By Jared Paventi
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the
United States. Acquired by the United States after the Spanish-American War, the island is an independent territory. Travel to and from the island is unrestricted, the U.S. dollar is the official currency and the island's inhabitants are citizens of the United States. There are some requirements for travel to and from the island for all visitors.
American Visitors
U.S. citizens who travel to Puerto Rico do not need a passport or any other special documentation. Air or sea travel to the island is no different than going to any other American location. Photo identification must be presented when checking in at airline counters, or boarding or disembarking from a cruise ship.
Food Restrictions
The only restriction placed on American travelers is related to food. The Department of Agriculture will inspect travelers' luggage to prevent fruits and vegetables from being brought from Puerto Rico to the 50 states.
International visitors
Visitors from other countries must have the same documentation as a traveler heading to the U.S. mainland. International visitors must present a valid government-issued passport and customs declaration. U.S. restrictions on inbound travelers apply, so Cuban citizens cannot visit Puerto Rico.
About the Author:
Jared Paventi is the communications director for a disease-related nonprofit in the Northeast. He holds a master's degree from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication and a bachelor's degree from St. Bonaventure University. He also writes a food appreciation blog: Al Dente.
