Beginning January, passports are needed when returning to the US from many countries. Is Puerto Rico one?

Answer 1

Puerto Rico isn't a country. It's a territory of the US. So technically, you aren't leaving the country (unless you're going by way of another place).

Answer 2

Right, Puerto Rico is a US Territory. So, if you go to the Bahamas and return to Puerto Rico, you will need a passport. If you go the US mainland you will not need one.

Answer 3

I live in Puerto Rico and in order to travel to the U.S. i need a passport. So i think you do need a passport. make all the arrangements, the last thing you need is a mistake or a mishap on your vacation.

Answer 4

Puerto Rico is a US Territory. If you go to outside the US mainland you will need one.

Answer 5

nicely i'm an american citizen, yet my husband isn't. We went to Puerto Rico and as quickly as we've been coming back, between the safety guards observed that my husband's identity substitute into non everlasting (it substitute into no longer expired) and asked for my husband's passport. I asked why, when you consider that they are saying you do no longer choose for passport and he pronounced that we could continually have it anyhow because of the fact his identity substitute into non everlasting. nicely he enable us to pass, yet what if he had to grant us difficulty? The week after considered one of his acquaintances went to PR and had no venture in any respect, so it relies upon who do you discover once you're there. i could take my passport.

Answer 6

Puerto Rico is one of our territories. They are US citizens.

Answer 7

puerto rico is a US territory so it is not required from there only. however, it would be a very good idea to get one if you do travelling in the carribbean - a lot less hassle. see below:

New Requirements for Travelers


Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
Travel Documents for U.S. Citizens Under WHTI

Under the proposed implementation plan, the following documents will be acceptable to fulfill document requirements:

U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, and may also use a U.S. passport when traveling via sea and land borders (including ferry crossings).
The Passport Card (also referred to as the PASS Card): This limited-use passport in card format is currently under development and will be available for use for travel only via land or sea (including ferries) between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Similar in size to a credit card, it will fit easily into a wallet.
DOS and DHS also anticipate that the following documents will continue to be acceptable for their current travel uses under WHTI: SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, and the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. As proposed, members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty traveling on orders will continue to be exempt from the passport requirement.
Background

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other document, or a combination of documents, that denote identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Congress amended portions of the Act in 2006. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the Administration’s proposed plan to implement this mandate.

The goal of the Initiative is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized, secure and reliable documentation which will allow the Department of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably and accurately identify a traveler.

11/22/2006 Media Note - Passports Required for Air Travel to United States as of January 23, 2007

10/17/2006 Media Note - Department of State to Introduce Passport Card

Fact Sheet - Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Travel Initiative Requirements (FAQs)

Final Rule - Air Phase ( PDF)

Other Relevant Links

Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Answer 8

any country outside the Continental united states