Where Can Americans Travel Without A Passport?

For U.S. citizens, a passport is the standard document for international travel. However, there are specific destinations and circumstances where American travelers can journey without one. These exceptions are defined by U.S. law and international agreements.

U.S. Territories and Commonwealths

American citizens can travel to several U.S. territories without a passport. These are lands under U.S. sovereignty, and travel to them is considered domestic. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, is typically sufficient for boarding flights.

Puerto Rico

As a U.S. commonwealth, Puerto Rico does not require a passport for American visitors. The island uses the U.S. dollar and Spanish and English are widely spoken. Travelers should carry a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of identification.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, are another passport-free destination. Entry requirements are identical to those for travel between any two U.S. states. A valid state ID is the primary document needed.

Guam and Northern Mariana Islands

Located in the western Pacific, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are U.S. territories. Direct travel from the U.S. mainland does not require a passport. However, these destinations are far from the continental U.S., and flights often transit through foreign countries, which may have different rules.

American Samoa

American Samoa is a U.S. territory with a unique status. While a passport is not technically required by U.S. law for U.S. citizens, the territory’s own immigration law may request evidence of citizenship. Airlines often require a passport for boarding flights. Travelers should verify requirements with their carrier before departure.

Closed-Loop Cruises

A specific exception exists for certain sea travel. U.S. citizens can join a “closed-loop” cruise without a passport. This is a voyage that begins and ends at the same U.S. port.

Defining a Closed-Loop Cruise

For this exception to apply, the cruise must originate and terminate at an identical port within the United States. Common examples are cruises from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Los Angeles that travel to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, or Canada and return to the starting point.

Required Documentation

On a closed-loop cruise, U.S. citizens must present proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID. A state-issued driver’s license plus an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate is a standard combination. A Certificate of Naturalization is also acceptable.

Important Limitations and Considerations

This exception applies only to sea travel. If a traveler needs to fly from a foreign port back to the United States due to an emergency, a passport would be mandatory. Additionally, some countries on the cruise itinerary may have their own entry requirements that differ from U.S. rules.

Land and Sea Travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean

Special rules exist for land and sea border crossings to contiguous countries and certain islands. These have changed significantly in recent decades with the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Travel by Land or Sea

For land border crossings or sea travel from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean, U.S. citizens must present a WHTI-compliant document. A passport is the most universally accepted. However, alternatives include a U.S. Passport Card, an Enhanced Driver’s License, or a Trusted Traveler Program card for those who are members.

The U.S. Passport Card

The U.S. Passport Card is a wallet-sized document valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international air travel. It serves as a convenient option for those who frequently cross land borders.

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses

Several U.S. states issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. These are designated as acceptable WHTI documents for land and sea travel from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. They are not valid for international air travel. Not all states offer this type of license.

Domestic Travel Within the 50 States

Travel between the 50 states of the United States is always domestic and does not require a passport. However, identification is required for air travel and may be requested for other forms of transportation.

Identification for Air Travel

The Transportation Security Administration requires a government-issued photo ID for all passengers boarding domestic flights. A state-issued driver’s license is the most common form. As of May 2025, all air travelers must present a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of TSA-approved identification.

Travel to Alaska and Hawaii

Travel to Alaska and Hawaii from other U.S. states is domestic. No passport is required. Flights to Hawaii or Alaska may, on rare occasions, make an emergency landing in a foreign country, but this does not change the standard documentation needed for the trip itself.

Essential Verification and Planning

Travel rules and requirements are subject to change by both U.S. and foreign governments. Relying on general information without verification can lead to denied boarding or entry.

Consulting Official Sources

The definitive source for U.S. entry and exit requirements is the U.S. Department of State. Its travel website provides country-specific information. For entry rules of a foreign destination, travelers should consult that country’s official embassy or consulate website.

Confirming with Transportation Providers

Airlines and cruise lines enforce entry requirements. They may have policies that are more restrictive than the minimum government rules. It is the traveler’s responsibility to confirm directly with their carrier what documentation is required for boarding.

The Value of a Passport

While there are limited exceptions, a valid U.S. passport remains the most reliable and widely accepted document for international travel. It provides maximum flexibility, serves as definitive proof of identity and citizenship, and is essential for emergency situations abroad, such as unexpected medical evacuations or flight changes.