If you love to travel, you’re probably accustomed to having to produce your passport. But what if you’ve lost your passport, forgot to get it renewed, or have yet to get one at all? Don’t worry. There are numerous wonderful vacation spots an American can still travel to without a passport.
From majestic mountains to white sand beaches, you’ll be surprised at how many culturally diverse places you can still travel to without your passport. So, let’s unpack Places to Travel that Don’t Require a Passport.
US Territories that Don’t Require a Passport
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the US. It boasts a landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests. Though it is not a US state, it is still a place you can visit without the hassle of having to acquire and produce a passport.
While in Puerto Rico you’ll visit some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. You can hike some amazing trails, or kayak to Mosquito Bay where the water actually glows.
St. Croix – US Virgin Islands
St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands is another sought-after vacation destination that doesn’t require a passport. It’s still part of the US Virgin Islands but it’s 45 miles south of St. Thomas and St. John. As such, this island has evolved to have its own unique cultural identity which gives it its own brand of cuisine and music.
Northern Mariana Islands
The remote Northern Mariana Islands do not require a passport, but they are not an easy destination to arrive at. The mountainous tropical islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, offer a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It’s not easy, but if you manage to weather the trip, you’ll be treated to some amazing experiences. White sandy beaches and exciting water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing will keep you busy.
Guam
Located in Micronesia, in the Western Pacific, Guam is a US territory that also doesn’t require a passport for US citizens. This destination boasts tropical beaches, Chamorro villages, and ancient latte-stone pillars.
But you must take care not to enter any other country on a connecting flight. You must depart from Honolulu. Then be prepared for some incredible hiking, amazing views, and exciting ocean sports.
American Samoa
American Samoa is a US Territory and spans seven South Pacific islands and atolls. Though you may not need a passport, since 2022, traveling here has become more difficult. A government-issued ID, certified birth certificate, and a ticket for onward passage out of American Samoa within 30 days are required to travel here, but a passport is not on the list.
Get ready to see volcanic mountains, beaches, rainforests, and reefs. It’s a peaceful, relatively untouched part of the world and a wonderful vacation destination.
St. John – US Virgin Islands
With 2/3 of the area protected by the Virgin Islands National Park, this US territory features some of the most pristine beaches, epic hiking trails with stunning views, and fascinating Danish historical ruins. St. John offers a great many exciting things to do including snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, and shopping.
St Thomas
It’s not just US Territory that doesn’t require a passport. St. Thomas is also one of the most popular cruise ship destinations. As such, the islands draw hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, all scrambling to shop in the capital of the Caribbean – duty-free.
You can also do things like visit Coral World Amusement Park, check out the Pirates Treasure Museum, or take a Heavenly Days Catamaran out for a cruise.
Closed-Loop Cruise Destinations Not Requiring a Passport
A closed-loop cruise destination begins and ends from the same port of call. What’s exciting is, though you don’t need a passport to leave or return, you get to visit many foreign places in between where you would normally need a passport.
All you need for a closed-loop cruise is a government or state-issued ID and an original birth certificate as proof of citizenship. Notably, it is still recommended that you bring a passport in case you happen to miss the boat at a foreign port. Keep an eye out though, regulations at each foreign port are always subject to change.
Honduras
Honduras is another destination for many closed-loop cruises departing South Florida. Here you can enjoy some incredible pristine Roatán reef diving. Wrap up your day with a sunset cocktail on the beach.
Along these islands, you’ll discover sections of the world’s second-longest reef system – the Mesoamerican Reef.
Turks and Caicos
Another popular stop for closed-loop cruises, Turks and Caicos consists of over forty islands and cays that are considered the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. Located south of The Bahamas, this destination is known for having some of the clearest ocean water in the world.
You’ll be amazed at some scuba-diving sites such as a 14-mile barrier reef on Provo’s north shore and a dramatic 2,134m (about 1.33 mi) underwater wall off Grand Turk Island.
Bermuda
It’s a sought-after destination when it comes to close-loop cruises departing the US via the northeast coast. Bermuda is a British territory rife with colonial history, unique architecture, stunningly blue waters, and natural wonders.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a rather large Latin Country surrounded by white sand beaches and historic Spanish architecture. Closed-loop cruises here typically make stops in Santo Domingo or Punta Cana.
In Santo Domingo, you’ll discover a rich Spanish colonial history with impressive sights like the first fortified European palace built in the Americas – Alcazar de Colon. In Punta Cana, you can play on gorgeous beaches with turquoise waters lapping at your feet.
British Virgin Islands
Also, a part of the Caribbean Islands, the British Virgin Islands is a favored pit stop for closed-loop cruises. You’ll offload in the capital, Road Town, and then set off on island tours that will impress. you with incredible scenic views. Virgin Gorda Island is the location of the popular Baths, a labyrinth of beachside boulders.
The Bahamas
Another popular spot on closed-loop cruises, The Bahamas offers a seemingly endless supply of exciting attractions such as the popular cruise ship port of Nassau. Here you can get your toes into the white sands of Cable Beach or explore the shops, restaurants, museums, and colonial buildings of downtown and Bay Street.
Belize
Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America. From here An American citizen can walk the Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east or brave some dense jungle to the west. But most visitors enjoy scuba diving in what locals call The Blue Hole. It’s an open water sinkhole descending over 400 feet in the middle of a strikingly blue coral reef island called an atoll.
The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, consists in three tiny islands in the Caribbean Sea. The largest island, Grand Cayman, is known for its beach resorts as well as scuba diving and snorkeling sites.
If you are looking for some deep-sea fishing, then Cayman Brac is a popular launch point. On a closed-loop cruise, you’ll disembark at the nation’s cruise port in George Town.
Jamaica
Jamaica has a lush topography of mountains, rainforests, and reef-lined beaches with two cruise ports between Montego Bay and Kingston. An American can enter the country via a closed-loop cruise without a passport and explore the mountains and rainforests or snorkel and sail the blue ocean waters.
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