Looking for exciting travel destinations without the hassle of a passport? As a U.S. citizen, there are several incredible places you can visit that don’t require a traditional passport.
From tropical islands in the Caribbean to scenic spots in the Pacific, these passport-free destinations offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, hiking through lush forests, or exploring vibrant cultures, these seven locations provide the perfect getaway.
Discover passport-free travel options, including U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa, as well as easy access to Canada with alternative travel documents. Explore these worthwhile places for your next vacation!
1: Puerto Rico
Known as “the island of enchantment,” the tiny island of Puerto Rico sits approximately 1,000 miles from Florida.
Travelers seeking a tropical getaway don’t need a passport to enter Puerto Rico as it’s an unincorporated territory of the United States.
Puerto Rico offers stunning hiking trails, gorgeous beaches, and historic sites like Old San Juan. As a U.S. territory, Americans are free to travel to it without a passport.
This makes it an accessible option if you don’t want to wait for a passport to be processed, which can take months.
2: Guam
Americans can visit Guam freely without a passport because it is a U.S. territory. Guam is situated in the North Pacific Ocean, located just under 6,000 miles west of San Francisco.
While a traditional passport isn’t required, you must have a valid ID like a driver’s license to visit Guam.
Guam offers travelers some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world. Its status as a territory means it’s a passport-free haven for U.S. citizens.
3: St. John
St. John Island is one of the many US Virgin Islands. As a US Virgin Island, it does not require a passport for American citizens to visit.
It is described as ideal for couples seeking a romantic vacation. The territory is known for its friendly locals and warm weather.
St. John encompasses approximately 20 square miles of land. Tourists who visit can expect to be amazed by the crystal-clear blue beaches and immaculate white sand. It offers a beautiful passport-free escape within the U.S. framework.
4: St. Croix
St. Croix is one of the most populated US Virgin Islands and doesn’t require a passport for Americans to visit. The island attracts thousands of visitors annually and is considered a hotspot in the Caribbean tourism industry.
It offers beautiful colonial architecture, scenic mountain views, and amazing restaurants. Like other U.S. territories, Americans are free to travel to St. Croix without needing a passport.
5: Northern Mariana Islands
Travelers who visit the Northern Mariana Islands can comfortably put their passports away, given its US territory status.
The island offers visitors various activities such as scuba diving, hiking, and relaxing beaches. The Northern Mariana Islands has a population of over 58,000 residents.
It is known for its friendly atmosphere. As a territory, it provides a worthwhile destination accessible to Americans without the need for a traditional passport.
6: American Samoa
For ecotourism lovers, American Samoa is a U.S. territory located in the South Pacific. It encompasses seven islands and atolls.
Rainforests, coral reefs, and soft sand beaches await Americans who choose to visit. Importantly, this destination requires no passport for U.S. citizens.
American Samoa’s status as a territory ensures Americans can travel there freely without a passport.
7: Canada
Unlike the US territories, Canada is a different country. However, Americans can enter Canada without a traditional passport by using specific alternatives.
These include a NEXUS card or a passport card. A passport card is a cheaper version of a traditional passport valid for land and sea border crossings.
For travelers under the age of 16, proof of U.S. citizenship alone is sufficient for entry. Note that before June 1, 2009, a driver’s license and birth certificate were accepted for land and sea travel.
Alicia Richards