4 best places to travel without a passport from the US
Editor's Note
Although we love an international travel moment, there are many reasons why you might be looking at destinations to visit without a U.S. passport.
Maybe you are staying closer to home this year to save money, or maybe you were a victim of passport processing delays. Or, perhaps you’ve decided on a whim that you need to feel the sun on your face and your toes in the sand to momentarily cure your seasonal depression.
Well, you are in luck: Regardless of the reason, here are four places you can visit without a passport.
Where can you travel without a passport?
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are accessible to U.S. citizens sans passport as a U.S. territory or freely associated state, per the U.S. government.
U.S. citizens may be able to visit Guam without a passport, per the government. The Guam Visitor Bureau says U.S. citizens (18 years or older) can enter Guam with either a Real ID or a valid U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID and a copy of their birth certificate.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The three U.S. Virgin Islands — St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix — are beautiful year-round. They offer sparkling turquoise waters and soft, sandy beaches surrounded by lush green forests. It’s the perfect spot for adventurous water sports or lazy days on the beach.
Each island hosts its own Carnival celebrations throughout the year, with parades, colorful costumes, music, dancing and food to honor Caribbean heritage and culture.
Visitors can also explore the Danish forts and plantations to gain a deeper awareness of slavery and colonialism in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With a year-round tropical climate, it’s always warm in the U.S. Virgin Islands, though there is a higher risk for rainfall and hurricanes between July and October. A springtime or early summer visit is your best bet for sunny skies and fewer crowds after the snowbirds return home.
Puerto Rico
If your soul needs a quick tropical getaway without a full day of travel time, look no further than Puerto Rico. Nonstop flights from eastern cities like Miami, Orlando and Atlanta can have you in San Juan in less than four hours — just in time to enjoy a full afternoon in the sun.
In addition to its year-round beach weather, Puerto Rico is known for its dynamic culinary scene, arts districts (including vibrant street art in trendy Santurce) and biodiverse ecosystem.
The island is home to three of the world’s five glowing bioluminescent bays, with Mosquito Bay known as the brightest. You can also hike or zip line through tropical rainforests, snorkel among marine life in calm cays protected by barrier reefs or relax on one of Puerto Rico’s idyllic beaches.
You’ll never be far from delicious food, but if it’s your first visit to Puerto Rico, you must try the traditional mashed, fried plantain dish, mofongo. Puerto Rico’s history as a purveyor of rum dates back hundreds of years, so it’s no surprise that it’s also the birthplace of the pina colada (if you need something to wash down the mofongo, that is).
Puerto Rico is also one of the most affordable Caribbean islands, offering diverse accommodation options ranging from eco-friendly mountain lodges to luxurious beachfront resorts.
Guam
Guam is the only island on this list in the Pacific Ocean. Because of its location, the easiest way to get there is via Honolulu. The Hawaiian capital offers limited nonstop flights via United Airlines, though you can also find availability from major Asian cities like Tokyo; Osaka, Japan; and Seoul, South Korea.
In Guam, you can explore mile after mile of beaches and learn about the island's storied history through Spanish forts, World War II battle sites and relics from Guam’s precolonial culture. A visit to the Guam Museum is a good jumping-off point, followed by Guam’s Spanish Forts and the educational outdoor adventures at the Valley of the Latte.
When you are ready for some fun in the sun, head for the beaches in and around Tumon for calm, crystalline waters. Or, hike to a more secluded spot like Sharks Cove Beach or Tanguisson Beach for snorkeling.
Just be aware that the guidance on whether or not you will need a passport to enter Guam is somewhat ambiguous, so double-check entry requirements before your visit.
Cruises that don’t require a passport
In addition to these land-based destinations that don’t require a passport, there are certain places you can cruise without a passport.
Because of an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, U.S. citizens traveling on certain cruise itineraries can use their government-issued photo identification and proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate or certified copy of a birth certificate) as acceptable documentation. In some cases, a passport card may work in lieu of a photo ID and birth certificate.
This includes round-trip cruises departing from U.S. ports to destinations in Alaska, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Mexico and Canada.
Though a passport is not required by law on certain cruises, some ships have limits on the excursions you can choose without a passport. Also, you would be stuck without the option to fly home from a foreign country should any unexpected issues arise.
Bottom line
Even without a passport, you will still need valid government-issued photo identification to visit each destination.
You may also need a birth certificate (or certified copy), so be sure to review a country's specific requirements before you visit. When the Real ID requirements take effect in 2025, you’ll need to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant driver’s license.
If you have a passport, we still recommend you travel with it as a backup plan but know your next tropical getaway is within reach, even without a passport.
Related reading:
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler
- The best travel credit cards
- Dreamy St. Thomas all-inclusive resorts for a stress-free vacation
- The 13 places you need a visa to travel with an American passport
- If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
- Real ID requirements for air travel in US delayed until 2025
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.