No. For trips between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a passport. Traveling between these two places consider as domestic traveling. BUT, remember! If you plant to travel to Puerto Rico, bring a VALID government issued ID!
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico? (Short Answer & Who This Applies to)
- U.S. citizens & U.S. permanent residents: No passport is needed for direct flights berween U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico. Treat it like any other domestic flight.
- Non-U.S. citizens: Puerto Rico has the same entry rules as the U.S. mainland; therefore, providing a valid passport/visa or ESTA is something necessary for those visiting Puerto Rico.
Traveler | What to show at TSA | Passport needed? |
U.S. citizen | Real ID driver's license/state ID or U.S. passport | No (for direct U.S. to Puerto Rico flights) |
U.S. lawful permanent resident | Green Card + REAL ID (or passport) | No (for direct U.S. to Puerto Rico flights) |
Non-U.S. citizen living in the U.S. — e.g., Mexico, India, China, Philippines, Canada, U.K. | Foreign passport (or REAL ID if you have one) | Not for Puerto Rico specifically; you'll usually use your passport as ID |
Can You Visit Puerto Rico With Just a Driver's License? Or Do You Need a Passport? (REAL ID)
- From May 7th, 2025, adults with ages 18 and above must show REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another TSA accepted ID (like a U.S. passport) to board domestic flights). Before your flight, check your card for the REAL ID star or just use another acceptable ID.
- IF your license isn't REAL ID-compliant, a passport (book or card) will be an acceptable alternative for domestic flights.
"A New York State REAL ID license has a star on it. A New York State enhanced license has a flag. Both are REAL ID compliant." (Local Press Release TSA, 2025)
Source: Transportation Security Administration Official Website
Do kids need ID to fly to Puerto Rico?
The TSA doesn't require ID for travelers under 18 on domestic flights when flying under the guardianship of an adult. However, airlines may have additional rules for unaccompanied minors (check with your carrier).
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico if Your Trip Touches Another Country?
- Direct U.S. ⇌ Puerto Rico flights: No passport needed for U.S. citizens/Lawful permanent residents.
- Connecting via a foreign country (e.g., Bahamas, Panama, Dominican Republic, etc.): You will then need a passport which meets that country's transit and entry rules.
- If you are re-entering the U.S., a passport is required. If you'd prefer to leave your passport at home, book domestic flights instead.
NO.1
Do You Need a Passoport to Go to Puerto Rico on a Cruise?
For cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port, U.S. citizens may re-enter the U.S with government-issued photo ID + proof of American citizenship (e.g., birth certificate). However, ports you visit can still require you to show your passport. Therefore, cruise lines and the State Department recommend carrying a passport in case you'll need to fly home from a foreign airport.
friendly reminder: double check your passport expiry date before traveling
What Else Should U.S. Travelers bring for Puerto Rico?
- There aren't U.S. customs on arrival from the mainland, but outbound flights to the mainland go through a USDA agriculture screening. Items such as: fresh fruits/vegetables, plants, and pork products are restricted and prohibited. Remember to declare any items to avoid confiscation/fines.
- Usual domestic traveling essentials include:
- Boarding pass
- Payment method
- Health insurance card
- Other legal documents required by the airline for minors/unaccompanied travel
Traveling to Puerto Rico, other passport related FAQs
Can I use my regular driver's license?
Yes. As long as it is REAL ID-compliant (or use a passport/other TSA accepted ID).Do green card holders need a passport for U.S. ⇌ Puerto Rico flights?
Not to fly domestically. Carry your Permanent Resident Card and a TSA-accepted ID for screening. (International connections follow normal rules.)Do I go through U.S. customs?
No customs for U.S. domestic Puerto Rico flights. But, you do need to go through the USDA agriculture screening before returning to the mainland.If I take the cruise, is a passport required?
For closed loop cruises, an ID + proof of citizenship for re-entry to the U.S., but a passport book is strongly recommended in case of situations where you must fly from a foreign airport. Always remember to check your itinerary's documentation rules.