The Most Incredible Places You Don't Need a US Passport to Visit
Do you want a holiday but not the hassle – and expense – of obtaining a US passport? There are plenty of exotic destinations for US citizens to visit without the bureaucracy. These US territories require only a valid government-issued ID and a copy of the your birth certificate, and there are other sovereign nations that allow entry under certain conditions, too.
Hey there, day dreamer. Need a change of scene? Did you know Culture Trip now does immersive, premium bookable vacations? That’s right – from Mexico to Machu Picchu, we’ve got an authentic, adventurous, and accessible adventure for you.
1. Puerto Rico
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This US island territory between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean is a melting pot of African, Spanish, Latin American and US influences. Best of all, you can explore the tropical rainforests, colonial-era architecture, spectacular mountains and sandy white beaches in Puerto Rico without needing a passport.
2. US Virgin Islands
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These stunning Caribbean islands are now an organized and unincorporated US territory thanks to an agreement struck with Denmark in 1916. Tourism is the island’s main industry, with some 2m visitors enjoying the pristine scenery each year. Typical activities include swimming, diving and sampling rum, one of the main industries on the island that is best consumed in cocktail form while lying on the beach.
Well, would you look at that? We’ve got a host of colourful, culture-stuffed Epic and Mini Trips to Mexico. From a food-focussed itinerary in Mexico City, to a whistle-stop railroad adventure through the Copper Canyon, or a beachy break to Baja California Sur, there’s a trip to suit your tastes.
4. Elsewhere in the Caribbean
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Other Caribbean nations will accept a valid US Passport Card or an Enhanced Driver’s License for maritime arrivals under an arrangement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This nifty arrangement allows cruise ship passengers to visit Bermuda, Jamaica and the Bahamas without a Passport Booklet (full passport). Just don’t try to fly home, as a Passport Booklet is always required for air travel in and out of the US and its territories.
5. Northern Mariana Islands
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Way off in the North Pacific Ocean, this US commonwealth territory is popular with tourists for its breadth of activities, such as diving, swimming, karaoke and gambling. English is the official language, and the US dollar is the official currency. The scuba diving is also particularly good here, thanks to numerous coral reefs and World War II shipwrecks.
6. Guam
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Just south of the Mariana Islands, Guam is arguably most famous for its role as an important US military hub. Big guns aside, this unincorporated US territory welcomes more than 1m tourists each year who seek the cultural marketplaces, pristine beaches and superb snorkeling opportunities Guam offers.
You know where else you don’t need a passport to travel to? Anywhere within the contiguous United States. Sometimes a staycation is just what you need – especially when the itinerary is as good as our eight-day Off-Road Adventures in Utah and Colorado Epic Trip… you’ll see what we mean.
7. American Samoa
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This unincorporated territory in the South Pacific is similar to the greater Samoan archipelago in terms of both culture and lifestyle. American Samoa sees far fewer tourists than the other island territories, which makes it the perfect place to get off the beaten path. What’s more, the seafood is great, as are the surfing, snorkeling, fishing and hiking.
8. Hawaii
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Of all the US tropical islands, Hawaii is the only one officially considered a state. This famous tourist destination in the middle of the Pacific welcomes hordes of visitors each year who come to explore active volcanoes, savor the buzzing nightlife and kick back on one of its many picturesque beaches.
9. Canada
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US citizens looking to enter Canada by land or sea are able to do so with a valid Passport Card or Nexus card. Although air travelers can still use the Nexus card, the Passport Card cannot be used, and a Passport Booklet will be needed instead. The Nexus card is great for those who regularly travel between the two countries, as it is designed to expedite the process and costs less than a Passport Booklet.
10. Alaska
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As long as your flight doesn’t have a stopover in Canada, there is no need for a passport when visiting Alaska. As the northernmost state in the US, this land of glaciers, mountains and grizzly bears is well worth a visit. As you might expect, it does get chilly in winter.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.