Traveling to Puerto Rico (2024)

Whether you’re arriving by air or by sea, the only thing easier than getting there is being there.

You’ll find convenient travel options to Puerto Rico, including a variety of daily air service from cities throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Domestic vs. International

Puerto Rico is a United States territory. If you’re visiting from any part of the U.S., you don’t have to exchange your currency, update your cell phone plan for international service, or go through customs or immigration. An unforgettable Caribbean getaway is within easy reach — no passport required.

Travelers coming from outside of the country must follow the same guidelines as in any other U.S. airport. Once the customs officer stamps your passport, get ready for a trip filled with vibrant culture, inspiring scenery, and warm tropical breezes.

Airports

Puerto Rico is home to three international airports. In the east region, San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín Airport (SJU) is a major transportation hub. More than 20 airlines fly there, from large-scale operators like Jet Blue, Delta, United, American, Iberia, and Southwest to regional carriers like Intercaribbean and Air Antilles. You’ll find hundreds of flight options in a given week that connect the Island to destinations around the world.

While not quite as bustling as SJU, two additional airports, Rafael Hernandez (BQN) in Aguadilla and Mercedita (PSE) in Ponce, also welcome international travelers. Try booking a flight on Spirit or Jet Blue to reach these destinations.

You can travel to San Juan from Miami in less than two and a half hours; from Boston in four hours; and from Chicago in under five. If you’re flying from the West Coast of the United States, you’ll probably have a layover on your way here.

Traveling to Puerto Rico (2024)

FAQs

What is required to travel to Puerto Rico? ›

Consider it the equivalent of boarding a flight to Hawaii. The 50th state may be on island time, but Americans can go there without special documentation. As with any standard domestic flight, you'll only need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or a permanent resident card.

What to know before traveling to Puerto Rico? ›

What To Know Before Going to Puerto Rico
  • Researching the language of Puerto Rico. ...
  • Don't expect everyone to speak English. ...
  • Don't wear flashy jewelry. ...
  • No Passport is needed to travel to Puerto Rico. ...
  • You must take the COVID test within 72 hours of arrival. ...
  • Learn the customs. ...
  • Research safety.

Do U.S. citizens have to go through customs in Puerto Rico? ›

Puerto Rico is a United States territory. If you're visiting from any part of the U.S., you don't have to exchange your currency, update your cell phone plan for international service, or go through customs or immigration. An unforgettable Caribbean getaway is within easy reach — no passport required.

Is there a travel advisory for Puerto Rico? ›

There are no notices currently in effect for Puerto Rico (U.S.).

Is Puerto Rico tap water safe to drink? ›

Is the water safe to drink? The food and drink standards in Puerto Rico are comparable to those of mainland United States. The tap water is safe to drink as it is filtered and treated at the source.

Do you need cash in Puerto Rico? ›

In Puerto Rico, credit card usage is prevalent and widely accepted, especially in urban and tourist areas. However, cash is still commonly used, and the choice between the two often depends on the situation and personal preference.

What are the do's and don'ts in Puerto Rico? ›

Here are our top safety tips for traveling to Puerto Rico:
  • Be careful of your belongings. ...
  • Try to blend in. ...
  • Learn some Spanish. ...
  • Understand local laws. ...
  • Be careful at night, especially in San Juan, and stay away from housing projects. ...
  • Watch for changes in weather and weather warnings.
  • Be careful in the rainforest.
Feb 6, 2024

What is the safest part of Puerto Rico? ›

Quick Tidbits to Help You Choose a Place in Puerto Rico

Bucana Barrio is the safest on the island. (It's also the smallest barrio.) Rio Mar is the 2nd-most walkable city in PR. San Juan, the biggest city in Puerto Rico, is also the most walkable.

What language do they speak in Puerto Rico? ›

Spanish and English are the two official (i.e., governmental) languages in Puerto Rico. Spanish is the dominant language of business, education and daily life on the island, spoken by over 95% of the population. That is, Spanish predominates as the national language.

What currency does Puerto Rico use? ›

Does Puerto Rico have their own currency? No, Puerto Rico uses the US dollar as its official currency. How much is $1 worth in Puerto Rico? In Puerto Rico, $1 holds the same value as it does throughout the United States.

Is US to Puerto Rico a domestic flight? ›

As a U.S. Commonwealth, Puerto Rico is considered domestic travel from the continental Unites States, just as long as you don't touch down in a foreign place or port before arriving. You will, however, be required to show a state-issued photo I.D. card, such as a driver's license or a non-driving photo I.D.

Is Puerto Rico cheap to visit? ›

Is Puerto Rico an expensive vacation destination? Puerto Rico is not the cheapest place to visit in Latin America, but for United States residents, it is one of the cheapest places to visit in the Caribbean. Survival Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

What documents do I need to travel to Puerto Rico? ›

Because Puerto Rico is a non-incorporated territory, U.S. citizens who intend to travel from within the United States do not require a passport to enter. To travel to Puerto Rico, visitors must have a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence.

Do you need bug spray in Puerto Rico? ›

Bug Spray - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

Can I use my phone in Puerto Rico Verizon? ›

Puerto Rico is considered domestic for Verizon services. It will be just like using your phone in any other state as far as no roaming charges.

Can I travel to Puerto Rico with just my driver's license? ›

Bottom line. The Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico is a US territory. That means US citizens can fly there with the same ID they use to fly within the United States. That's right—you just need your driver's license, a plane ticket, and a carry-on bag, and you are ready to fly off to enjoy Puerto Rico.

Do I need to take a Covid test before I fly to Puerto Rico? ›

Update 2022-06-29: According to information provided by authorities, it is no longer mandatory for international travellers to present a negative test result when entering Puerto Rico. Travellers are still required to show proof of full vaccination, however.

Can an undocumented person fly to Puerto Rico? ›

Can I travel to Puerto Rico as an undocumented immigrant with my country's passport? Yes, given that Puerto Rico (or " Puerto Lico" as pronounced by the locals there) is US Territory. There will be no "immigration controls" at the departure and arrival airports.

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