Many Americans have not realized that the United States has several territorial jurisdictions around the globe, and you can travel without a passport in some of these countries. Some of the most exotic places to travel without a passport include the Virgin Islands (the US Virgin Islands, not the British Virgin Islands), the Bahamas, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and more.
So, what are the best places to travel without a passport for United States citizens? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Anywhere in the 50 States
The first destinations you can travel to without a passport are all the 50 States, from the east to the west coast. There’s no passport required to travel to any state, including Alaska or Hawaii, if you travel by car or plane. There are many attractions to discover outside of the US city of your home town.
Alaska
Next on our list of places to travel without a passport is Alaska. This is a beautiful destination for anyone who wants to experience natural beauty. This state has snowy mountains with stunning glaciers, fjords, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. One way of seeing Alaska’s beauty is through an actual boat trip.
The Alaskan cruise is thrilling because of the vast glaciers and the sea creatures you will find during peak hours. In the same way, you can visit a Hawaiian island without obtaining a visa.
Hawaii
Who doesn’t dream of Hawaii vacations? This state has the best tropical islands to visit without a passport! Although it is not the largest island, Oahu has one of Hawaii’s most vibrant nightlife. You don’t want to miss anything in Oahu’s most famous sights and attractions. There are endless shopping opportunities, fantastic dining, and outdoor activities on Oahu.
Maui is Hawaii’s second-largest island and is known for being the perfect destination for luxury seeking honeymooners. It is not surprising that the island has countless luxurious resorts, gorgeous white sandy beaches, and spectacular sunrise and sunset views of the Haleakala volcano.
Last but not least, Kauai is a beautiful island in southwestern Hawaii and has a fantastic array of natural sights and breathtaking coastlines.
US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands have three major inhabited regions, St. Thomas and St. Croix. According to “USA Today”, all three islands offer different appeals. With its National Park and famous diving, St. John will charm true escapists. St Thomas is the perfect place for shopping with countless boutique and jewelry shops and two bustling cruise terminals.
St. John
St. John, another Virgin American island, hosts (but also contains) the Virgin Islands National Park. You can go snorkeling in the gorgeous coral filled waters, or you can even admire the sea turtles! Don’t worry about reef sharks. Although they live around the Virgin Islands, it is improbable you will encounter one.
You can also hike jungle trails and stay close to tropical birds and beautiful fauna.
St. Croix
St. Croix is another excellent destination for travelers without a passport that want to visit the US Virgin Islands! One of my favorite activities is walking around town and seeing the historic and charming building architecture.
I’m sure that the United States Virgin Islands is an excellent pick for your holiday, even if you travel without a passport. So, what are you waiting for? The sea turtles await you.
Please keep in mind that you can travel without a passport only to the US Virgin Islands. This does not apply to the British Virgin Islands.
Mexico
Another great entry on our list of places to travel without a passport is Mexico. You can explore Mexico without a passport if you travel on closed-loop trips. There are several port facilities for visiting the pristine beaches of Mexico. A section of the Mexican states, including Puerto Vallarta and Cabe San Juan, is one of the most popular destinations. The visitor can take in water sports and enjoy the lively nightlife.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas Beach has several restaurants & bars and a beach club. The spectacular arch of Cabo San Lucas is another natural arch on the beach, and the sea cliffs surrounding the site. Other ports, like Mazatlan, can be beneficial in visiting historical places in Mexico.
So, does Cabe San Juan sound like an excellent destination for your holiday?
Jamaica
Another great destination where you can travel without a passport is Jamaica. There are three ports for ships in Jamaica that are key places for cruise travelers. Of course, you must have a passport if you want to travel by air. But cruises will always be a more fun and relaxing way to travel.
Port Antonio
Port Antonio has more ships than most other ports on the east coast, but the Ocho River and Montego Bay both have larger vessels. All the ports have beautiful beaches, bars, and many shops. Plus, it’s an easy way to visit Jamaica without a passport.
Puerto Rico
No passports are needed to visit Puerto Rico’s vast tourist attractions. A passport is not required, so keep a valid ID with you wherever you go. There are endless things to do in Puerto Rico, from visiting the colonial section of the city of Old San Juan, snorkeling, and legendary diving on Culebra Island.
Culebra
On Puerto Rico’s eastern shore, Culebra is a small island with gorgeous cays, located on a beach with breathtaking sunsets. You shouldn’t miss Flamenco Beach for its beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. As the sun rises, go west to Punta Melones.
If you want historical sights, Puerto Rico offers spectacular and massive forts, and for more fun, visit the Bacardi Rum Factory and enjoy rum tastings.
To sum things up, if you’re looking for a relaxing and authentic experience, Puerto Rico is the place to travel to.
Guam
Traveling to Guam is similar to traveling elsewhere in the US. So, it is a great addition to our list of places to travel without a passport. Although Guam’s total land area is only 549 km², the exotic island is famous for its spectacular tropical beaches and cliffside lookout points and is an overall tropical paradise. The southwesternmost of the islands is Tumon Guam, the capital.
The hotel is located near Tumon Bay, where you will discover quaint beaches, Two Lovers’ Point, and a when you venture beyond Tumon cliff line towering over Tumon Bay when you venture beyond Tumon.
So, if you are looking for a tropical vacation or are just into tropical destinations, then Guam is the perfect place for you.
Bermuda
Bermuda is a beautiful destination for escapes. It’s possible to get on a closed-loop Bermuda cruise without a passport. This cruise has three stops: Hamilton City, St George, and Kings Wharf.
The ship can dock at any given point in the day for as much as it wants, and you have the opportunity to explore the gorgeous beaches and enjoy the calm waters. Explore the most significant attraction of the secluded island Crystal Cave. Here you can enter and see stalagmites forming for millions of years.
Honduras
It is also a spectacular holiday destination that can be visited on a closed loop cruise without a passport. Cruise ships dock on Roatán, the largest of the Bay Islands. You can swim and snorkel along the second biggest reef, the Mesozoic Barrier Reef. If you want to have an unforgettable experience, I strongly recommend scuba diving along the reef.
Roatán
Roatán has a reputation for white-sand beaches and diving sites carved out of volcanoes. The tourist industry provides an array of organized activities that ensures that the tourists safely enjoy the country without worrying about obtaining their passport.
Northern Mariana Islands
The Marianan Peninsula lies north of Guam. Like the American Samoan Islands, this place is a popular destination for the entire family.
The Northern Mariana Islands are 14 mostly uninhabited islands with untouched beaches that Americans can visit without a passport. These islands are the best for travelers wanting a trip to a faraway destination.
The Grotto Cave and Saipan
The Grotto Cave is a stunning limestone cave that hosts sandhill turtles and sharks and is ideal for exploring. Saipan has many museums and World War II memorials.
So, if you decide to go to the Mariana Islands, you will enjoy the most amazing natural beauty found in this peaceful and isolated area. The coral reef is a diving dream in the calm lagoon.
The Bahamas
Last but not least on our list of places to travel without a passport is The Bahamas. These are home to hundreds of islands, and there’ll be a lot of options when you travel here. Bahamas cruises are lovely if you want to go on an adventure on the water. According to MSN, you should travel by boat with an itinerary that starts at Nassau and offers visitors an experience of Bahamian culture and visits Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.
Recent updates on our list of the best places to travel without a passport
A famous destination has changed its policy and now requires passports even for US Citizens. I am talking about American Samoa, which added this requirement recently. However, there is an upside, as you do not need a visa as a US citizen.
American Samoa
America Samoa comprises five volcanic islands and two atolls between Fiji and Cook Islands.
Tutuila is the largest on the island and is the capital of Pago. Pago has spectacular uninhabited beaches, coral-rich waters, and rainforests. Unlike many highly trafficked Polynesian destinations like Honolulu and Oahu, where tourists are often crowded, Samoan cultures have been extremely strong.
American Samoa is a beautiful destination where you can quickly get away from the huge tourist attractions and fancy hotel rooms and enjoy the native Samoan culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go to the Caribbean without a passport?
Yes, it’s possible in this country without a passport. In the USA, one may travel to three different places in the Caribbean without a passport. On Saint Croix, there is a fantastic beach with many cultural attractions.
Can you go to the Bahamas without a passport?
It is not illegal for a US citizen to enter the Bahamas without a passport. In case of an emergency, you might be required to go home right away.
Can you go to American Samoa without a passport?
Unfortunately, you are not allowed to travel to American Samoa without a passport. The only benefit you have for being a US citizen is that you do not need a visa if you stay less than 90 days.
Can you go to Puerto Rico without a passport?
Yes, you can travel to Puerto Rico without a passport as a US citizen.
Conclusions about the best places to travel without a passport
Traveling is always fun and it can be done even if you don’t have a passport. Although you cannot travel everywhere without a passport, there are certain parts of the world that are accessible even if you lack this document.
So, what are you waiting for? Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the Bahamas, and other exotic destinations await you.
For more information about traveling for US citizens, check out the official website.