Do I Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico? And Other FAQs

A: If you're a United States citizen, you do NOT need a passport to go to Puerto Rico. Since Puerto Rico is a US territory, all you need is the same identification you use to fly anywhere else in the country. Just one of the many reasons traveling to Puerto Rico is easy.

A: Like most of the world, Puerto Rico has cases of the coronavirus. Although policies around the coronavirus are shifting, Puerto Rico has employed curfews, social distancing, and mask requirements to combat the disease. 

Here's the latest: 

September 14th: Puerto Rico opened for travelers on July 15th. But because of a spike in coronavirus cases, Puerto Rico then rescinded many of its reopening policies. 

However, a recent drop in cases has led to a relaxation of many coronavirus policies. Beaches are now open for all. Restaurants are open at 50% capacity. 

Travelers will need to provide a negative COVID test upon entry. Travelers without a test result will have to take one upon arrival. Anyone who tests positive—or who refuses to be tested—will be quarantined for fourteen days.

If you go to Puerto Rico, you'll also have to comply with Puerto Rican safety policies like wearing a mask. Locals can help explain other rules you’ll need to follow. 

The best way to learn about what's going on in Puerto Rico? Ask someone who actually lives there. Find a local in Puerto Rico.

A: If you're traveling to Puerto Rico as an American you don’t have to use an international plan—US cell phone plans work exactly the same in Puerto Rico as they do on the mainland. Most major carriers (including Verizon and AT&T) don’t charge roaming for voice and text service.

But don't spend your trip staring at Google Maps—get insider advice before you even arrive. 

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Be sure to download Yesterday in Travel—a podcast sponsored by ViaHero—before your trip! One recent episode covered the "Great Migration" of Puerto Ricans to NYC:

You can find Yesterday in Travel on a variety of podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

A: Puerto Rico is a US territory—they use dollars there! That means you don't have to worry about the hassle of updating your wallet. (Or those annoying foreign transaction fees.)

A: While Spanish is the dominant language of Puerto Rico, both Spanish and English are official languages of the island—so most people speak at least some English. Authorities (police and government personnel) speak both Spanish and English. 

Still, it's good to know a few key phrases. Don't travel blindly. Ask one of our locals for suggestions of important words to know. 

A: Puerto Rico is safe—but there are some things to keep in mind before you go. Benefit from local knowledge. After all, no one understands Puerto Rico like the people who live there. 

A: Another perk of vacationing in Puerto Rico is that you probably have all your necessary vaccines. Aside from your routine vaccinations, the CDC recommends getting your hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines to be safe.

A: You can take nearly any airline there. 

Have a favorite airline? An airline rewards card? Not to worry—all the major US airlines fly to Puerto Rico. There are dozens of flights per day from mainland US and beyond. 

A: We love *all* the incredible things to do in Puerto Rico—but what you do depends on your travel style! Our locals in Puerto Rico have recently suggested a wide range of great island activities, from checking out the view at Las Salinas to exploring the delicious selection at the Kioskos de Luquillo.