government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. You can even use a passport or passport card, but a passport is not necessary.

A narrow street with parked vehicles on one side flanked by colourful buildings.
A man skillfully surfs on the wavy beach by the lush island. A man in a printed shirt and white cap carries coconuts as he walks on the shallow waters of a beach towards a grove of palm trees.

KAYAK’s travel tips to enjoy Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a wonderful tropical island to visit, especially in winter. And all without the hassles of international travel. So, if you want a stress-free escape to the Caribbean, make your Puerto Rico winter vacation dreams a reality today. Here are the tips I’ve gleaned from my unforgettable — and affordable flights — and trips to Puerto Rico.

Best month
February


Avg Temperature
70 °F


Safety feeling
Very Safe


Don’t forget
Sunscreen

Two individuals were seated on the back of an open-roofed vehicle parked on the grassy landscape overlooking the blue sea.

What is the best place to stay?

You can base yourself in the capital city San Juan and travel around from there. Or you opt for more of a tropical island feel. The island features a number of Puerto Rican accommodations.

A coconut-tree lined beach equipped with umbrellas and loungers perfect for watching the waves crash on the shore.

What is the dish you should absolutely try?

That would be Mofongo. A dish that has deep fried green plantains mashed with garlic and either butter, or oil, salt-cured pork, or pork crackling.

FOOD_PUERTORICAN_PORTORICAN_PUERTO-RICO_MOFONGO
Close up of Tostones Puerto Rican Fried Plantains Pollo al Jerez Porto Rican Chicken in Sherry

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
  • Experience El Yunque: The only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System.
  • Visit the Afro-Caribbean coastal neighborhood of Piñones
  • Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
  • Make a trip to the village of La Parguera to taste the local food and its bioluminescent bay.
Three young ladies walking through a walkway of an ancient structure on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
Puerto Rico, El Yunque National Forest Aerial view of Caribbean beach and village, Puerto Rico

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 driver’s license, a plane ticket, and a carry-on bag, and you are ready to fly off to enjoy Puerto Rico.


The foregoing article was last updated on the 6th of October 2023. 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

About the author

Jeanifer BreklingGrowing up in Alaska, Jeanifer took the beauty of its nature for granted. Now that she lives in a more cosmopolitan place, Jeanifer loves to get back to nature wherever she goes, with hiking, camping, snowboarding and diving always a highlight. As a mother of three, Jeanifer is always looking for new places to go that the whole family will enjoy. Follow Jeanifer onLinkedin for more travel inspiration.

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