Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Film Commission (PRFC)

Visas & Work Permits

Puerto Rico follows the US visa policy.

Visitors travelling on most Western passports can enter the US for stays of up to 90 days, via the Visa Waiver Program. A valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required prior to travel. Canadians can enter visa-free.

Working media must enter under a Media Visa.

Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry who may be able to assist.

Film Location Permits

The government agencies in Puerto Rico are very film friendly.

Citywide public location permits are possible for guerrilla-style exterior shoots. Allow at least two weeks for permitting. Proof of insurance is required. Allow longer lead time for more complicated shoots.

Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Puerto Rico is an ATA carnet country.

When to Film

Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with warm, sunny days throughout the year.

The dry season runs from November to April and is the best time to film. The hot, rainy season runs from May to October, with storms and the possibility of hurricanes.

Puerto Rico is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed.

Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is one of the more established and expensive film centres in the Caribbean.

The standard VAT rate in Puerto Rico at the time of writing is set at 11.5%.

Funding

Ibermedia

Puerto Rico Film Commission

Incentives

Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map: Information for Puerto Rico.

At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up to date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.