Obtaining a visa to Puerto Rico for Russians

There is a place in the Caribbean that claims to be the 51st US state. Everything is remarkable here, from the warm tropical climate to the endless coral reefs. Formally, this country lives under the laws of the United States, although it is not part of them. Nevertheless, in Puerto Rico, a visa for Russians in 2017 will have to be issued precisely American.

About types of visas

Those who have already adorned their passport with the stamp of the United States will not have any difficulties. The types of visas for this country are the same as for America itself. This is due to the fact that the latter is still considering the entry of this territory into its composition, and therefore no exceptions and no Puerto Rican visas are provided: there will be a single American entry permit.

Even if visiting the United States is not included in your plans, and you just want to soak up the rays of the warm tropical sun, you still have to contact the American Consulate.

Stages of obtaining a visa

First, make sure you don't have a US passport or a valid US visa. If you have one or the other, you can pack your suitcase and go on a trip. If there are no such attributes, then start the process of filing a petition.

Determine the purpose of the visit

The main purpose of entering the islands of Puerto Rico is tourism. Therefore, you need to request this particular category of stamp, which will allow you to be in the country as a vacationer.

Experienced travelers are advised to apply for a mixed type - B1 / B2.

It will allow you not only to hold business meetings with partners, but also to see the sights, enjoy the local beaches, if necessary, undergo treatment or examination in Puerto Rican clinics.

Payment of duty

This service involves the payment of a consular fee charged for the production of a stamp and consideration of your application. This amount is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person. It is charged regardless of whether you get a visa or not. The amount to be paid depends on the type of visa you intend to apply for.

In addition, to find out if you have a travel ban, a proven and high-quality service of our partners will help, which will provide you with information about the presence of debts on loans, fines, alimony, housing and communal services and other things, as well as assess the likelihood of a ban on flying abroad.

Please note that this payment receipt is valid for one year. If you do not sign up for an interview within this period, it will become invalid and you will have to pay the specified amount again.

Today, for issuing a permit to enter Puerto Rico, you will need to pay (the price is indicated in dollars):

  • tourist and business visa - 160;
  • transit - 160;
  • student - 160;
  • marriage - 265;
  • visa for athletes or cultural figures - 190.

Questionnaire

A visa to Puerto Rico for Russians involves filling out an electronic application form. This must be done by all means online on the website of the American representative office. For convenience, select the Russian language at the top of the page and fill in all the proposed items.

First, select the country in which you will apply. You will need to attach a pre-prepared photo in JPEG format to the completed questionnaire. After completing this procedure, print the file and save on your computer confirmation that you filled out the questionnaire.

Registration for an interview and its passage

In order for you to be assigned a meeting date with the Consul, you need to go through an electronic appointment. For this you will need:


At the appointed time, you need to pay a visit to the Consulate, having with you a printed meeting invitation and confirmation of the completed application form, a photo, a valid foreign identity card and old expired international passports.

Customs regulations

Do not forget that Puerto Rico is a tropical island, and therefore here they are especially closely monitored by what you import and export outside of them.

It is important to know the following:

  • There are no restrictions on the transport of currency. The amount over 10 thousand dollars must be indicated in the declaration;
  • if any amount of gold enters with you, it must be declared;
  • you can freely take with you in Puerto Rico: 200 cigarettes, up to 1 liter of strong alcohol, gifts totaling up to $ 100. All this can be imported, provided that you are already 21 years old;
  • it is strictly forbidden to import into the country: canned or fresh meat, absinthe, seeds and plants, fish and caviar, vegetables, dairy products, eggs, insects, soil samples, rare animals and their skin products (shoes and bags made of crocodile, python and etc.), lighters and matches, drugs, weapons, Cuban cigars.
  • You will also have to face problems when trying to cross the border with items and things bought or produced in Afghanistan, Iran, Serbia, Montenegro, Iraq, Sudan, Libya. If possible, leave all this at home so as not to overshadow your vacation at customs.

    Top 5 countries in South America for Russian citizens to travel without a visa in 2016: Video

    And, finally, the most interesting thing is the restriction of travel abroad for debtors. It is about the status of the debtor that it is easiest to “forget” when going on another vacation abroad. The reason may be overdue loans, unpaid utility bills, alimony or fines from the traffic police. Any of these debts may threaten to restrict travel abroad in 2017, we recommend that you find out information about the presence of debt using a proven service not to fly.rf