Puerto Rico Visa Requirements

What documents will be required?
Enforced compliance of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirement for VWP travelers is in place. Therefore, VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.

A valid ESTA approval is required for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a free, automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers fill out en route to the United States. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the United States. DHS recommends that travelers submit an ESTA application as soon as they begin making travel plans.

2 completed application forms
A passport valid for travel to Puerto Rico, with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay
1 photograph (1in x 1.5in)
Evidence of sufficient funds

Postal or drop-box applications:
(a) Completed visa application form DS-156.
(b) Passport (valid through 6 months after entry).
(c) 1 passport-size colour photo (5×5 cm, head size 2,5 – 3,5 cm, front view, light background, max. 6 months old).
(d) Copy of Embassy’s red paying-in slip.
(e) Supporting documents: DS-158 (male between 16 and 45 also need a DS-157).
(f) Stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Applications through travel agent:
In addition to mentioned above applicants should contact the travel agent for details on paying the visa fee.

Further documentation may be required to substantiate details such as the purpose of visit plus proof of intention to return to country of residence.

Note:
(a) For nationals of countries under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry (except for nationals of Andorra, Brunei, San Marino and Slovenia, who must hold passports valid for 6 months from date of departure).
(b) For all other nationals, passports must be valid for 6 months from date of entry.

Interns: When doing an internship in Puerto Rico, a J1 visa is required. For the application you need the DS-2016 form (former IAP66). Usually the company or the organization arranges that. Male applicants aged 16-45 need to fill in the DS-157 form additionally. All persons who apply for F, J and M Visa have to fill in DS-158 (Information on contact persons and the business background) additional.

Time required to issue a visa:
3-4 weeks, average.

Find more information directly at:

Puerto Rico Embassy

Source & Copyright: The source of the above visa and immigration information and copyright owner’s is the:
– Gobierno de Puerto Rico – URL: www2.pr.gov
– The U.S. Department of State – URL: www.travel.state.gov
– Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration – URL: www.prfaa.com

Country : Puerto Rico