Just because you forgot to renew your passport doesn’t mean you should miss out on amazing vacation experiences.
There are several gorgeous destinations you can still gain entry to even without your passport.
From pristine beaches to magnificent historical sites, there are numerous getaways that don’t require a passport.
It may be hard to believe, but you can still enjoy the most breathtaking sites, participate in a bunch of fun activities, and sample sumptuous delicacies without your passport at some of the world’s most exotic locations.
What Countries Can I Travel to Without a Passport?
If you’re asking yourself right now: What countries can I travel to without a passport?
Here are a few of the most amazing locations that await:
- Puerto Rico
- American Samoa
- Virgin Islands
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Guam
If you feel like jetting off somewhere but don’t think you’ll be able to renew your passport in time, set your sights on the aforementioned getaways.
However, take note that these territories will still require you to present your valid government-issued identification, so don’t forget to bring it with you.
Going on a Caribbean cruise is one more way to experience the world and sometimes doesn’t require you to bring your passport.
A lot of these cruises start and end in the United States, and simply require you to present a government-issued I.D. and an original copy of your birth certificate.
Curacao, Belize, and Bermuda are also among the few mind-blowing tropical paradises you should also check out.
What to Expect from These Countries
We know it’s unlikely for a traveler not to have a valid passport, but you never know; you could have overlooked that fact while excitedly planning your next vacation.
We forgive you, though, as do the following no-passport destination countries and locations:
Puerto Rico
Don’t have your passport with you? Puerto Rico and all its amazing wonders will welcome you with open arms.
For as long as you have a valid government-issued I.D. with you, you can explore as much of Puerto Rico as you like.
You can begin by exploring the country’s rich history by visiting its old colonial section, which is where you’ll find the San Juan National Historic Site.
This is where one of Puerto Rico’s majestic old forts and most beautiful spots is situated, the Castillo San Cristóbal.
Scuba diving and snorkeling in Culebra Island, where you can revel in the crystal clear waters and fine white sand, should also be part of your itinerary.
Plus, if you’re up for a bit more fun, then go on a tasting tour of the Bacardi Rum Factory.
Jamaica
The country is home to three ship ports and is a top getaway for cruise-goers around the world.
Of course, you must have a passport if you plan to fly into Jamaica, but a cruise is a different story.
If you’re entering the country via cruise ship, then all you have to worry about is securing a birth certificate and government-issued I.D.
Smaller ships are usually accommodated in a dock called Port Antonio, which is located on the island’s eastern side.
The larger vessels, on the other hand, dock at Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, which are both in the northern part of the country.
Jamaica has no shortage of pristine beaches, some of which you can bear witness to no matter which port you end up in.
There are also plenty of shopping areas and bars to go around, so expect to have unlimited fun during your stop.
Mexico
If you’re doing a closed-loop cruise, then parts of Mexico are open for your exploration, and, yes, you don’t need a passport for this itinerary.
Mexico is home to numerous ship ports, some of which allow visitors to explore the country’s stunning beaches and rich culture.
Destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are where cruise-goers can partake in a bunch of fun water activities during the day and go party hopping at night.
The main beach of Cabo San Lucas is littered with an assortment of restaurants that offer a variety of sumptuous delicacies.
After an evening of food-tasting, you can head to the bars nearby for some fun.
You cannot visit Cabo without seeing the Arch of San Cabo Lucas, which is a jaw-dropping, naturally carved archway located in the sea cliffs.
As for Mexico’s historical sites, you can head to the other port towns, like Mazatlan, to experience them, too.
Honduras
Here’s another country that you cannot miss out on experiencing if you’re going on a closed-loop cruise.
Honduras is an absolute paradise in every way.
Its islands are stunning and spectacular vacation spots that can be accessed without a passport.
Here, you can go scuba diving and snorkel in some of the most crystal clear waters you’ve ever seen in your life.
As soon as your ship docks at Roatan, the grand vacation begins.
You can start exploring the largest of the country’s bay islands by diving or snorkeling alongside its magnificent reef, called the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
This natural and majestic underwater structure not only leaves visitors in awe of its beauty but also its diversity.
If you’re interested in organized activities, there’s plenty of that to go around, as well.
Definitely, Honduras is simply one of those destinations you have to visit, with or without a passport.
Guam
Flying to Guam is really not that different from traveling to any other part of the United States.
This exotic island, which is part of the U.S. territory, is lined with some of the most stunning tropical beaches.
Its scenic sites, including the lookout located on a cliffside, is a haven for visitors who love to scuba dive, snorkel, and do other water-based activities.
As soon as you touch down in Tumon, you’ll notice how similar it is to other U.S. capitals.
This central tourist district is home to a bay that’s lined with restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, and, of course, everyone’s favorite, pristine beaches.
Beyond Tumon lies even more gorgeous but secluded beaches and a stunning cliff line that towers over the entire Tumon bay called Two Lovers Point.
This location offers the most amazing views of Guam from more than 120 meters above the Philippine sea.
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands is a group of more than two dozen islands that are absolutely gorgeous and uninhabited.
If you’re fond of islands that you can enjoy and explore in peace, then here are 14 of them that’s open for all Americans, including the ones who don’t have valid passports.
Apart from serene beaches, there are also picturesque golf ranges and spectacular natural wonders, such as the famous Grotto Cave, to explore in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Saipan, which is the region’s most populated island, is where you can find the Grotto Cave.
This stunning cavern houses a diverse range of marine life, from turtles to reef sharks, and is a jaw-dropping structure to behold from the outside as well as from within.
Saipan is also rich in history, housing numerous museums and war memorials.
The islands were first governed by Spanish colonists back in the 16th century and then by the Japanese during the second world war.
The United States declared the Northern Mariana Islands as part of its territory after the historical battle of Saipan during the mid-1940s.
Hawaii
A valid passport is not something you have to trouble yourself with if you’re jetting off to Hawaii.
You can gain entry to this tropical destination just like any other state in the U.S.
Situated a couple of thousand miles from the state of California, Hawaii sits on its own time zone and is lined with a number of pristine beaches with different colored sands, gorgeous waterfalls, majestic volcanoes, and stunning nature parks.
To fly in, you’ll only need to present an original copy of your birth certificate and a valid I.D. issued by the government.
Here are some of the awesome activities you can do in the country’s 50th state:
- All inclusive Golf Holidays
- Go on hiking trails
- Visit inactive volcanoes
- Go camping next to waterfalls
- Lay on the beach and get a natural tan
Bermuda
Bermuda is an amazing place that doesn’t require you to present a passport to gain entry.
You can travel to this location via a closed-loop cruise for the best and safest experience.
Cruise ships have three ports to dock in: St. George, King’s Wharf, and Hamilton City.
They usually dock for several days at a time, allowing visitors to explore to their heart’s content.
Join in on some fun water-based activities, lay on the exquisite pink-sand beaches, and check out some really amazing attractions.
Some of the most jaw-dropping sites Bermuda has to offer is the Crystal Cave.
This majestic cavern is home to stunning stalactites and stalagmites, which took several thousands of years to form.
U.S. Virgin Islands
A few minutes away from Puerto Rico, which is another no-passport required destination, is the U.S. Virgin Islands.
It’s comprised of three islands, namely: St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas.
People often confuse this group of islands for its British counterpart, which is the British Virgin Islands.
The three islands that comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands are each appealing in their own unique ways.
St. John, for instance, is where you go to experience some legendary diving and natural parklands.
For shopping lovers out there who can’t get enough of jewelry, St. Thomas is the place to be.
It’s also got two cruise terminals that can easily transport you anywhere around the island.
Lastly, if you’re looking to experience rich Dutch-culture and luxury private spots, then you want to head to, none other than, St. Croix.
Costa Rica
Non-passport holders can enjoy Costa Rica’s diverse rainforests, beautiful beaches, and exotic animals.
If you’re going on a closed-loop cruise that has Costa Rica as one of its itineraries, then prepare to be stunned by its natural wonders.
Aside from the lush forests, diverse wildlife, and magnificent beaches that make you feel like you’re vacationing in paradise, the country also has an amazing culture that you can experience and enjoy.
Some ports can lead to even more natural wonders, such as the Puerto Caldera, which houses an incredibly diverse group of flora and fauna despite its small size.
Alaska
Alaska, while not exactly a country, is another location that won’t require its visitors to have a passport—granted, of course, that they are American citizens.
Situated all the way up in the north and with freezing temperatures all year round, Alaska feels like it’s a completely different country.
It’s the biggest U.S. state and home to some magnificent natural wonders, like glaciers, fjords, snowy mountains, and lush forests.
It also has an abundance of animal life, with majestic creatures like moose, brown bears, mountain goats, and bison that have all made their home within this snowy kingdom.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Alaska is just the place to be.
It offers an even more intimate experience with nature where hikes and other outdoor activities take place in beautiful landscapes blanketed by ice and snow.
Another way to explore the United States’ largest state is by going on an Alaskan cruise.
In this way, you get to experience the full scale of what Alaska has to offer, including its humongous gray whales and jaw-dropping glaciers.
Belize
This South American nation is not a “no passport, no entry” country, which is something we’re sure all you travelers are glad to hear.
Imagine being able to visit this tropical paradise on earth without needing to renew your passport or even get one in the first place.
Go on a cruise that drops you off in Belize City, where you can begin a day of exploration by participating in a bunch of exciting activities.
You can discover caves, go on bike expeditions, and snorkel in the most beautiful and diverse reefs that take you up close and personal with stunning stingrays and nurse sharks.
If South American history is more your thing, you can head to locations of the ancient Mayan ruins, like Xuanatunich.
There sits a magnificent temple that has been reclaimed by the jungle.
Bahamas
There are literally hundreds of beautiful islands in the Bahamas.
The best way to explore this amazing getaway is on board a luxury cruise with your friends or family.
What does a trip to the Bahamas have in store for you?
Well, you can expect a whole lot of underwater adventures while exploring its many different islands.
Whether you want to go diving at the Orange Bowl Reef to witness the stunning coral garden or explore shipwrecks in the Grand Bahamas and get more intimate with the creatures of the deep, this non-passport-requiring destination has it all in store for you.
Seasoned cruise-goers recommend taking a cruise that drops you off in Nassau, where you can start experiencing the best of Bahamian culture.
Nassau is also home to the famous Atlantis, Paradise Island.
American Samoa
As an unincorporated territory of the United States, American citizens who don’t hold a passport can still visit American Samoa.
American Samoa is a group of two atolls and five volcanic islands situated between the Cook Islands and Fiji.
Its largest island is Tutuila, whose capital city, Pago Pago, brings you serene beaches, gorgeous rainforests, and coral-rich waters all on a silver platter.
Unlike other Polynesian vacation destinations, American Samoa doesn’t get too crowded with tourists.
Here, you get the chance to experience the purest of Samoan culture.
If you want to escape the typical vacation getaways where you fight with other tourists for almost anything, pack your bags and travel to American Samoa.
It offers a refreshing change from the usual fancy hotels and the same old retail outlets.
These islands are also rich in history, with its natural parks and popular World War II sites.
The United States of America
If you’re fortunate enough to be a U.S. citizen, then, apart from your own home state, you have 49 others you’re free to explore without a passport.
America is rich in history, natural wonders, and culture—it’s pretty much the entire world in one country.
The U.S. holds a plethora of adventure destinations that will just leave you breathless and in awe, plus a whole lot surprised that all these locations are in your own backyard.
It’s time for you to stop overlooking what America has to offer and start discovering its contrasting landscapes, beautiful and diverse wildlife, and the rest of its interesting people.
Again, there’s no need for you to present a passport; you just need your valid government-issued I.D. and birth certificate.
Whether you’re thinking about exploring desert towns, mountainous regions, stunning glaciers, beautiful stretches of beaches, or lush forests with diverse flora and fauna, the United States has all of it; you just have to know where to look.
No Entry Without Passport
While pondering over some of the possible locations to head to next, it is important to take extra care.
You’ll want to do some extra research before making a decision as some countries have very stringent rules for entering even when you do hold a valid passport.
Sudan
To those who want to travel to Sudan, be warned.
No, we are not doing this to scare you, but just to make you aware that getting into this country is not only tricky but is also potentially dangerous.
Civil unrest and terrorism are just some of the reasons you may want to reconsider your trip to Sudan.
In regions like the Blue Nile State, South Kordofan, and Darfur region, there’s an abundance of crime and armed conflict taking place that you just can’t afford to get in the middle of.
If you insist on flying over to Sudan, then you’ll have to prepare a lot of paperwork.
Plus, within 24 hours after you land outside Khartoum, you’ll have to head straight to law enforcement to register your name before beginning your exploration.
Now, that’s not exactly what you’d call a dream vacation.
Somalia
If you’re asking yourself: What countries can I travel to without a passport?
Somalia is not on that list, and it’s really in your best interest that it isn’t.
Somalia is among the most dangerous countries in the world, with regular attacks occurring on a daily basis.
You want to enjoy your life and not put it at risk, so think again if you’re planning on visiting Somalia.
Plus, if you really insist on going, you’re not just going to need a passport, you will also need to secure a Somalian visa, which is complicated to acquire since Somalia doesn’t even have an embassy in the United States.
Travel Without a Passport
You can gain entry to a myriad of destinations even without a passport, but this number may vary depending on your citizenship.
For travelers who are U.S. citizens, for instance, there are so many more options for no-passport vacation getaways.
There’s really nothing like traveling to other parts of the world and experiencing what these locations have to offer in terms of natural wonders and culture.
It’s even more amazing to know that you can gain entry to some of these destinations without a valid passport and only your government-issued I.D. and birth certificate as your travel documents.
Whether or not you hold a valid passport, it’s important to contemplate very carefully about the places you’d like to visit.
Do Babies Need a Passport to Travel
Travel documents are easy enough to secure when you’re determined; what’s not a guarantee is your safety if you find yourself in a hostile, war-ridden land with conflict taking place in every corner.