No passport? You aren’t as trapped within the 50 US states as you might think.
Even though it has contract easier to regenerate passports in the US with the new onlinepassport reclamation portal , it still is n’t a total breeze . And if you ’re getting a passport for the first fourth dimension , the amount of documents and paperwork you need to gain can be consuming . Plus , there ’s the cost of the passport fees and wait for your applications programme to be processed — whether for a renewal or a fresh one — can take weeks .
As of this writing , the current passport processing timehas finally return to a more reasonable 6 - 8 weeks ( 2 - 3 for expedited processing ) , but we would n’t blame you if you ’re still feeling squeamish about deliver to carry on with all the paperwork and logistics . It take on a lot of body of work to be an sea - traversing jet - setter , even in the best of conditions !
Fortunately , even if you are unable toget your passportfor some Earth - trotting trips , that does n’t inevitably mean your wanderlust must remain hold stateside . There are still opportunities to get away that do n’t involve any of the 50 states , include a slating of island and sail options . Here ’s what to know about pass - costless traveling the right way now .
The Cabo Rojo Arch in Puerto Rico.|Stanley Chen Xi/Moment/Getty Images
Travel destinations that don’t need a passport
As a reminder to those of you who skipped some days of geography division in school , the US has five inhabited soil . Three of them do not require a pass for Americans to inflict . These let in the Northern Mariana Islands , Puerto Rico , and theUS Virgin Islands . The US Virgin Islands include St. Croix , St. John , andSt . Thomas .
The Marianasare a warm - atmospheric condition nirvana consisting of 14 island in the northwestern Pacific Ocean including the democratic Saipan , Tinian , and Rota . Saipan is the large island of the Marianas and is know for its stunning white arenaceous beaches , resorts , outdoor activeness , and World War II historical site . festival throughout the year celebrate the Indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people and their tradition .
Puerto Ricois , of class , a vibrant island in the Caribbean place between the Dominican Republic and the US Virgin Islands — and it ’s only a 2.5 - minute flight from Miami . San Juanis the most well - experience destination on the island , but Puerto Rico offers much more beyond the Das Kapital city . The island is screw for its delicious Borinquen cuisine , the only rainforest within the US national park system , bioluminescent bays , and so much more .
The US Virgin Islandsare also pop with US tourists , with good reason . Located in the Caribbean between Puerto Rico and Anguilla , the islands offer beautiful beaches that are frequently rank among the full in the world , all kinds of body of water and nature activities , and a plenteous local culture that encompasses the influence of the seven different nations that assure the island at various points in time . St. Croix is the largestof the three islands , though it is has been overlooked by tourists in the past .
If you are traveling to any of these terminus as a US citizen , you should treat it as if you were visiting any other domestic destination and bear a government - issued exposure ID . Of naturally , starting on May 7 , 2025 as of this written material , that ID will call for tomeet substantial ID guidelinesto be used for travel .
Where to Explore Puerto Rico Outside of San Juan
Lush rainforests, illuminated bays, tasty street food spots, and so much more.
Some U.S. territories still require passports
As for the other two territories , passport are require if you want to visitAmerican SamoaorGuam , althoughthe US government statesthat Americans with a valid photo Idaho and proof of citizenship may still be assume " on a face - by - case basis , " which sounds a bit wishy - washy to us so you probably still need one .
That said , on Guam’sofficial touristry website , it is state that " entry requirements for Guam are the same as for any US finish . " This mean that you are call for to introduce a material ID or a valid US federal or state - issue exposure ID and an original or certified copy of your nativity certificate .
The US also has three Freely Associated States , as well , which are Micronesia , the Marshall Islands , and Palau , but all three of them also require passports to call .
Which cruises don’t require passports?
Of naturally , one of the perks ofgoing on a cruiseis the power to visit one or often multiple land when it comes time for your ship to port . But you want a valid passport to do that . That said , some cruises allow you to visit another country without one .
These sail are known as " unsympathetic - loop " cruises , and they begin and end their itineraries from the same US port and travel entirely within the Western Hemisphere . You ’ll still need substantiation of citizenship and a valid photo ID as definedin point by US Customs and Border Protection , but passports are not postulate .
" US citizens on closed - loop cruises will be capable to go into or depart the country with test copy of citizenship , such as an Enhanced Driver ’s License ( EDL ) , a government - issued birth certificate ( issued by the Vital Records Department in the United States Department of State where he or she was born ) or passport , and if 16 or older , a government release driver ’s license , picture ID , denote photo , name , and date of giving birth , " theCBP web site states .
It is important to jazz which sort of documents are not considered valid for closed - grommet cruise . They admit : Baptismal paper , infirmary certificates , elector readjustment cards , and Social Security card . check that to have an EDL , authorities - issued birth credential , or passport as proof of citizenship . You ’ll also call for a governance - issued driver ’s license or envision ID denote exposure , name , and date of birth .
Among the destinations outside the contiguous US that can be access through unsympathetic - loop-the-loop sail as of this composition are Alaska , Bermuda , Canada , Hawaii , Mexico , and most Caribbean island .
Many major sail lines extend at least some closed - loop itinerary , including Celebrity Cruises , Disney Cruise Line , Holland America Line , MSC Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line , Princess , Royal Caribbean , and Viking Cruises . When browsing for a cruise through the descent of your choice , you ’ll need to confine your search to the usable closed - loop itineraries .
That said , bringing a valid pass with you on a cruise is still encouraged , even if it is n’t explicitly require . You never recognise what could happen on a head trip , and a recommendation will always give you more options in the event of something not going agree to plan . And before you book your cruise and bank on not take a recommendation , you ’ll also want to confirm with the sail line that you hold the document required to take part in the route you ’ve selected .
If all else fails…
Of course , there ’s still plentitude to explore in the good ole United States , as well . If you need to find inspired , we ’ve gone ahead andranked all 50 United States Department of State by their beautyfor you and also identifiedthe least - visited statesthat still deserve a place on your bucket tilt .
Do You Need a Passport to Cruise?
We asked a travel expert whether or not you need a passport to sail away on your next cruise trip.
Looking for more travel tips?
Whether you need helpsneaking weed onto a sheet , find an airport where you cansign up for PreCheck without an appointment , or making sure you ’re getting everything you ’re entitle towhen your flight is cancel , we ’ve got you covered . Keep learn forup - to - escort travelling hacksandall the change of location news you needto aid you plan your next big adventure .
