Do You Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico? [2026 Guide]
Everything US travelers need to know about ID requirements, documents, and travel tips for Puerto Rico
Where
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico?
No, you do not need a passport to go to Puerto Rico if you are a US citizen flying directly from the mainland United States. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so your trip is treated as domestic travel.
You will not pass through customs or immigration, and you do not need a visa. All you need is a valid, TSA-approved photo ID—such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state ID, or US passport—to board your flight.
Document Requirements at a Glance
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport Book | No | Not required for US citizens on direct US–PR flights |
| US Passport Card | No | Not required, but accepted as valid ID |
| REAL ID | Yes* | Required for domestic flights after enforcement date |
| Driver's License | Yes* | Must be REAL ID-compliant after enforcement |
| Birth Certificate | No | Only needed for minors without photo ID (airline-based) |
| Visa | No | Not required for US citizens |
| Travel Authorization | No | No ESTA or eTA needed for US citizens |
*Adults 18+ must show a REAL ID-compliant license or another TSA-approved ID (like a passport) once REAL ID rules are fully enforced.
What ID Do You Need to Fly to Puerto Rico?
Because flights to Puerto Rico are domestic, the same TSA rules apply as for any other US flight.
Accepted IDs include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID
- US passport book or passport card (accepted but not required)
- US military ID (DoD CAC or Uniformed Services ID)
- US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
If your license is not REAL ID-compliant by the enforcement date, you can still fly to Puerto Rico by using a valid US passport or another TSA-approved ID.
Is Puerto Rico Considered International Travel?
No. Puerto Rico is a US territory, and travel between the mainland US and Puerto Rico is considered domestic.
That means:
- No customs forms or immigration checkpoints on direct US–Puerto Rico flights
- No visa required for US citizens
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
No. US citizens do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico in 2026 when flying directly from the mainland US. Puerto Rico is a US territory, and flights are treated as domestic. A REAL ID-compliant license or other TSA-approved ID is sufficient.
No. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so travel between the mainland US and Puerto Rico is considered domestic. You do not go through customs or immigration, and US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits.
After REAL ID enforcement, adults 18+ must show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, or another TSA-approved document such as a US passport, passport card, military ID, Green Card, or Global Entry card to fly to Puerto Rico.
Children under 18 do not need a passport for domestic flights to Puerto Rico. Airlines may ask for proof of age or identity, such as a birth certificate, school ID, or state ID. Check your airline’s specific policy before travel.
You can use a regular, non-REAL ID driver’s license only until REAL ID enforcement takes effect. After that, you must use a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable ID like a US passport to board your flight to Puerto Rico.
No. When flying directly between the mainland US and Puerto Rico, you do not go through customs or immigration because the trip is considered domestic travel for US citizens.
Puerto Rico uses the US Dollar (USD). There is no need to exchange currency if you are coming from the mainland US, and credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Yes. On Travorio, you can search and book flights to Puerto Rico and use pay-later options for hotels, including Sezzle and PayPal Pay Later, or pay with supported cryptocurrencies on eligible bookings.
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