By Jessica Morelock
The tropical island of Puerto Rico, which is located in the
Caribbean Sea, is the smallest, easternmost island of the Greater Antilles. Because Puerto Rico is a territory of the
United States of America, its visa requirements are the same as those of United States. United States citizens and green card holders do not need a visa. However, requirements for visitors from other countries vary greatly. It is also important to note that all foreign visitors to Puerto Rico must have a passport that is valid at the time of application.
Citizens of Mexico
To enter the United States or its territories, citizens of Mexico must apply for a Border Crossing Card. To receive a Border Crossing Card a Mexican must give the specific reason and limited time period of their stay. Additionally, they must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in Puerto Rico and they also have to prove a residence and ties in their home country, so it is believed that they will return.
Citizens of Canada and Bermuda
Citizens of Canada may visit Puerto Rico without a visa except in a few situations. If you are Canadian and traveling to Puerto Rico and you are a government or NATO official, a treaty investor or trader, engaged to a U.S. citizen, the spouse of a U.S. citizen or the child of the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must obtain a non-immigrant visa.
Citizens of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands
Micronesia and the Marshall Islands are former territories of the United States whose relations with the U.S. are now governed by the Compact of Free Association Act. Citizens from Micronesia and the Marshall Islands are able to enter Puerto Rico without obtaining a visa.
Countries in the Visa Waver Program
Countries that have been admitted in the Visa Waver Program (VWP) have met special requirements involving security and the sharing of information. Citizens from these countries do not need to obtain a visa as long as they have been approved through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization in their home country. The following countries are part of the VWP: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
All Other Countries
Nationals from all countries that have not been mentioned must obtain a visa to enter Puerto Rico. Your purpose for visiting Puerto Rico will determine what type of visa that you need. You may apply for a tourist visa, a student visa, a temporary worker visa or an immigrant visa.
About the Author:
Jessica Morelock began her professional writing career in 2007, after a three-year stint as a producer and co-host on Sirius Satellite Radio. She has also worked for the airline industry and as a travel agent. She completed a bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
