Visitor Guidelines

Location
Fort Buchanan is located in the metropolitan area of San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico. Known as the “Island of Enchantment”, Puerto Rico offers a variety of landscapes, from white sandy beaches to lush green mountains and tropical forests. All within a mixture of history and culture.  

Population
As the only federal military installation in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Fort Buchanan is a critical part of the community and an important asset of the Department of Defense mission. Fort Buchanan serves and supports a military community comprised of Active duty, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers, as well as Air Force, US Marine Corps Reserve and the Navy Operational Support Center. It also serves a civilian population of DoD civilians, veterans, retirees and family members. The installation also supports over 30 federal agencies located in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Size
Fort Buchanan covers approximately 746 acres. The island is approximately 100 miles by 35 miles and similar in size to Connecticut.

Visitor Information
Refer to the below Senior Mission Commander Guidance Installation Policy as of June 16, 2020 for access. The vehicle operator must possess and if requested, present the following: Valid federal ID, valid vehicle registration, proof of current vehicle insurance, valid driver's license. Click here for directions to Fort Buchanan.

The Fort Buchanan Visitor Control Center | 787-707-3995 or 787-707-3241
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is now operating in its new facilities at The Borinqueneers’ Gate Monday thru Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Visitor Passes are temporarily not being issued due to the emergency situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Please follow our Facebook and web sites for updated information.

For additional information on access to the installation click on Policy Memorandum No. 12, Installation Access Policy.