Puerto Rico is a semi-autonomous, self-governing commonwealth of the United States. It became a territory of the United States through the Treaty of Paris in 1783; however, it has its own constitution. As a U.S. territory, visas and passports are not required for American citizens.
A visa is not required for tourists from the United States and most countries in the European Union. For students from non-participating visa-waiver countries taking more than 18 hours of study per week, an M-1 or F-1 class visa is required.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required for all visa-waiver program travel to the United States. Applications can be submitted at any time prior to travel. An ESTA is generally valid for up to two years and is good for multiple entries into the United States.
U.S. citizens are not required to present a passport when traveling to or from Puerto Rico. All others must have a valid passport with a color photo and a validity date at least six months beyond the intended travel period.
Persons restricted from traveling to Puerto Rico are: those with a communicable disease, those who have a criminal record, drug users or traffickers and anyone who has been denied entry into the United States in the past.
