When planning a trip to Puerto Rico, a common question arises: Is Flying To Puerto Rico A Domestic Flight? The answer is yes, for immigration purposes, Puerto Rico is considered part of the United States. This means that traveling to Puerto Rico from the US mainland is treated as a domestic flight.
Puerto Rico, officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a US territory. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Puerto Rico, along with other territories like Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, is part of the United States for immigration law. This simplifies travel for US residents and certain non-residents.
For green card holders and US citizens, you do not go through immigration when traveling between the US mainland and Puerto Rico. However, it is still advisable to carry identification. While a passport is not mandatory for US citizens on domestic routes, having one, along with your green card if applicable, is a smart practice. In case of flight diversions to non-US territories due to emergencies, these documents will be essential.
Keep in mind that while considered domestic for immigration, Puerto Rico may have its own customs and agricultural regulations that differ from the mainland US. These differences do not change the domestic flight status from an immigration standpoint.
In conclusion, flying to Puerto Rico is indeed a domestic flight in terms of immigration. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful US territory!
