Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, United States citizens are not required to carry a passport to travel there. The only thing that is required is some form of a photo government I.D., such as a current driver's license. Each state's motor vehicle department will issue photo I.D. cards to non-drivers. Upon arrival in Puerto Rico, there is no need for U.S. citizens to pass through immigration and customs.
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to re-enter the U.S. mainland, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture may search luggage to ensure prohibited items are not present. You may take some agricultural items such as avocados, coconuts and papaya to the mainland; however, the majority of plants, fruits and vegetables are prohibited. You must declare firearms and transport them via checked luggage.
U.S. citizens may travel to other U.S. territories without a passport. These territories include the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix), American Samoa, Guam and Marianas. However, re-entry back into the United States must be directly from the territory.
Non-U.S. citizens must have the same documentation when traveling to Puerto Rico as they would when traveling into the United States. This includes a passport and visa. Visitors must obtain a non-immigrant visa for temporary stays that are valid for 90 days. Those who seek permanent residence in Puerto Rico must apply for and receive an immigrant visa before traveling.
US-VISIT is a new multi-layered security system developed by the Department of Homeland Security. It uses biometrics (finger prints of up to 10 digits plus a photograph) that are collected at the time of visa application. Biometrics are unique and cannot be forged; therefore they provide the securest form of identification. Travelers into the United States, including Puerto Rico, between the ages of 14 and 79 will be asked to provide their biometrics along with their passport/visa upon entry.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) establishes travel documentation to expedite secure travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Caribbean nations. According to the Department of Homeland Security, "Effective June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens are now required to present a passport book, passport card, or a WHTI-compliant document when entering the United States."
Canadians are required to show a passport, enhanced identification card or Trusted Traveler program I.D. Mexican visitors to the U.S. must show a passport with a non-immigrant visa or a laser visa Border Crossing Card. The Caribbean region encompasses 17 different countries. WHTI documentation information for travelers from this region can be found in the Resources section.
