Q&A on enhanced security

Q Will enhanced security rules for those traveling internationally apply to travelers returning to the United States from its territories such as Puerto Rico?

A No. As part of the U.S., Puerto Rico is a domestic destination, and you don't even need to travel with a passport. The latest Transportation Security Administration directive, which became effective Jan. 4, requires “that every individual flying into the U.S. from anywhere in the world, traveling from or through nations that are state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest will be required to go through enhanced screening.” The new rules include the use of enhanced screening technologies and mandates “threat-based and random screening” of passengers on U.S.-bound international flights. Countries of interest include Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen. Designated state sponsors of terrorism include Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria.