Is Puerto Rico within the US Virgin Islands? There are various misconceptions about Puerto Rico. Be taught extra about this attention-grabbing island right here, together with entry necessities and journey data.
Because the world slowly adjusts to a brand new regular and borders open up, many intrepid travellers are excited to throw on their sun shades and go to a brand new vacation spot. What higher method to escape months of stay-at-home orders than with a seaside getaway? Particularly to an island paradise like Puerto Rico?
Though Puerto Rico is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations within the Caribbean (it’s in fixed competitors with Cuba to safe the highest spot), it’s additionally typically misunderstood. In reality, many individuals confuse Puerto Rico with the US Virgin Islands. Or assume that it’s a part of the mainland.
Before you purchase that ticket and get your EVUS for Puerto Rico, it’s necessary to know somewhat extra in regards to the island’s historical past and placement to be a better-informed visitor.
Able to be taught extra about this dynamic island? Let’s test it out…
Photograph, Zixi Zhou.
The place is Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is likely one of the major islands within the Caribbean and an unincorporated territory of the USA.
The Caribbean islands are grouped into two classes: Better Antilles and Lesser Antilles. The Better Antilles are made up of six of the bigger islands, together with the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
Alternatively, the Lesser Antilles are composed of eight impartial nations and quite a few dependent and non-sovereign states. A number of the international locations right here embrace Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominicana, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Likewise, there are additionally a number of non-sovereign states. Corresponding to Aruba, the British Virgin Islands, St Barths, Martinique, and the US Virgin Islands.
Though many individuals assume that Puerto Rico is a part of the USA Virgin Islands, that’s not fairly true. Each are situated within the Caribbean, however the US Virgin Islands are about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply there aren’t any similarities between them.
Similarities between Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
Each Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands share the identical authorized standing. They’re each unincorporated territories of the USA. Because of this locals of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are thought-about to be US residents. Which suggests they’re free to journey to the ‘mainland’ with out the necessity to have a passport and produce other advantages similar to not requiring a world driving allow.
Different similarities embrace the proper to vote in Democratic and Republican Celebration presidential major elections (however not U.S. presidential elections) and no federal revenue tax.
There are nevertheless some key variations between Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, particularly on the subject of playing. The authorized playing age within the US Virgin Islands is 21, whereas Puerto Ricans can gamble at new on-line casinos discovered at CasinoTop3 when they’re 18.
Photograph, Sonder Quest.
Entry necessities for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
Since Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are each unincorporated territories of the USA, each of those entities observe the US visa coverage. Because of this any foreigner traveller will need to have a US visa or be a part of the Visa Waiver Program in the event that they want to journey to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
As a part of the brand new ESTA program, each visa-exempt traveller will need to have an authorized US ESTA (also called the Digital System for Journey Authorisation) visa waiver earlier than they will journey to the USA. The ESTA is definitely obtained by filling an internet type and takes about quarter-hour from begin to end.
Photograph, Stephanie Klepacki.
Easy methods to get to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
Because of their location off the southern coast of the USA, attending to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is a breeze. In reality, the space from Miami to both of those territories is somewhat over 1,104 miles.
The simplest method to journey to both territory is by airplane. Travellers can attain Puerto Rico by flying into Luis Muñoz Marín Worldwide Airport, the island’s major airport. Likewise, the most important airport within the US Virgin Islands is the Cyril E. King Airport, which flies to greater than 20 locations throughout six international locations. The common flight time to both airport is round two to 3 hours from Miami.
Apart from arriving by way of airplane, one other well-liked method to discover the Caribbean islands (together with Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) is by taking a cruise. There are numerous choices for various travellers. These embrace quick two- to three-day excursions, in addition to longer multi-week journeys. That is the right possibility for travellers who need to see somewhat little bit of every thing whereas nonetheless preserving an organised itinerary.
Photograph, Ethan Jameson.
What to see in Puerto Rico
Final however actually not least, Puerto Rico gives loads of unmissable points of interest for everybody who comes to go to.
One in every of Puerto Rico’s most fascinating pure wonders is the Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay in Vieques. The bay lights up in a vivid blue color from the hundreds of organisms that reside within the water. One of the best ways to see this attraction is by taking a ship or kayak tour at evening after they actually begin to shine.
Puerto Rico is plentiful in fauna and flora. In reality, the one tropical rainforest within the U.S. Nationwide Forest system is discovered right here. El Yunque Nationwide Forest is a must-visit for avid hikers and nature lovers, particularly because it’s residence to greater than 200 species of timber.
For one thing nearer to metropolis life, head over to San Juan, which is Puerto Rico’s capital and largest metropolis. Viejo san Juan, the oldest a part of town, gives vibrant streets and loads of historic buildings just like the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro and San Jose Church.