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:
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American Samoa |
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Guam |
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Puerto Rico |
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Northern Mariana Islands |
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The U.S. Virgin Islands (St Croix, St John and St Thomas) |
These locations only require government identification and a certified birth certificate when traveling without a valid passport. Puerto Rico is the only destination on the list that a government identification card alone is needed for entry.
Except for some travel by land or sea with a passport card, travel to all other countries and international destinations requires a valid passport for U.S. citizens.
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 originate and return to 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
» 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