Apply for Puerto Rico Visa

Select Your Country

Regular Visa

Yes, a visa is required for your trip to Puerto Rico.

Citizens of United States of America must obtain a visa in advance. You have to apply for visa through a Puerto Rico diplomatic mission or one of its authorized visa agents outside Puerto Rico. You will need to visit the Embassy in your country to process this visa. Need help in getting prepare the required documentation contact us.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a US territory, and the US Visa Policy applies to Puerto Rico's visa policy as well. Therefore, to travel to Puerto Rico, you can apply for a US visa as there is no separate visa for Puerto Rico.


Eligible nationals for the US Visa Waiver Program do not need a visa to travel to Puerto Rico or the USA, but they must obtain Electronic Authorization (ESTA) if they are arriving by air or sea. The ESTA is not a visa, but it is mandatory for entering the USA by air or sea.


US citizens traveling to Puerto Rico do not need a passport. A government-issued photo ID is sufficient for entry into Puerto Rico. The ESTA fee is 4 USD, and if your application is approved, then you will be charged an additional 10 USD. For more detailed information, check the US Visa Policy.

What is the Puerto Rico Visa?

The Puerto Rico Visa is a multiple-entry travel document that combines the tourist (B2 category) and business (B1 category) visa. It allows entry to Puerto Rico for business meetings, events, tourism, medical treatment, and more.

The business visa (B1 category) is for those who want to conduct business in the country, participate in conferences or events, etc.

The tourist visa (B2 category) is for those traveling for tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment.

ESTA Application for Puerto Rico:

Citizens of about 40 countries must have an approved ESTA to visit Puerto Rico for short stays. ESTA is a travel authorization system for nationalities included in the US visa waiver program.

Once approved, ESTA for Puerto Rico allows a 90-day stay within every 180-day period, and it is valid for 2 years from the issue date.

To register for an ESTA, applicants need to complete an electronic form with personal and passport information, basic travel plans, answer health and security questions, upload supporting documents, and pay a small processing fee.

ESTA is usually processed within a few business days and is linked to the traveler's passport electronically. Check the list of eligible nationalities for an ESTA for Puerto Rico.

Types of Visa for Puerto Rico and Information:

There is no separate visa for Puerto Rico as it is a US territory. Therefore, the US visa policy applies to Puerto Rico. However, there are different types of US visas that can be used to enter Puerto Rico, such as:

  • B1 Visa: This is a business visa for individuals traveling to Puerto Rico for business purposes, including attending meetings, conferences, and negotiating contracts.
  • B2 Visa: This is a tourist visa for individuals traveling to Puerto Rico for tourism or medical purposes.
  • F Visa: This is a student visa for individuals who plan to study in Puerto Rico.
  • J Visa: This is an exchange visitor visa for individuals participating in exchange programs in Puerto Rico.

The visa application process for Puerto Rico is the same as for the US. Applicants need to fill out the online application form, pay the application fee, and attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in their home country.

Applicants must also provide supporting documents, such as a valid passport, proof of financial support, and a travel itinerary. The visa processing time varies depending on the type of visa and the embassy or consulate processing the application.

Requirements for Obtaining a Visa for Puerto Rico:

To apply for the visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A recent photo of yourself that meets the visa application requirements.
  • A scanned copy of your valid passport, including the biographical information page and any pages containing visas or entry/exit stamps.
  • If you are applying for a renewal, a picture of your last Puerto Rico visa.

It's important to ensure that all documents are clear and legible. Any incomplete or missing information may delay the processing of your application or result in a denial of your visa.

How to Apply for a Visa for Puerto Rico:

To apply for a visa to Puerto Rico, you can follow these general steps:

  • Determine the type of visa you need: The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of travel to Puerto Rico. You can find information about the different types of visas on the website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of State.
  • Complete the visa application: Once you determine the type of visa you need, you can complete the visa application online on the U.S. Department of State's website or through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate website. Make sure you provide all the necessary information and submit the application before the deadline.
  • Pay the visa fee: The visa fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. You can pay the fee online through the payment portal provided by the U.S. Department of State or through the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Schedule an interview: In most cases, you will need to schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can schedule the interview online or by contacting the embassy or consulate directly.
  • Attend the interview: On the day of your interview, you will need to bring all the required documents, including your passport and the visa application confirmation page. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your purpose of travel, your ties to your home country, and other relevant information.
  • Wait for the visa processing: After the interview, you will have to wait for the visa processing, which may take a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of visa and other factors.

It's important to note that the visa application process may vary depending on your country of residence and the type of visa you are applying for. Make sure you check the specific requirements and procedures before you apply.

Validity of Puerto Rico Visa:

The validity of a Puerto Rico visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of travel. In general, most visas for Puerto Rico are valid for multiple entries and for a period of up to 10 years. 

However, the length of validity and number of entries allowed can also depend on factors such as the visa category, the duration of stay, and the traveler's nationality.

Urgent Application for Puerto Rico Visa:

Travelers who require an urgent visa for Puerto Rico can request expedited processing for an additional fee. The processing time may be reduced to as little as 2-3 business days.

Visa Policy for Puerto Rico:

The Puerto Rico visa policy is based on the US visa policy. There are currently 40 nationalities that can enter Puerto Rico without a visa, including Canadian citizens. Other visa-exempt nationalities need to obtain an approved US ESTA visa waiver to travel to Puerto Rico, which allows a 90-day stay for tourism, transit, or business purposes and is valid for two years. 

For longer stays or other purposes, a Puerto Rican embassy visa is required for visa waiver citizens. Over 190 nationalities need to apply for a visa from an embassy regardless of the intended duration of stay or travel purpose. There is a Puerto Rican visa ban in place for approximately 5 nationalities worldwide.

Tourist Visa Policy for Puerto Rico:

Tourists from over 230 countries worldwide require a Puerto Rican tourist visa or travel authorization, regardless of the intended length of stay. Those from a US visa waiver country must obtain an approved ESTA for Puerto Rico for tourism, which can be applied for online and takes a few minutes. 

Other nationalities need to apply for a tourist visa for Puerto Rico at the nearest US consulate or embassy, which can take several weeks to process. It is important to start the visa application process well in advance of travel.

Puerto Rico Visa Policy Map

 
Puerto Rico

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
puerto rico visa policy map.

Visa Exempt Countries List

Citizens from up to 10 countries and territories, mainly neighboring jurisdictions, do not need a visa or travel authorization to visit Puerto Rico, including Canadians who can also work there under NAFTA. Bermuda citizens can stay for up to 180 days without a visa. 

Some citizens from neighboring countries such as the Bahamas and British Overseas Territories citizens of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands can also enter Puerto Rico visa-free under certain conditions by presenting a valid passport at border checkpoints. Additional documents may be required in some circumstances.

Regular visasAll Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for Puerto Rico

Approximately 190 nationalities require a visa from an embassy or consulate to visit Puerto Rico, regardless of the duration or purpose of travel. To obtain an embassy visa, applicants need to make an appointment, complete a consular visa application, bring supporting documents, pay a visa fee, and attend an in-person interview. It may take several weeks for the visa to be approved. The allowed stay and visa validity depend on the selected purpose of the visit.

Cost of Puerto Rico Visa:

The fee for a Puerto Rico visa can vary depending on the type of visa, processing time, and the applicant's country. It is recommended to check the fee tool provided to get an accurate estimate of the visa fee before proceeding with the application process.

Explanation of Puerto Rico Visa Application Form:

The application process for a Puerto Rico visa is similar to that of applying for a visa to the United States. Applicants will need to fill out a DS-160 form, which is an online application form used to collect information about the applicant's background, intended stay, and purpose of the visit. 

The form will require the applicant to upload a passport-sized photo and may also require additional documentation, such as proof of financial support or a letter of invitation.

E-Visa or Sticker-Visa for Puerto Rico:

Visitors to Puerto Rico who require a visa can apply for either an e-visa or a sticker visa. An e-visa is an electronic visa that can be applied for online, while a sticker visa is a physical visa that is placed in the passport. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of the visit and the applicant's nationality.

Expired Puerto Rico Visa:

If a Puerto Rico visa has expired, the visitor will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the territory or the United States. It is important to apply for a new visa before the expiration of the old one to avoid any complications or delays in the application process.

Extending a Visa for Puerto Rico:

Visitors to Puerto Rico may be able to extend their visa if their original stay is longer than the validity of their visa. The extension process will require the applicant to fill out an I-539 form and may require additional documentation, such as proof of financial support or a letter of invitation.

Visa for Working in Puerto Rico:

Visitors to Puerto Rico who wish to work in the territory will need to obtain a work visa. The process for obtaining a work visa will depend on the type of work and the applicant's qualifications. It is important to note that some work visas may require sponsorship from an employer or a specific job offer.

What you can do with the Puerto Rico Visa

You can use the Puerto Rico Visa for various purposes such as tourism, shopping, buying goods or real estate, visiting friends or family, taking a short recreational course (not for credit), participating in fairs, participating in congresses as a listener or speaker (without charging fees), medical treatments, consultations with a doctor, signing of contracts, and attending business meetings.
 

What you CAN NOT do with the Puerto Rico Visa

Things that are not allowed with a Puerto Rico Visa:

  • Work
  • Temporary study
  • Permanent residency
  • Obtain a driver's license
  • Authorize a child to attend public school in the country

Requirements to renew your visa without an interview

If you are applying to renew your previous Puerto Rico visa, you may be eligible to do so without having to attend an interview or appointment if you meet certain requirements.

One of the requirements is that your previous US visa must not have expired more than 24, 36, or 48 months ago, depending on your nationality. Alternatively, if your previous visa is still valid, you may be able to apply for a renewal without an interview.

In addition, applicants who are under 13 years of age or over 80 years of age may also be eligible to apply for a visa renewal without attending an interview.

It's important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee that you will be able to renew your visa without an interview. The consular officer reviewing your application will ultimately make the decision on whether an interview is necessary or not. 

Is it always required to attend an interview to get the Puerto Rico Visa?

It depends on the type of visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances. In some cases, a personal interview may be required as part of the visa application process, while in other cases, it may not be necessary.

For example, if you are applying for a non-immigrant visa such as a tourist visa, you may not be required to attend an interview, but the consular officer may request one if they need more information about your application.

On the other hand, if you are applying for an immigrant visa such as a family-based visa, an interview is generally required as part of the process.

FAQs about puerto rico eVisa


 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies