Become a world citizen and explore the corners of the globe this year! Hop into a journey filled with enthusiasm and adventure. Even if you do not have a valid US Passport, you can start with a few locations in US territory and international closed-loop cruises. Yes, you read it right! There are some exotic destinations where you can travel without a passport. All the details you need are below.
Getting a passport has been a tedious business lately, with a processing duration exceeding eight weeks. It is understandable if you want to skip the official work or have a limited schedule to enjoy the abroad-like beaches within the given time span. Here are a few places you can try for an abroad-like experience.
List of US Territories to Travel without a Passport
The best way to experience a Caribbean vacation without indulging in the hassles of Passport and Visa documentation is to visit the country’s territories. These places are far from the continental US and have exotic atmospheres, tropical cuisine, and rich culture and history. Here is a list of the top US territories you can travel to this year.
Guam
Known for its sandy white beaches surrounded by deep blue oceans, Guam is a perfect holiday destination. Try delicious mofongo, pasteles, tostones, tembleque, arroz con gandules, and coquito of the Guam vibrant cuisine. The 32 picturesque waterfalls, breezy beaches, and brilliant coral reefs by the bright blue waters with coconut trees magically decorate the island.
Guam has a rich appreciation for art, culture, and intriguing festivals, which attract several tourists every year. Mount Lamlam, the highest mountain in the world, is perfect for your next hiking expedition. Snorkeling is much more fun around hundreds of aquatic species in Guam.
| MODE OF TRANSPORT | BEST TIME TO TRAVEL | DOCUMENTS NEEDED |
| Flight, Boat, Occasional Cruise, or a Car Barge | Between July and NovemberBetween May and JuneBetween December and March | Real ID a valid U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID, andBirth certificate (original or certified copy) |
Precautions~
- Vaccination against COVID-19 and any other viral disease
- You must carry your Medical History at all times
- Always check in with the registered and authorized hotels/ resorts
- If you are staying as a paying guest, ensure to have a thorough background check of the family
Puerto Rico
Your dream Caribbean vacation awaits at Puerto Rico’s sun-kissed beaches and vibrant cultural experience. Relax at the seaside resorts and enjoy a passport-free holiday. The affordable food, transport, and hotels make Puerto Rico your first and best choice while searching for a US territory trip.
Try signature cocktails enriched with the warmth and taste of Puerto Rican culture, and try an array of activities, such as hiking to the El Yunque Rainforest, exploring the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, and visiting colorful souvenir shops at La Parguera in Lajas.
| MODE OF TRANSPORT | BEST TIME TO TRAVEL | DOCUMENTS NEEDED |
| Flight, Boat, Cruise, and Car Barge | September to Mid-DecemberDecember to March July To November | US Driver’s license,A state ID Card, orA valid US government-issued ID |
Precautions~
- Pre-Medication for Malaria
- COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
- You must carry your Medical History at all times.
- Frequent Mugging and Street Crimes. So, stay alert and keep your belongings safe.
- Avoid traveling alone in the evening and after sunset.
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
The Marianas is a collection of 14 captivating lush Islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The most exciting activities in the Northern Mariana Islands are sunbathing on a soothing beach, gambling at the lavish casinos, or scuba diving at the World War II shipwreck spot.
You can enjoy the Chamorro and Carolinian food, dance, and melody at the Northern Mariana Islands and relish the islands’s rich culture during the San Vicente Fiesta in spring and the San Antonio Festival in summer. Popular tourist hotspots include the white shoreline of Micro Beach, The Grotto- amongst the world’s top cavern dive sites, Suicide Cliff from the battle of Saipan, among many more.
| MODE OF TRANSPORT | BEST TIME TO TRAVEL | DOCUMENTS NEEDED |
| Flights, Seasonal Ferry Service, Indirect FlightBoats and Car Barge | September to Mid-DecemberDecember to June | Real ID,Driving Licensea valid U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID, andBirth certificate (original or certified copy) |
Precautions~
- Pre-Medication for Malaria
- COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
- You must carry your Medical History at all times
- Keep your distance from the deep water
- Avoid descending to the marsh and swamp
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands‘ clean and fresh beaches are calling you this year! Luxuriate in the vibrant cultures and sumptuous dishes of the Caribbean archipelago. You can take a charter boat ferry or fly between the four main islands in VI: St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island.
Revel in the adventure sports of deep-sea fishing, diving, windsurfing, and jet skiing like never before. Not only this, the islands are adorned by captivating 18th-century forts, heritage sites, and museums. The bright coral reefs and emerald waters sparkle the US Virgin Islands, making them the natural breathtaking features of this terrain.
| MODE OF TRANSPORT | BEST TIME TO TRAVEL | DOCUMENTS NEEDED |
| Flight, Cruise, Ferry Service, Water Taxi, and Boat Car Barge | April to JuneDecember to March | Raised-seal birth certificate, Valid government-issued ID card such as a driver’s license,Proof of citizenship |
Precautions~
- You must complete your vaccination and screening for viral diseases
- You must carry your Medical History at all times.
- Always check in with the registered and authorized hotels/ resorts.
American Samoa
Explore the lush green rainforest of American Samoa, surrounded by the vast blue South Pacific Ocean. This tropical Island has a population of over 45,000 Polynesians and a rich culture and heritage. Not many tourists visit this US territory, making it more affordable and less crowded for an authentic experience.
If you are wondering what activities you can enjoy in American Samoa, let us shed light on their leisure experiences. Firstly, you can hike to the American Samoa National Park, meditate and yoga at the mountain top, chill at the beaches, and snorkel around the crystal clear lagoons. Try something different and new today, and book air passes to this Island’s Southern Pacific Ocean.
| MODE OF TRANSPORT | BEST TIME TO TRAVEL | DOCUMENTS NEEDED |
| Flights and Cruise | Between April and October | U.S. birth certificate as an ID A return ticket from American Samoa, OR Proof of employment in American Samoa. |
Precautions~
- Remember to wear sunscreen because the radiation is intense; wear sunglasses and a hat.
- Always carry insect repellent.
- Do not snorkel without a partner.
- Medical treatment is available on Tutuila.
- Avoid touching the coral! It may take you a long while to heal from the coral cuts.
Keywest, Florida
Vacay in Keywest’s pastel setting, between dolphins and sunset bars, is just as dreamy as it sounds. You can start at the Sharks and Wildlife Adventure, Savor the Cultural Walking Tour, take a tour of the Truman Little White House, thrill at the Snorkelling and Sail Adventure, and end your day at the Bar, Live Music & Sea Food at the Key West Sunset Sail.
The fun does not stop here, as you can begin again by visiting historic museums and navigating through the Truman Waterfront Park until you end your day with a blast at the Sunset Cruise. The cycle goes on and on, but every day is a new experience in Keywest, Florida. And you know what’s the best part? You do not even need a passport!
| MODE OF TRANSPORT | BEST TIME TO TRAVEL | DOCUMENTS NEEDED |
| Flight or a Drive | March and April | A Driver’s license orGovernment-issued ID, andA return plane ticket. |
List of Freely Associated States that do need a Passport for Travels
- The Federated States of Micronesia
- The Republic of the Marshall Islands
- The Republic of Palau
Let’s Pack Up!
You have the information, the required documents, and valid US citizenship. What are you waiting for? Dive into the deep oceans surrounding Guam, satiate your hunger with the most scrumptious cuisines in Puerto Rico, and hike in the astounding lush green gardens forest of American Samoa. This is your sign to touch the shores of the US border and take pleasure in traveling without a passport. Do not let a piece of paper decide whether you get to experience a world-class travel experience.
Common Queries!
No. You can not fly to international destinations without a passport. However, some US territories allow US citizens to travel without a passport.
You can travel to the US Territories, such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, without a Passport.
If you are flying to a destination without a passport, be sure to bring a valid ID card, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, state ID Card, or REAL ID. You may also need a plane ticket.
No. US nationals do not require a passport to travel to the Bahamas. All you need is a valid government-authorized ID card.
Yes. To visit Puerto Rico, you can use your US state-issued driver’s license as proof of ID.
As a US citizen traveling domestically, you can use REAL ID, driver’s license, birth certificate, or any other state-issued ID card.
Driver’s licenses, US Birth certificates, or other state photo ID cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Yes. You can use REAL ID instead of a passport for domestic travel within the US and its territories.