If you’re a U.S. citizen but don’t own a passport, you aren’t alone. Only 37% of Americans report having a valid passport that hasn’t expired. But not having this travel document doesn’t mean you can’t go anywhere.
You can explore plenty of amazing destinations, no passport needed. Read on for a roundup of destinations Americans can visit without a U.S. passport.
Hawaii
Even though it might feel like an exotic destination, getting to Hawaii is technically the equivalent of driving across state lines. In this case, the “line” just happens to be the Pacific Ocean. Hot spots include Oahu, Maui and Kauai.
More good news: Hawaii is a dream destination, especially for honeymooners. The islands feature white sand beaches, waterfalls and tropical rainforests. Take your pick of activities, including hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling and surfing.
Take a helicopter ride over a Hawaiian volcano to ramp up the adrenaline.
Alaska
If sun and surf aren’t your things and you prefer cooler weather, Alaska is the answer. Like Hawaii, Alaska is part of the USA, so there’s no need to get a passport to gain entry. While the weather in Alaska is pretty much the polar opposite (pun intended) of that in Hawaii, the state has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.
You can take a cruise, go whale watching or enjoy kayaking and fishing. In winter, Alaska offers plenty of powder for activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Our tip: Check out Glacier Bay National Park for breathtaking landscapes. Check the weather before you go and pack appropriately.
Key West, Florida
Miami isn’t the only hot spot in the Sunshine State. A trip to Key West will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another country. Key West is the southernmost point in the continental U.S., situated just 90 miles from Cuba. It’s packed with historical sites, like Ernest Hemingway’s historic home.
Get ready to take plenty of pictures of the famous pastel-hued architecture by day and enjoy the wild nightlife once the sun goes down. Key West isn’t just a party destination, though. It’s also a great place for snorkeling, scuba diving and boating.
Fun fact: Key West is home to the only living barrier reef in the continental U.S.
Puerto Rico
This tropical island — and cruise ship hot spot — might be in the Caribbean, but Americans can enter without a passport. How’s that possible?
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory! Start out in old San Juan, the capital, for fantastic food and stunning architecture. Then, check out the Spanish fortress of El Morro, which dates back to 1539.
Once you’re tired of city life, head to the El Yunque tropical forest to get your fill of greenery. Prefer a beach holiday on this Caribbean island? Rest assured, Puerto Rico has plenty of stunning beaches waiting to be explored.
Hint: If surfing is your thing, head to Rincon. Prefer kayaking? Check out Mosquito Bay.
Canada
Americans don’t need a passport to enter Canada if traveling by land or sea. Our friendly neighbor in North America has an agreement with the U.S., allowing Americans to enter without a passport. That said, you’ll need a passport card or NEXUS card when entering by land, air or sea.
Once you’re in Canada, the world is your oyster. Enjoy the natural beauty of Niagara Falls, head to the slopes of Vancouver for skiing or soak up the cultural center of buzzing Toronto, a nightlife hub.
Head to Montreal, the capital of French-speaking Quebec, for a bit of European flair.
Mexico
You also don’t need a passport to visit America’s neighbor to the south, Mexico. Thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, you can enter with a passport card or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). This is a travel document that offers proof of citizenship for Americans.
Mexico has plenty of exciting destinations. Check out the food and architecture in Mexico City or discover the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan or Chichen Itza. When you’re ready for the beach, head to Playa del Carmen or Tulum and enjoy snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving.
Finally, Cancun is the place to go if you want to party.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are another U.S. territory and a passport-free zone. Take your pick between the islands of St. John, St. Croix (the largest island) or St. Thomas.
Note: You still need a valid ID document. There are plenty of direct flights from U.S. airports ranging from the East Coast to the West Coast.
Whichever island you choose, you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery. Highlights include the St. Croix hiking trails and Buck Island Reef National Monument, an uninhibited (read: unspoiled) island just off the coast. History buffs can visit the Christiansted National Historic Site.
Guam
Guam is a U.S. territory located in the northern Pacific Ocean. As a U.S. citizen, you can enter without a passport. You just need proof of American citizenship or a valid ID. Guam is home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches. Get ready for sun, sand and surf.
Popular attractions include Tumon Bay and Two Lovers Point. Guam also has a rich history, housing relics from World War I and World War II.
This island has something for everyone, whether you want to get the perfect tan or take a deep dive into global history.
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands are an archipelago of 14 islands in the Pacific Ocean. This is a U.S. territory, so you just need a valid ID card and birth certificate to enter. There’s no need to pack your passport. Popular islands in the archipelago include Rota, Saipan and Tinian.
Get off the major islands and check out highlights like Banzai Cliff and Micro Beach. Ready for some exercise? Put on your hiking boots and head to Mount Tapochau. This is also a scuba diver’s dream, giving you the chance to see reef sharks, sea turtles and more.
American Samoa
American Samoa consists of two coral reef atolls and five volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. This tropical paradise is truly breathtaking — and you don’t even need a passport to enjoy it. Americans just need a valid government-issued photo ID and a certified birth certificate proving U.S. nationality.
American Samoa is located about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and is an “off the beaten path” option for those looking to avoid tourist crowds. Popular attractions include Pago Pago Harbor and the National Park of American Samoa.
While there, make time to visit the diverse Polynesian villages to get a taste of the traditional Samoan culture.
Considerations when traveling without a passport
In case there was any doubt, the above list proves you can travel without a passport. That said, just because you don’t need a passport doesn’t mean you can just grab your suitcase and go.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when going to any of the abovementioned destinations:
- Entry requirements. Even though you don’t need a passport, you’ll need some other form of ID, like a NEXUS card, government-issued passport card and/or birth certificate. Check the required paperwork and whether you need a visa, proof of onward travel or similar documentation.
- Travel insurance. Your regular U.S. health care may not cover health emergencies in some of the above locations, so it’s important to do some research. In addition to ensuring you have health insurance, consider travel insurance. This can help in case of lost luggage, missed flights or stolen goods.
- Transportation options. Some abovementioned locations, including metropolises like Mexico City or Toronto, offer public transport and ride-share services. More remote areas (like islands in Guam) may not be so accessible, requiring you to rent a car to get around.
- Currency and payment methods. Don’t assume all of these destinations (or places within them) accept U.S. currency. Canada has the Canadian dollar, for example, while Mexico uses the peso. Use local currency (cash) for places that don’t accept credit cards. If you plan to pay with plastic, set your bank geo-control to avoid security alerts.
- Communication and connectivity. Will you have cell service abroad? Will you incur roaming charges? What will those cost you? The last thing you want is to come home to a giant cell phone bill. Check your coverage and determine whether you want to spring for a local SIM card or stick to using your phone in Wi-Fi zones only.
- Local customs and etiquette. Check out the local customs wherever your getaway takes you — even if it’s right next door to the U.S. Learning basic etiquette and a few local phrases can help you travel easier and enhance your experience.
Travel the world with ease
The above list offers plenty of Insta-worthy travel destinations that Americans can explore, even without a passport. Ready to see them all?
Trip planning is a breeze when you can manage all your needs in one place. Find the best flights, hotels and car rentals for your needs on Skyscanner and go on the adventure of your dreams.
