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 any destination, travel to Puerto Rico comes with new risks because of the coronavirus pandemic. But the island has been pretty successful in keeping the virus at bay. 

The island was one of the first jurisdictions to issue a mask mandate. Puerto Rico has also been aggressive in using curfews, closures, and capacity rules to limit community spread. And people are starting to get vaccinated. 

So, what should travelers keep in mind? 

Americans might not need a passport (remember, Puerto Rico is part of the United States) but they will need a few other things to enter. Here's the latest:

Vaccinated travelers must upload their CDC vaccination card. 

Unvaccinated travelers must provide a negative PCR test that is no more than 72 hours old. Without this, they must be tested on the island or pay a $300 fine. 

If you arrive without a test, you'll have to quarantine. The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport offers tests for $110. 

Once on the island, locals ask that all visitors follow basic coronavirus precautions. That means wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, following curfew rules, and not consuming alcohol in public.

Travelers acting badly have been a real problem in Puerto Rico. So be chill! Follow local rules. And wear that mask. 

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.

As for *that* vaccine? Currently, there is no requirement for travelers to have the coronavirus vaccine before traveling to Puerto Rico. However, the CDC does recommend it. 

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.