FAQs about Puerto Rico

To travel to Puerto Rico, if you are a foreign national, you will probably need a visa. If your trip is for tourist purposes, you should apply for a Special Tourist Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) to visit the island. If you plan to stay or immigrate to Puerto Rico long-term, you will need to apply for the appropriate residency permit or immigrant visa. Before starting the visa application process, familiarize yourself with which visa you need to travel to Puerto Rico. On our website you will find all the comprehensive information about entry requirements and necessary documents, as well as other facts about the country, culture and useful travel tips.

The visa process can take from a few days to a few weeks depending on your nationality, the type of visa and the complexity of your situation.

Visas are not usually issued upon arrival in Puerto Rico. You should apply for a visa or electronic travel authorization in advance.

If your visa has been rejected, it is likely that additional documents or explanations will be required. You can also appeal the decision.

Yes, it is possible to extend your Puerto Rico tourist visa if you are already in Puerto Rico. The procedure involves filing paperwork with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 90 days before your current visa expires. You will need a completed Form I-539, proof of financial solvency, a valid passport, and a receipt for the state fee. It may take from 2 to 6 months to process your request, during which time you may remain in the country but not leave its territory. After approval, you will be issued a new visa for a maximum period of up to 6 months with the possibility of multiple extensions, allowing you to stay in the country as a tourist for up to 2.5-3 consecutive years.

ESTA authorization usually requires a passport with sufficient validity and a card to pay the authorization fees. If you need to apply for a regular visa, please check the rules and required documents on our website.

No, a tourist visa is not intended for work. If you plan to work, you will need to apply for the appropriate work visa or work permit.

This depends on your visa type and the rules of other countries. Check the requirements of each country you intend to visit.

No, you cannot apply for a U.S. visa online in Puerto Rico. The application process is the same as for entry into the continental U.S. and requires a visit to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.

There are several types of visas in Puerto Rico, including business, student, work, and investment visas. Each of them is designed for different purposes of stay in the country. You can learn more about each type of visa, its requirements and the procedure for obtaining it on our website. We provide all the information you need to successfully obtain a visa to Puerto Rico, and we are ready to answer all your questions and assist you in the application process.

No. Once your visa expires, you must leave the country or update your residency status.

No, a tourist visa is not for studying. You will need a student visa for this purpose.

Depending on your place of stay and the conditions of your visa type, health insurance may be required for your Puerto Rico visa. Some visa categories may require it absolutely. In addition, for your convenience, you can purchase health insurance directly from our website. This will help ensure you are protected and provide additional peace of mind during your trip to Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico's medical infrastructure is of a high standard, with well-equipped clinics and pharmacies with a wide range of medicines. But for traveling, it is always advisable to take medications for colds, motion sickness, stomach upset and insect repellent, as well as to take out medical insurance before traveling.

Puerto Rico is generally considered a safe place for tourists, but caution is advised, especially in major cities and on dark streets at night.

Spanish is spoken in Puerto Rico, but English is also widely used, especially in tourist areas.

You can bring in cash amounts not exceeding USD 10,000 without the need for declaration.

Dishes such as mofongo, asopao, honey snack and tembleque (yeast pudding) are worth trying in Puerto Rico. Also worth trying are dishes such as arus (meat or fish soup with vegetables), alcapurrias (stuffed bananas or plantains), and asopao (a traditional Spanish dish similar to paella), lechon asado (charcoal-grilled pork knuckle) and empanadas (patties filled with beef, chicken, or cheese), aroz con gandules (rice with peas and meat), and alcapurrias (stuffed bananas or plantains).

The main religion in Puerto Rico is Christianity, predominantly Catholicism.

In Puerto Rico, it is important to take cultural traditions into account when choosing what to wear. When attending religious sites and official events, you should avoid overly revealing or provocative attire, favoring a conservative style. Otherwise, looser beach or casual clothing is acceptable. The main thing is to respect the local culture and feel comfortable.

Some of the best places for beach vacations in Puerto Rico include Flamenco Beach, Condado Beach, and Luquilla Beach.

To get around Puerto Rico, you can use car rentals, public transportation, cabs, or participate in walking tours.