Where Can I Travel Without a Passport? (US Citizens) - Questo Top Picks

Q: “Where Can I Travel Without a Passport?”

A: “No Passport? No Problem!”

Renewing a passport in the US can be particularly costly, not to mention time-consuming. Times are tough at the moment, so large amounts of savings amongst young people are naturally taking much longer to accumulate. The extra money you would have spent on renewal could be put towards a passport-less holiday, instead! Alternatively, you might be waiting for your new passport and that itch to travel could be becoming unbearable to ignore any longer – either way, this list is for you!

With this in mind, we’ve put together this handy list of places you can travel within and from the US without a passport. Remember to read each location’s Important Information section carefully, as travelling without a passport is rarely just as simple as ABC. 

Where Can I Travel Without a Passport? (US) - #5 Alaska

Alaska goes brrrrrr (most of the time)

Alaska is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, making it a very popular “bucket list” destination. It’s also the perfect place to start this list, as there’s a small catch to visiting Alaska without a passport that many don’t consider. 

Important information: Just remember: if you have a layover in Canada, you’ll need a passport, whereas if you don’t, you won’t! 

Visiting between the months of May and September means you can avoid the harsh climate (depending on where you go) and yet still enjoy all the sights Alaska has to offer. From whale watching and aurora borealis hunting to mountain climbing, Alaska has pretty much everything you could ask out of an adventure holiday destination.

#4 - Mexico

Mexico has it all!

Important information: Though many haven’t heard about this, an EDL (enhanced driver’s license) will suffice as proof of ID to enter Mexico for US citizens. You can also use a passport card without needing a passport booklet, which is a cheap alternative if you don’t already have an EDL.  For tips on how to stay safe as a tourist in Mexico, please read this guide. (https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/10-essential-tips-for-staying-safe-in-mexico-city/)

Mexico is a tried and tested holiday destination unto itself, featuring countless amazing places such as the picturesque beaches of Riviera Maya, Mexico’s very own “grand canyon” and the Mayan Metropolis, to name just a few. 

If Alaska’s not your bag and you’d like to head somewhere hot for a break (especially if you’re travelling on a budget) then Mexico is an excellent choice. 

Where Can I Travel Without a Passport? (US) #3 - American Samoa

A South Pacific gem 

Important information: American Samoa is one of the most difficult to reach on our list since flights there are rare and usually you would have to enter via Honolulu, Hawai’i. If you can find flights, though, it’s well worth the visit! Check the website for more information if you plan to make the trip: https://www.americansamoa.travel/

Continuing with our hot places theme: if lounging on a beach, yoga on a mountain top, hiking in a National Park, snorkeling in lagoons, visiting historical World War II sites, diving in a Marine Sanctuary or simply shopping sound like good fun, you’ll love American Samoa. 

It may be small compared to the US, but it’s packed full of history, culture and friendly faces – not to mention activities! 

#2 - The Northern Marianas

14 places in one!

Important information: As a US citizen, you’re free to visit the archipelago without a passport – just bring a valid ID card or a birth certificate.  

Yes, The Northern Marianas are composed of 14 unique islands. However, we’re focussing on the top 3: Saipan, Rota and Tinian. Saipan is the largest of the bunch (~115sqkm) and is home to the famous, highly instagrammable Micro Beach. Any visit to the Marianas must feature this beach! 

Speaking of must-dos, another is visiting all of the WW2 buildings and posts (including a Japanese lighthouse, bunkers, jails and even an abandoned airfield). Climbing Mount Topachau, windsurfing and playing golf are all fair game in the Northern Marianas and, unlike American Samoa, you’ll find them much easier to get to. 

#1 - Puerto Rico

Nature-lit sailing!

Important information: Puerto Rico is classed as another unincorporated territory of the US, meaning US citizens can travel there without a passport so long as you have (photographic) ID, such as a driver’s license. 

Amongst other great things, Puerto Rico is home to some of the most amazing biological phenomena in the aquatic world: namely bioluminescent microorganisms which inhabit some of its bays. Simply moving in the water is enough to light them up, revealing a path of radiant blue around you. People visit from all over the world to witness this for themselves.

And, unlike the rest of the world, the organisms here light up all the year-round – so it’s easy to find night sailing tours where you can witness them at their brightest. If that doesn’t sound like heaven to you, perhaps the rum, the casinos, the hiking and the beaches might. 

So, the answer to: “Where can I travel without a passport?” if you’re a US citizen, turns out to be some downright amazing places. That just about wraps up our top picks list of places you can travel without a passport (for US citizens). Also, if you find yourself wandering around and would rather not cross a state border or board trains, planes or automobiles: try one of our city exploration games!