Where Can You Travel Without A Passport?

Traveling internationally typically requires a passport. However, there are specific destinations where U.S. citizens can visit without one. These locations are either U.S. territories or have special agreements. Understanding the rules is essential for compliant travel.

U.S. Territories Accessible Without a Passport

U.S. territories are under U.S. jurisdiction. As such, travel to these destinations is considered domestic travel for U.S. citizens. A passport is not required, but other identification is necessary.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth. It has been a U.S. territory since 1898. U.S. citizens can travel freely without a passport. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, is required for airline travel.

The island offers diverse landscapes from rainforests to beaches. San Juan is known for its historic Spanish colonial architecture. Travelers should be aware that Spanish is the primary language, though English is widely used in tourist areas.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. They became a U.S. territory in 1917. Travel from the U.S. mainland is domestic. A valid state-issued ID or driver’s license is sufficient for air travel.

The islands use the U.S. dollar as currency. Driving is on the left side of the road, a legacy from its former status as a Danish colony. Visitors can explore national parks and historic sugar plantation sites.

Guam

Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States in the western Pacific. U.S. citizens do not need a passport for direct travel from the mainland United States. A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other TSA-approved identification is mandatory.

The journey involves a long international flight, but entry requirements are domestic. Guam has a unique Chamorro culture blended with American, Spanish, and Asian influences. It is important to verify flight paths, as layovers in foreign countries may alter documentation needs.

Northern Mariana Islands

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is a U.S. commonwealth. Saipan is its most populous island. Direct travel from the U.S. mainland is treated as domestic travel for citizens. A government-issued photo ID is the standard requirement.

Like Guam, its location in the Pacific means flights are lengthy. The islands have a complex history involving Spanish, German, Japanese, and American administration. Travelers should confirm their itinerary does not include a stop in a country requiring passport entry.

American Samoa

American Samoa is an unincorporated U.S. territory in the South Pacific. It has a distinct political status. While U.S. citizens can travel there without a passport, the territory maintains its own immigration authority.

Upon arrival, U.S. nationals must present a certified birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. A return ticket is also typically required. This makes American Samoa’s rules slightly different from other territories, necessitating advance verification.

Closed-Loop Cruises to Certain Destinations

A special provision allows for travel to some international destinations without a passport. This applies to U.S. citizens on “closed-loop” cruises. These are voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port.

Understanding Closed-Loop Cruise Rules

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative permits this exception. Eligible travelers can visit Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean on such cruises. Instead of a passport, travelers must present a government-issued birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

The birth certificate must be an original or a certified copy. A driver’s license is a common form of photo ID. It is critical to confirm exact requirements with the cruise line well before departure, as their policies may be stricter.

Limitations and Considerations

This exception applies only to sea travel. If a traveler needs to fly to or from a foreign country during the trip, a passport becomes mandatory. For example, missing the ship’s departure from a foreign port would require a passport to fly back to the United States.

The rule is specific to U.S. citizens. Legal permanent residents and other non-citizens must follow different regulations. Furthermore, some countries on a cruise itinerary may have their own entry requirements that supersede U.S. rules.

Travel Within the 50 States

Domestic travel within the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii does not require a passport. Travel is conducted using other forms of identification.

Required Identification for Domestic Flights

The Transportation Security Administration requires a valid ID for all airline passengers. A standard is the REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification, like a passport, will be required for boarding domestic flights.

Other accepted IDs include U.S. Department of Defense IDs and permanent resident cards. Travelers should check the TSA website for the most current and complete list of acceptable documents before any trip.

Land and Sea Travel Within the U.S.

For travel by car, train, or bus between states, a passport is not necessary. A driver’s license is commonly used for identification if needed. Cruise ships traveling only between U.S. ports, such as from Seattle to Alaska, follow domestic travel rules.

However, if an Alaska cruise includes a stop in Canada, it becomes an international voyage. In that case, the closed-loop cruise rules or standard passport requirements would apply for U.S. citizens.

Essential Verification Before Travel

Rules can change, and individual circumstances vary. Relying on general information without verification can lead to denied boarding or entry.

Consulting Official Sources

The ultimate authority on entry requirements is the destination country or territory. For international travel, the U.S. Department of State’s country information pages provide detailed entry and exit facts. For territories, checking the official tourism or government websites is advisable.

Transportation providers, like airlines and cruise lines, enforce these rules. Their requirements are often listed on their websites under “travel documentation.” Contacting them directly with specific itinerary questions is a prudent step.

The Role of a Passport

Even where not strictly required, carrying a passport is often recommended. It is the most universally accepted form of identification and proof of citizenship. In emergencies abroad, such as requiring unexpected medical care or a flight home, a passport is indispensable.

For any travel outside the 50 states, verifying the exact documentation needed is the traveler’s responsibility. Policies are set by governments and carriers, and they hold the final authority on permissible travel documents.