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

About types of visas

No difficulties will arise for those who have already decorated their passport with a United States stamp. 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 joining this territory, and therefore no exceptions and no Puerto Rican visas are provided: there will be a single American entry permit.

Even if visiting the USA is not part of your plans, and you just want to bask in the rays of the warm tropical sun, you will still have to contact the American Consulate.

Stages of obtaining a visa

First, make sure that you do not have a US passport or a valid visa from that country. If you have one or the other, you can pack your suitcase and go on a trip. If such attributes are not found, then begin the process of filing a petition.

Determining the purpose of the visit

The main purpose of entering the islands of Puerto Rico is tourism. Therefore, you need to request exactly this category of stamp, which will allow you to stay 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 local beaches, and, if necessary, undergo treatment or examination in Puerto Rican clinics.

Payment of duty

This service involves 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 will be charged regardless of whether you receive a visa or not. The amount to be paid depends on the type of visa you intend to apply for.

In addition, the proven and high-quality service of our partners will help you find out whether you have a travel ban, which will provide you with information about the presence of debt on loans, fines, alimony, housing and communal services, etc., and will also assess the likelihood of a ban on flying abroad.

Please note that this payment receipt has a validity period of one year. If you do not schedule an interview within this period, the interview will become invalid and you will have to pay the specified amount again.

Today you will need to pay for a permit to enter Puerto Rico (price is 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 requires filling out an electronic application form. This must be done online on the website of the American representative office. For convenience, select the Russian language at the top of the page and fill out all the suggested points.

To begin, select the country in which you will file your application. You will need to attach a previously prepared photo in JPEG format to the completed questionnaire. After completing this procedure, print the file and save it on your computer confirming that you filled out the form.

Signing up for an interview and completing it

To set a date for your meeting with the Consul, you need to complete an electronic registration. For this you will need:


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

Customs regulations

Do not forget that Puerto Rico is a tropical island, and therefore they are especially careful about what you import and export from their borders.

It is important to know the following:

  • There are no restrictions on the transportation of currency. The amount over 10 thousand dollars must be indicated in the declaration;
  • if you bring any amount of gold with you, it must be declared;
  • You can freely take with you to 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 prohibited 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 products made from their leather (shoes and bags made of crocodile, python and etc.), lighters and matches, drugs, weapons, Cuban cigars.

    • You will also encounter problems when trying to cross the border with items purchased or produced in Afghanistan, Iran, Serbia, Montenegro, Iraq, Sudan, and Libya. If possible, leave all this at home so as not to ruin your holiday 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 the status of the debtor that is easiest to “forget” when getting ready for your next vacation abroad. The reason may be overdue loans, unpaid housing and communal services receipts, alimony or fines from the traffic police. Any of these debts may threaten to restrict travel abroad in 2017; we recommend finding out information about the presence of debt using the proven service nevylet.rf