Travel Destinations and Countries That Don’t Require a Passport for U.S. Citizens A U.S. citizen can travel to the following countries or locations without a passport when traveling by air, sea or land: American Samoa Guam Puerto Rico Northern Mariana Islands The U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas) These locations require only government-issued identification and a certified birth certificate for travel without a valid passport. Puerto Rico is the only destination on the list that does not require a birth certificate. All travelers must still comply with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening procedures when flying from the U.S. mainland. Except for certain land or sea travel with a passport card, U.S. citizens need a valid passport to visit other international destinations. This includes locations in the Freely Associated States, such as Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia, where U.S. citizens can enter visa-free but still need a passport. Can I Travel to Canada or Mexico without a Passport? Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda all permit travel by land or sea with a passport card instead of a full passport book. Canada will accept other proof of U.S. Citizenship (like a birth certificate) and a photo ID instead. For minors under 16, only proof of citizenship is needed. Note: You may not travel to Canada or Mexico by air without a U.S. passport book. Some destinations, such as North Korea, do not permit U.S. citizens to travel there, even with a valid passport and visa. Find out where Americans can’t travel. Can I Travel on an International Cruise without a Passport? U.S. travelers arriving by sea on cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port do not require a U.S. passport or visa. Cruises that originate and depart from the same U.S. port are called closed-loop cruises. To board a closed loop cruise you only need a photo ID (if over 16) and a certified birth certificate. Popular destinations for closed loop cruises include: Alaska The Bahamas Bermuda Cozumel New England and Canada The Caribbean Hawaii Baja, Mexico In the situation where you have upcoming international travel and don’t yet have a U.S. passport, getting one in time is possible. Learn more about How to Get a U.S. Passport in Two Weeks or Less. Royal Caribbean cruise to Canada starting in San Francisco Why Visit These No-Passport Destinations? Several no-passport destinations offer scenic landscapes, outdoor activities, and historic attractions while allowing U.S. citizens to travel without international customs processing. Here is why they are worth visiting: Virgin Islands National Park Located on St. John, this park features hiking trails, coral reefs and beaches across two-thirds of the island. Pacific National Historical Park Found in Guam, this site preserves World War II battlegrounds and reflects the island’s history and significance in the Western Pacific Ocean. Northern Mariana Islands These major islands include Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Visitors can explore historic sites, underwater reefs, and countless beaches. American Samoa This remote U.S. territory in the Western Hemisphere is home to rugged coastlines, national parks and preserved cultural heritage. Puerto Rico No passport or birth certificate is required to fly to Puerto Rico. The island combines Spanish and American influences and is known for its natural beauty, mountain landscapes, and coastal cities. » MORE: U.S. Passport Book vs Card: Which Do You Need? REAL ID vs Passport: Key Differences Explained Steps to Renew Your U.S. Passport for Travel Passport Application Locations