The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative does not require citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda to have passports when traveling directly to and returning directly from any of the U.S. territories, which also include the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, America Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. The initiative exemption applies to land, air and sea travel.
Caribbean cruises that dock in Puerto Rico also are exempt from the travel initiative. However, the cruise must depart and return to the same United States port, which is called a closed-loop cruise. If the cruise ship offers stops at any foreign ports, travelers must have a passport to enter those countries.
According to the U.S. Department of State, Puerto Rico is considered part of the United States. When departing Puerto Rico for other excursions, travelers must have a passport to return to Puerto Rico, just as if they were returning to the continental United States.
U.S. citizens directly traveling between the United States and its territories must have adequate photo identification, such as a valid state-issued driver's license or state-issued identification card, valid passport or government-issued ID. However, re-entering the United States and going through customs will be more convenient if travelers have a valid passport.
Because U.S. citizens don't need a passport to go to Puerto Rico, many Americans are choosing to escape the cold winter months of December to April. Travelers can expect to pay higher prices during that time. Puerto Rico also is experiencing a rise in tourism as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
