The Government of Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. As a result of this political relationship, the entrance and exit to the territorial limits of Puerto Rico is under the control of the Federal Government.
The Department of State of Puerto Rico has the function of guiding foreigners interested in visiting the island and liaise with federal authorities, in order to clarify and streamline procedures for obtaining a visa.
People who visit Puerto Rico have the same restrictions and immigration privileges as if they were visiting any other destination in the US. For immigration purposes, traveling from anywhere in the US to Puerto Rico does not constitute exiting the US, provided the flight goes directly from one state to Puerto Rico. Similarly, when travelers arrive to the US from Puerto Rico, they do not have to go through immigration processes, provided that the flight is direct from Puerto Rico to a state. However, for identification purposes, the traveler should carry some form of identification, such as the driver’s license, a card issued by a state or federal agency, or an original birth certificate.
Foreigners visiting Puerto Rico are also subject to the same rules and laws of US immigration so they must ensure compliance with the requirements of immigration and visa.
The Immigrant Counseling and Services Office in Puerto Rico was created through Law No. 254 of October 28, 2000.
Sensitive and diligently attend to the affairs of immigrants residing in Puerto Rico, so that through their own efforts, they can develop alternatives for solving their personal problems and needs.
To help improve the quality of life of immigrants in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and therefore the people of Puerto Rico, hence enhancing the positive aspects of the melting pot that results from this population and that in turn enriches the Puerto Rican society.