Passports are required for most trips abroad, while many domestic locations don’t necessitate one. Adult travelers to Mexico and Canada don’t require passports if they possess either an approved Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) or state-validated enhanced driver’s license from their state.
United States of America
American citizens can travel to a variety of exotic destinations without needing a passport, providing affordable tropical vacations and exciting experiences at great value. Some destinations even make for great honeymoon spots with activities like hiking and surfing available as well as stunning beaches, volcanoes and flat lands that make walking possible.
These destinations offer an ideal way to discover America, as they’re easily accessible and safe for people of all ages. What’s even better? They don’t require passports or visas; you just need valid photo identification (driver’s license or state-issued ID will do just fine), DHS trusted traveler card (trust traveler card or permanent resident card).
Americans can travel to many of these destinations by closed-loop cruise ship, which provides an idyllic vacation experience. To fly there however, one will require either a passport or passport card.
If you plan to travel internationally before 2025, passport or REAL IDs will be essential documents. Unfortunately, however, processing times for passport applications is currently taking an inordinately long time – meaning you should develop a backup plan for your trip in case the process takes too long to finish.
U.S. Territories
American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands all enjoy unique relationships with the United States and its Constitution. In some instances this means residents have the right to trial by jury; in others the Commerce Clause determines how much control Congress has over local decision-making processes.
The US territories provide an insight into vibrant cultures of their inhabitants as well as stunning natural landscapes. Not only do these territories possess distinct identities of their own but they share a long and distinguished history with other parts of America.
Are You Searching for an Enticing Tropical Getaway or World-Class Shopping and Dining Opportunities? Discovering five Inhabited Territories is sure to delight, and Americans can now travel there without needing a passport!
American citizens may travel to not only these nine unorganized territories in the Pacific Ocean, but also Midway Atoll, Baker Island, Jarvis Island, Howland Island Wake Island Palmyra Atoll and Midway Atoll.
American citizens traveling to these destinations do not require a passport; however, additional requirements may exist depending on your destination territory. For instance, entering American Samoa requires both government-issued ID and certified birth certificate from US agencies as well as REAL ID by May 7, 2025 – even for domestic flights!
U.S. Virgin Islands
When planning to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, make sure you have all of the appropriate documentation. As with any destination in the US, travelers need a passport in order to enter; airline and cruise ship companies do not permit passengers without valid documentation to board airplanes or ships. There are other alternatives which will still allow travel.
The US Virgin Islands are an idyllic Caribbean paradise acquired by the United States in 1917 and have since evolved into an eclectic cultural melting pot combining West Indian, African and European influences into architecture, music, cuisine and history. Visitors can discover its colonial past by touring 17th and 18th century forts, plantations homes and museums on these tropical isles.
To travel to the USVI, travelers need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. When traveling with children to the USVI, the same rules apply as when travelling anywhere in the US; showing proof of citizenship will be necessary; for minors traveling unaccompanied by their parents or guardian(s), notarized consent of one parent or guardian is also needed.
Green Card holders do not require a passport in order to visit the USVI, however valid government-issued photo identification and copies of their green cards should they travel by air or sea. Additionally, return travelers must present this documentation.
Guam
Guam is the most visited territory in the Pacific US territory, drawing over 1.4 million tourists every year. Boasting beautiful tropical beaches, hiking trails, cultural sites and Two Lovers Point for stunning views over Philippine Sea glimmering below them; Guam also makes for great ocean sports diving locations!
Travel to Guam without a passport is definitely possible, but it’s essential that you meet all requirements for entry. US citizens should always bring along some form of identification as well as their birth certificate when visiting the island, while non-US residents will likely require to comply with additional entry regulations.
As an American resident planning on permanently moving to Guam, no passport is necessary. Since Guam is considered US territory, you are legally entitled to live there as you would any other state. However, should you plan to travel out of Guam while there you will require one in order to travel internationally.
Children aged under 18 must travel to Guam with either their legal guardian or representative and present valid photo identification and birth certificates upon arriving at the airport. Furthermore, any children traveling alone require written authorization signed by either their parent or guardian before departure.