Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
A foreign national or alien entering the US is generally required to present a passport and valid visa issued by a US Consular Official, unless they are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or are a lawful permanent resident of the US or a citizen of Canada. The VWP allows foreign nationals from certain countries to be admitted to the US under limited conditions and for a limited time without obtaining a visa. The foreign national must arrive on an approved carrier (if coming by air or sea), stay no more than 90 days (for pleasure, medical purposes, and/or business), and be able to prove they are not inadmissible. The foreign national is still required to have a passport. To obtain a list of VWP-eligible countries and VWP passport requirements, please visit https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program. Note: all travelers transiting the US are subject to US customs and/or immigration laws.
US Embassy/Consulate
N/A
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
787, 939
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
Currency (Code)
US $ (USD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Spanish, English
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested for non-US citizens.
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
El Yunque National Rainforest; Old San Juan & El Morro Castle; Cabo Roho Lighthouse; Coamo Thermal Hot Springs; Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay; Fort San Cristobal
Major Sports
Baseball, boxing, basketball, volleyball
Cultural Practices
A handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile is standard.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 15-20% of the total bill for restaurant staff is appropriate.
Souvenirs
Vejigante festival masks, cigars, coffee, rum, woven straw items, carved santos figures, stringed instruments, mundillo lace
Traditional Cuisine
Arroz con gandules — a one-pot dish consisting of yellow rice, pigeon peas, and sofrito (a sauce made with green peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic, red pepper, cilantro, and coriander); may also be garnished with pork, bacon, chorizo, or olives
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 12, 2023
