Puerto Rico as seen from Space - This photo was taken from the International Space Station (Image Source: NASA)
Puerto Rico, as a U.S. territory, is governed by the United States Federal Government. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is considered domestic travel from the United States, as long as you don’t touch down in a foreign place or port before arriving in Puerto Rico.
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents don’t need a passport to visit
Puerto Ricans, as U.S. citizens, don’t need a passport to go to the rest of the United States
When traveling to Puerto Rico, you only need a government-issued ID or Permanent Resident card
In other words, mainland U.S. travelers and Puerto Ricans are all United States citizens. You only need a valid ID, such as a driver’s license, to confirm citizenship for travel to and from Puerto Rico and to the 50 U.S. states or American territory.
Emajagua, Maunabo, Puerto Rico (USA)
U.S. Customs & Puerto Rico
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, states on their website:
“U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR's) who travel directly between parts of the United States, which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), without touching at a foreign port or place, are not required to present a valid U.S. Passport or U.S. Green Card."
“However, it is recommended that travelers bring a government issued photo ID and copy of birth certificate.”
U.S. Territories & domestic travel
A map of United States of America and territories. The 50 states are colored in blue, inhabited territories are colored green, and uninhabited territories are colored orange (Image Source).
The United States of America controls 14 U.S. territories, 5 of which are inhabited and can be visited without a passport.
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
American Samoa (including Swains Island)
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Domestic travel, as an American citizen, consists of travel to any destination within the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and all the U.S. territories, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Paseo del Morro - Puuerto Rico
Jesse is the Director of Pedal Chile and lives in La Patagonia and Puerto Rico. Jesse has a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Hobbies: Mountain biking, bicycle commuting, reading, snowboarding, researching, and sampling yummy craft beers.
References & Sources
“CBP Customer Service.” Help.cbp.gov, 27 Sept. 2019, help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-980?language=en_US.
Continenza, Dara. “Five Exotic Places You Can Go without a U.S. Passport.” USA TODAY, 20 June 2013.
“Domestic Travel - OBFS.” Www.obfs.uillinois.edu, 10 Feb. 2020, www.obfs.uillinois.edu/bfpp/section-15-travel/domestic-travel.
“Identification – Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.” Aeropuertosju.com, aeropuertosju.com/en/passengers/identification/.
nationsonline.org. “Puerto Rico - Island Profile - Nations Online Project.” Www.nationsonline.org, www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/puerto_rico.htm.
“Where Can U.S. Citizens Travel without a Passport?” U.S. Passport Service Guide, www.us-passport-service-guide.com/where-can-you-travel-without-a-passport.html.