Lazar Odonnell
Travelling without a passport is possible, but it depends on where you're going and how you're getting there. While passports are always required for international air travel, U.S. citizens can travel to U.S. territories and Freely Associated States without a passport, depending on the destination. For example, U.S. citizens can enter American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands with a valid government-issued ID and/or a certified birth certificate. Road travel to Canada or Mexico also does not require a passport, and WHTI-compliant documents like trusted traveller's cards and passport cards can be used instead. Domestic travel within the U.S. does not require a passport, but a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license or state ID is needed. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID will be mandatory for domestic air travel in the U.S.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a passport required for domestic flights? | No |
| Is a passport required for international flights? | Yes |
| Is a passport required for travel to U.S. territories? | Depends on the territory |
| Example of territories where a passport is not required for U.S. citizens | Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands |
| Example of territories where a passport is required for U.S. citizens | Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau |
| Alternative documents accepted for travel to some territories | Valid government-issued ID, certified birth certificate, Real ID, Enhanced Driver's License, government-issued photo ID, original or certified birth certificate |
| Upcoming change to ID requirements for domestic flights | From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card will be required |
What You'll Learn
- US citizens can travel to certain places without a passport
- A Real ID will be required for US domestic flights from May 2025
- US citizens need a passport to enter some US territories
- US citizens can enter American Samoa with a passport or valid ID and birth certificate
- Some countries only require proof of US citizenship, not a passport
US citizens can travel to certain places without a passport
American Samoa
US citizens can enter American Samoa with either a passport, a valid government-issued ID, a certified birth certificate, and a return ticket. American Samoa is a US territory with five South Pacific islands and two coral atolls, offering lush greenery, white-sand beaches, and reefs for snorkelling and diving.
Guam
Guam is a US territory with golden sand beaches, swaying palms, cascading waterfalls, and a laid-back culture. US citizens are considered domestic travellers in Guam and do not need a passport if connecting through Honolulu. However, they will need a Real ID or a government-issued photo ID and an original or certified birth certificate.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, with its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals, is another destination that does not require a passport for US citizens. Visitors can explore San Juan, enjoy culinary adventures, and attend festivals like El Festival de las Flores and Festival del Mojo Isleño.
U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands, consisting of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, are official US territories that do not require a passport for US citizens. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, snorkelling, and steel drum music with just a valid government-issued ID and an original or certified birth certificate.
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, a remote archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, offer tropical landscapes and crystal-clear waters. US citizens can travel there without a passport by flying through Honolulu and Guam, presenting a Real ID or government-issued photo ID, and their original or certified birth certificate.
Closed-Loop Cruises
US citizens can also consider "closed-loop" cruises that start and end at the same US port and only visit select countries in the Western Hemisphere. These cruises do not require a passport but do need proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License or a government-issued birth certificate.
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A Real ID will be required for US domestic flights from May 2025
From May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be required for US domestic flights. This means that, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the US, it must be Real ID-compliant. A Real ID will also be needed to access certain federal facilities.
A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID that is compliant with minimum security standards established by the Real ID Act, passed by Congress after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards.
If your driver's license or ID has a star (and/or flag) or says "Enhanced", then it is Real ID-compliant. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with Real ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles.
If you do not have a Real ID, you will need another acceptable form of identification to fly within the US or access certain federal facilities. A passport is one such acceptable form of identification and can be used instead of a Real ID. Other acceptable forms of identification include:
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
If you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
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US citizens need a passport to enter some US territories
US citizens do not need a passport to travel to certain US territories. These include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam (on a case-by-case basis), and the US Virgin Islands. However, a valid government-issued ID and/or a certified US birth certificate may be required for entry.
For example, US citizens can enter American Samoa with either a passport or a valid government-issued ID, a certified birth certificate, and an onward or return ticket. Similarly, for entry to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, a Real ID or a government-issued photo ID, along with an original or certified birth certificate, is required.
On the other hand, US citizens do need a passport to travel to the Freely Associated States, which include the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.
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US citizens can enter American Samoa with a passport or valid ID and birth certificate
US citizens can enter American Samoa with a valid passport or a valid government-issued ID, a certified US birth certificate, and an onward or return ticket.
American Samoa is a US territory, and while US citizens do not need a passport to enter, they do need to provide proof of US nationality. This can be demonstrated with a valid US passport or a certified US birth certificate.
In addition to the above, you will also need to provide proof of onward travel from American Samoa or proof of employment in American Samoa.
It is important to note that these requirements are specific to US citizens or nationals. For aliens or non-US citizens, the requirements for entry into American Samoa include a valid passport with a photograph or fingerprint and authorisation to return to the country of origin or enter another country.
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Some countries only require proof of US citizenship, not a passport
US Territories and Freely Associated States
Whether you need a passport to travel to or from a US territory or Freely Associated State depends on your destination.
US Territories
US citizens do not need a passport to travel between the US and the following territories:
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
However, while American Samoa is a US territory, you do need a passport or a certified US birth certificate to enter the island.
Freely Associated States
US citizens do need a passport to travel to these Freely Associated States:
- The Federated States of Micronesia
- The Republic of the Marshall Islands
- The Republic of Palau
US Domestic Destinations
There are plenty of domestic destinations within the US that you can travel to without a passport, including:
- San Francisco, California
- San Diego, California
- Solvang, California
- Washington, D.C.
- Catalina Island, California
- Key West, Florida
- Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida
- Puerto Rico
- US Virgin Islands
International Closed-Loop Cruises
Another option for passport-less travel is to book an international "closed-loop" cruise. A closed-loop cruise is a sailing that starts and ends at the same US port and only visits select countries in the Western Hemisphere. On these cruises, passengers are not required to have a passport, but they will still need proof of US citizenship. According to US Customs and Border Protection, this can include an Enhanced Driver's License or a government-issued birth certificate, along with a photo ID.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a passport to travel within the US. However, you will need some form of identification, such as a state-issued driving license, ID card, or military ID. From May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card.
It depends on the territory. For example, US citizens do not need a passport to travel to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, or Puerto Rico. However, you will need a passport or certified US birth certificate to enter American Samoa.
No, you will always need a passport to fly internationally.
If you are travelling by road or sea, you can use WHTI-compliant documents like trusted traveller's cards and passport cards to enter Canada or Mexico. For closed-loop cruises that start and end at the same US port, you may not need a passport, but you will need proof of identification and citizenship.
