Air Travel-Luis Munoz Marin International Airport
As a major airline hub for the Caribbean, San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is served by most U.S. airlines and many international airlines. There are 500 flights a week from the U.S. with direct flights from most major U.S. cities. There is also excellent direct and connecting service from Europe and Latin America.
Transportation on the Island
- The Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is 19 miles (40-50 minute drive) from the Westin Rio Mar Resort, INFORMS headquarters hotel, and 30 miles (just over one hour) from the El Conquistador, the second INFORMS hotel. Both hotels offer shuttle service to and from the airport (Westin - $60 roundtrip; El Conquistador - $66 roundtrip).
- For information on transportation options between the airport and the two
hotels, click here.
- If you plan to tour the island on your own and/or if you don’t want to be limited to hotel services, you may want to rent a car. The major U.S. car rental companies provide service, with desks at the San Juan International Airport.
- Taxis -- In the San Juan metropolitan area, there are regular taxis that charge metered rates. In addition, Tourist Taxis (painted white with the official logo on their front doors) offer fixed rates in the major tourist areas.
- Ferries – ferries are a fun and scenic way to travel. The small islands of Vieques and Culebra can be reached by ferry from the city of Fajardo (rates are just over $2 for the 90-minute ride).
U.S. Commonwealth
Puerto Rico is a U.S. Commonwealth/Territory. U.S. currency is used; both English and Spanish are official languages; and regular U.S. mail, package and phone services are available. U.S. citizens do not need a passport or visa for travel to Puerto Rico.
Passport and Visa Requirements
U.S. Citizens
No passport or visa is required for U.S. citizens. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and a part of the United States.
Citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda-NEW Regulations
As of January 23, 2007, citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda will be required to present a passport to enter the United States (Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory) when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere. For further information, go to: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
Citizens of Other Countries
The INFORMS Puerto Rico Meeting has been posted on the U.S. Department of State’s Intranet Listing for conferences in the United States. Puerto Rico is a U.S. Commonwealth/territory; the same requirements apply to entry to Puerto Rico as for all parts of the United States. These web sites provide helpful information on passport and visa requirements:
All About Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is justly famous for its hundreds of white sand beaches, exciting nightlife and fabulous international dining. But this topical island is also home to the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. Forest System, featuring 28,000 acres of exuberant flora and fauna. It boasts two of the world’s eight bioluminescent bays, whose waters are full of glowing micro-organisms at night. And it has within its capital city a historic jewel – the beautifully preserved Old San Juan, with blue cobblestone streets enclosed by a massive wall built when the city was a Spanish military stronghold. Puerto Rico is, in fact, a paradox: historic yet modern, exotic yet familiar, exciting yet relaxing.
More Puerto Rico Information:
For video highlights of Puerto Rico culture, history, beaches, sports, nature, adventure, entertainment and nightlife, click here. |
