Puerto Rico visa (or visa waiver) requirements for EU citizens
For a short-term holiday visit to Puerto Rico, is a visa, or visa waiver, required for EU citizens? (Finnish citizens, if it makes a difference.)
I'd guess it's one of these (given PR's special status as a US territory but not a state):
Like US "proper", where you'd need the visa waiver / ESTA sorted beforehand (pay $14, answer interesting questions about your 1930-40s Nazi connections, etc).
Like most Latin American countries, where generally a visa is not required for Europeans (or you can easily get a tourist card upon arrival).
Best Answer
Puerto Rico is officially an unincorporated territory of the United States. For all due purpose, that mean that it's a part of the US at the federal government level, in much the same way that any other US state is.
As a result, all immigration/visa/etc rules are exactly the same as if you were entering any other US state. All immigration is handled by the US Customs and Immigration services (USCIS) just as at any other US airport, and the requirements to enter PR are the same as any other US state.
If you arrive in PR from an international (ie, non-US) location then your arrival will be treated like any other international arrival into the US - you will require either a US visa, or if you are able to enter under the Visa Waiver Program then you will need an approved ESTA.
If you enter from a "domestic" (ie, US) location then just like any other domestic airport in the US there is no immigration formalities.
In my experience, the only difference between Puero Rico and any other US airport is that the TSA appear to carry out more frequent checks of ID when you are actually boarding the plane - they do this occasionally at all US airports, but I've had them do this on every flight I've had out of PR.
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Do you need a visa for Puerto Rico from Europe?
Do I need a visa to travel to Puerto Rico? Yes, most nationalities must apply for a visa before entry into the country. You must apply for a specific visa or electronic travel authorisation (ESTA), to travel for tourism to the island.Do I need a valid visa to visit Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and thus, a visa is not required for citizens of United States. We suggest a passport valid for 6 months past then entry date. We can assist with any US passport expediting services that may be needed.Can I travel to Puerto Rico with a Schengen visa?
No, Schengen visas are not valid for traveling to Puerto Rico.Can non U.S. citizens go to Puerto Rico?
Non-US Citizens and travelers from a foreign country have the same passport documentation requirements when visiting Puerto Rico and the American Virgin Islands as when visiting the United States mainland.☝️VISA WAIVER PROGRAM (ESTA): SE PUEDE AJUSTAR EL ESTATUS A TRAVÉS DEL VWP? QUÉ VENTAJAS HAY? 👈
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