Many Americans assume they need a passport in order to visit foreign countries, but that’s not necessarily the case. US citizens can travel freely between Mexico and Canada by closed-loop cruise ship or car without needing one.
Tutuila, a volcanic island, offers stunning hiking trails to reach volcanic peaks. Additionally, St Thomas makes for an idyllic Caribbean resort town getaway, boasting beaches and fine dining establishments alike.
1. American Samoa
Travel to American Samoa without a passport can be relatively straightforward for US citizens, while it may prove more complex for visitors from other nations. Understanding your needs to arrive and stay is more complicated when traveling without one than it is with one.
Thankfully, we can assist in determining your visa requirements for American Samoa and can apply for them on your behalf. In addition, our expedited American Samoa passport services may come in handy should any issues arise with travel plans.
If traveling from one of the countries that participates in the Entry Permit Waiver Program, you are allowed up to 30 days within any six month period provided you have a valid passport of at least six months length and round-trip or onward journey ticket to leave this territory.
American Samoa is generally safe for travel, but you should be mindful that earthquakes and heavy rainfalls occur regularly. You should also try to visit during cyclone season from November to April for your own safety. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket, hat, sun lotion and sun tan lotion as well as passport-sized photos and government ID such as driver’s licenses with you when visiting this location.
2. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an idyllic Caribbean destination offering tropical rainforests, stunning beaches and vibrant local culture – one of the few that allows American citizens to travel without needing a passport.
Due to the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917, which granted Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship and effectively made Puerto Rico an American destination, flying directly to Puerto Rico is easy from mainland U.S. with just a driver’s license or state ID card.
As another advantage, most locals speak English and use U.S. dollars, making the destination less daunting in terms of currency conversion or dealing with international calling plans.
Before planning a trip to Puerto Rico, be sure to understand its entry requirements and any practicalities associated with your stay. In light of recent controversy surrounding Spirit Airlines’ refusal to board them due to not possessing their child’s passport, the government has issued FAQs about traveling without passport.
3. Culebra & Vieques
Vieques is one of the Caribbean’s lesser-known gems, boasting beautiful beaches and laidback experiences like Flamenco Beach or its breathtaking bioluminescent bay. Both islands provide breathtaking scenery and unforgettable adventures.
US citizens and permanent residents don’t require a passport to visit Puerto Rico’s two smaller islands of Culebra and Vieques, both offering low crime rates and friendly locals. Tourists should follow basic safety tips, including avoiding isolated areas at night and making sure their belongings are secure; Vieques is particularly worth noting due to unexploded ordnance left from its use as a US Navy training ground during its past.
Visitors to Culebra and Vieques can reach them either by ferry or plane, but for an effortless visit it’s best to book a tour through a reputable company. Doing so ensures no problems arise with transportation costs as this cost usually included with your tour price; moreover, this way of travel also eliminates having to rent or buy cars or bring mosquito repellent – two added bonuses of booking tours!
4. British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are an impressive Caribbean destination, boasting beautiful beaches and a shimmering bioluminescent bay. While this archipelago shares its name with two US territories, it operates under its own laws and entry requirements.
United States citizens traveling to the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and other smaller islands in this British Overseas Territory) require a passport regardless of where they depart from within the U.S. They may enter for up to one month with return tickets or ongoing tickets, evidence of sufficient funds and pre-arranged accommodations.
Travel to the British Virgin Islands requires less paperwork, thanks to it still being considered visa-free country. With less paperwork looming over you, more time can be dedicated to essential aspects like booking airfare and reservations for your trip.
5. The U.S. Virgin Islands
Americans can take advantage of many alluring travel destinations within their home country without needing a passport, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands. St John, St Croix and USVINP make up this Caribbean destination where visitors can explore historic sites, world-class beaches, exotic animals and shopping opportunities – among many other attractions!
Visitors to Christiansted can experience authentic island cuisine on a culinary tour or simply stroll the Christiansted Boardwalk, dotted with restaurants and shops. Enjoy delectable island dishes like curried chicken with coconut rice or sweet plantains before finishing it all off with a banana rum flambe.
At present, it would be wiser to plan your international travel for 2024 or later; due to a significant backlog in passport processing times, renewals and first-time applications likely won’t return to normal until at least then. That doesn’t mean that other vacation spots cannot be explored – including four tropical paradises without passport requirements! Just bring proof of citizenship along with valid government ID documentation. Alternatively, the federal agency in charge of processing passports provides online services for applying for new ones.