Fort Buchanan

The mission of Fort Buchanan is to provide Caribbean-wide support to the Department of Defense, support SOCSOUTH restationing, serve as a Power Support, Power Projection Platform by planning, preparing and executing mobilization, receive and integrate U.S. Army South, provide Base Operations support, and develop and execute contingency plans.

• Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs) shipped to Puerto Rico must comply with U.S. specifications. All active duty and civilians on transportation orders are authorized tax exemption on one privately owned vehicle. Additional vehicles are subject to local government import taxes which must be paid prior to release to the owner.
• Pet Information: A recent law passed in Puerto Rico in 2018 that now allows the possession of pit bulls, American Staffordshire terriers and all crosses. There are no licensing requirements for domestic pets living on-post at Fort Buchanan; however, all domestic pets are required to have a permanently implanted Home Again Microchip. For exotic pets (snakes, spiders or other unusual animals) an import license and a Fort Buchanan license is required. Vaccinations must be up-to date (within 6 months of arrival).
• Important Documents: It is essential to hand carry the following documents: Birth, Marriage, Divorce Certificates, Medical/Dental/Shot Records, Education Transcripts/School Records, Travel Orders, POV/Household Goods Shipping Documents, Previous Year Tax Return, Wills/Real Estate Deeds/Titles, Checking/Savings Account Documents, Checkbooks, Spouse Employment Records/Resumes, etc.
• Driver's License: If in possession of a valid license from a state that has reciprocity relations with Puerto Rico, non-resident military personnel, their spouses, and children are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Puerto Rico driver's license. If one has a license from these states, is a Resident of Puerto Rico or has an expired U.S. license, a Puerto Rico license must be obtained within 120 days of arrival. Licenses from other countries are not recognized in Puerto Rico. DOD civilians are not exempt and must obtain a Puerto Rico driver's license. For more information contact: 787-707-3469
• Cost Of Living: Surpassed only by New York City, NY and Key West, FL, San Juan, PR has the third highest cost of living in the U.S. or its commonwealths.
• Forward Mail: Until you establish an official mailing address and/or post office, personnel moving to Fort Buchanan are able to utilize the Fort Buchanan Mail & Distribution Center as their temporary forwarding address for up to six months. Personnel on TDY orders or assigned to Fort Buchanan for training may also use the Mail & Distribution Center during their stay. The address to use is Bldg 611 S. Terminal Rd, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico 00934. For more information, call 787-707-4500 or DSN: 740-4500.

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 719-567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.

Borinqueneer's Gate: (Main Gate on PR28)- Service members who arrive at the Luis Muniz Marin International Airport in Carolina will need to take a taxi or Uber to Fort Buchanan, PR. ALL valid installation access credentials, VHIC and MWR cardholders, as well as Retirees and their dependents are permitted on base. Disable Veterans may bring one (1) authorized person to assist them to shop at either the Commissary or the Exchange. Appropriated paperwork and clearance will be vetted at the Visitor Control Center (VCC).

SPC Vega Gate is open Monday to Saturday from 6:00am to 6:00pm and is closed Sundays and Federal holidays. Access to this gate is open to all authorized personnel with valid installation access credentials.

Visitors may go to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) at the Borinqueneer's Gate to receive a background check and access to the post. Currently, the Visitor Control Center (VCC) hours are 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. If you have any questions concerning access to Fort Buchanan, please contact the VCC at (787) 707-3995. Access to the VCC is limited to five (5) patrons at a time inside the facility.