Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was updated November 2020.
So you’ve got #VacationGoals, but the rules around traveling abroad right now still seem a little hazy? Not to worry. These extraordinary destinations are totally bucket list worthy and there’s no time to start planning your future trip there like the present. The best part is that none of them requires you to spend time or money renewing your passport or standing in a customs line. That’s right—you can visit the tropical getaway of your dreams, no passport required! So when travel is in full swing again, and you’re ready to take off, consider these seven incredible escapes that offer paradise without a passport.
RELATED: 2020 Beach Awards: The best beaches in America
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico tourism has been hit hard in the past few years, with Hurricane Maria ravishing the island back in 2017 and then COVID-19 taking its toll in 2020. But it’s no longer too soon to start thinking about a Puerto Rico trip. After all, it’s one of the only two destinations in the Caribbean that doesn’t require U.S. citizens to carry a passport, so you’d be crazy not to add this tropical escape to your 2022 to-do list. The beaches are pristine and the temperature is always just right at a balmy 80-ish degrees year-round.

San Juan, Puerto Rico
If you go, you can look forward to popular attractions like Old San Juan, Bacardi Distillery, the UNESCO site Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and rainforest ziplining, to name a few. Or just kick back and enjoy drinks at a local beach bar, restaurant, or in the comfort of your hotel. Depending on the type of travel experience you’re seeking, we suggest staying in or near San Juan at the charmingly chic CasaBlanca Hotel or the luxuriously swanky beachfront Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Just a short flight away from Puerto Rico—we’re talking around 30 minutes, people—lies another tropical paradise known as the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. The USVI reopened for tourism back in September 2020, but there are a few extra precautionary steps the islands are asking you to take to keep everyone safe; you can find more on that here. Once you land, getting straight to the beach is a breeze because, as promised, you don’t even need to bring your passport along to gain access to this Caribbean heaven. While tourism in these islands was hit hard by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and then COIVD-19 in 2020, the rainbow after the storm is within sight, so why not help in the rebuilding efforts by enjoying what these beautiful islands do best—wowing tourists!

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
If you can’t decide which of the U.S. Virgin Islands to explore, keep in mind that each has its own unique personality. Find the one that matches yours, and you’ll be set! For example, St. John is known for it’s breathtaking diving and snorkeling spots and St. Thomas for world-class shopping. Foodies won’t be able to resist St. Croix, offering Caribbean island-style cuisine your palate won’t soon forget. Pair your meal with some local Cruzan Coconut Rum, and you’ll quickly realize every dining experience you have from here on out will be compared to this magical moment. And will never, ever compare.
San Diego, California
About 70 miles of coastline, adorable sea lions and seriously talented surfers? When you’re ready to travel again, head west and you’ll find a SoCal paradise in San Diego … and you may wonder why you ever considered traveling further. La Jolla Cove is enough reason to visit; it’s a Pacific Coast dream featuring scuba diving, white sand beaches, underwater reefs and plenty of seal spotting as the Children’s Pool transforms into a safe haven for newly-born seal pups from December to May each year.

La Jolla, California
Let’s not forget about the city’s immersive zoo experience, where visitors can get a glimpse at more than 4,000 animals including koalas, giant pandas, Galapagos tortoises and much more. A stroll through Balboa Park and dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter can round out your day before enjoying another incredible sunset in a place where summer never seems to end. Get the beachside vibe you’re looking for with a stay at the one-of-a-kind Hotel del Coronado.
Hawaii
Who hasn’t dreamt of a Hawaiian getaway? Despite serious COVID-related travel restrictions in 2020, Hawaii has reopened to travelers\ with new safeguards in place. That aside, Hawaii is still a relatively easy and attractive destination for U.S. travelers since it’s the only true set of tropical islands to revel in full U.S. statehood. That means that the only thing standing between you and a life-changing view is a 6-hour flight from L.A. (give or take a few minutes, depending on your island of choice.) Once you arrive, say aloha to natural beauty, ample exploration opportunities, and unique cultural experiences you thought you’d have to travel across the world to experience.

Kailua, Oahu
So, when you’re ready to go, which island will you choose? Kauai, also known as the “Garden Island,” is perfect for travelers seeking epic mountain views, stunning tropical rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Take it all in with an awe-inspiring helicopter ride. For romance in the form of extraordinary sunsets and world-famous beaches begging to be enjoyed alongside your beau, Maui can’t be beat. There’s also plenty of adventure to be found here, such as taking an unforgettable drive on the Road to Hana. For those wishing to get a little more city-center with their island escape, pick Oahu, where you’ll find everything from incredible shopping centers to ATV riding at Kualoa Ranch—the backdrop for movies, including Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor!
American Samoa
While you’ll have to travel across the world to get your fill of Samoan paradise, it’s a great bet if you’re looking for a complete escape from the everyday (and right now, who isn’t?). Luckily, like the other destinations mentioned here, no passport is required to step foot on the Polynesian oasis of American Samoa, a U.S. territory covering seven South Pacific islands. You’ll find them about 1,600 miles from New Zealand and 2,200 miles from Hawaii.

Pago Pago, American Samoa
This truly off-the-beaten path destination will refresh your soul as you enjoy surfing, snorkeling, fishing, and hiking at its finest. For a full immersion in the islands scenic beauty, check out the National Park of American Samoa, which preserves and protects the land’s coral reefs, tropical rainforests and unique Samoan culture.
Guam
Another seemingly far away land that also grants access to U.S. citizens without flashing a passport? Guam, though it is recommended travelers bring a government issued photo ID and copy of their birth certificate. Once the time is right to go, this Micronesian island set in the Western Pacific offers wonderful beaches, famous for comfortable and calm waters and particularly scenic views. Stick to the tourist hub of Tumon if you’re looking for luxury shopping, food, and beaches that feel like home. And only pack for heat—no jackets needed here! The humidity and temperature is always on the rise, so sun worshippers have even more reason to love this intriguing getaway.

Tropical Tumon Bay, Guam
Don’t miss the Insta-worthy photo opp of Two Lovers Point, a cliff-side lookout with a unique backstory and an even more interesting view of Tumon Bay.
Key West, Florida
In a Caribbean state of mind? Stay close and head to Key West, located about 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida. You’ll get that tropical climate you’re craving, without enduring long flights—and sometimes a weekend escape is all you need to reset and recharge. Note that face masks are required in indoor public spaces, but you’ll probably want to spend most of your time outside anyway. From a laid-back island lifestyle to a let-loose party atmosphere, Key West has exactly the type of escape you’re seeking. And the best part is, it’s all framed by impeccable scenery. Spend an afternoon strolling the area’s iconic Duval Street and sample your way through its best Key lime pie stops. Or enjoy a lively Pub Crawl, as you experience the area’s most famous bars and pubs.

Key West, Florida
There’s also plenty of adventure to be had in Key West. Snorkel the waters surrounding the remote Dry Tortugas National Park, go diving, or head out on a sailing expedition. Travel back in time at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the famed author lived in the 1930s. Mingle with fellow island lovers at Mallory Square, the city’s center brimming with restaurants, shops, museums, and entertainment. Or perhaps, simply let it all go and relax.
Which of these paradises will become your next spontaneous escape? Go ahead and pack up now, no passport needed!
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
I’d like to travel to Key West, Florida from February 7-10,2019 for a getaway.
Do it
Come visit us at the southern most city!
The southernmost city is likely Kialua-Kona on the island of Hawai’i
Did you make this message in Travelocity last January?
Dad
bring ur credit cards its expensive also check hotels majority are men only gay, lovely lovely place but u do have to mind your p;s and q;s…………my brother and husband spent weeks there,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I had to stay in separate hotel, the holiday on Roosevelt is nice
Hi…
Which location do you speak of where you had to stay separate from the men?
What do you mean, the majority are gay men?. I’m planning to go with my lady.
The majority of people there are tourists and have never run into a “gay men only hotel” there. I am a female and my husband and I have stayed in Key West numerous times. Great place to vist!
I agree! Have never had an issue in Key West with finding a place to stay and we’re a heterosexual couple. Price will be more of a determining factor for many people. Nothing is inexpensive in the Keys!
Unless you’re a booze hound, you really don’t need to go to the Keys. You’ll get the same sun and relaxation in Dade (Miami), Broward (Ft. Lauderdale) or Palm (West Palm Beach) counties and you won’t have to put up with the overcrowded chain of land masses, and over expensive everything where everyone wants to go in the winter months. Take a day trip and just drive there via Key Largo and call it a day.
amen to that!!!! So true.
Nice proof reading on Key West…..where are the pubic places?
“Note that face masks are required in indoor pubic spaces” lol whatever happened to proofreading
I heard a rumor that you don’t need a passport to travel to Utah .
NO you do not need a passport if you are an American citized.! Unless your home is not in the United States.
Or Alaska unless by road.
Does anyone know how bad the weather is in Puerto Rico for early November?
awesome time to go actually or March/April
Don’t go until December! Hurricane season is from June to November. I was staitoned on a Navy ship in the Gulf of Mexico. believe me its safer in December I wouldn’t chance it.
No hurricanes in November in Puerto Rico
The peak for hurricane season is September but we don’t get as many as Florida.
Thank you for this information. Do they have a Veteran Medical care?
Yes, there’s a big Veteran’s Hospital in San Juan, PR.
Puerto Rico has a warm breeze all year around temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees in November. People are hospitable and friendly.
No hurricanes in Nov. Should be good.
Joe, Maybe not hurricanes in Nov. but it is still their rainy season in Mexico. I went to Puerto Vallerta very late Oct. It was so hot and humid,
the paint came off the inside of the condo when the air conditioner was off.
The bugs were bad too, I was bit next to my eye, It was closed for 3 days or more. But have fun there in Nov. It was beautiful with thunder storms. Frankie
Precisely the kind of information that will be useful for planning our vacation strategy. Thanks for sharing frankie briggs.
PV is a great place to go but from late July until October is the rainy season. Expect a 30 to 45 min downpour every day around 3 or so in the afternoon. It is a lot like southern Florida in the summer. The rest of the year it is lovely weather, in the 80s during the day and the 60s at night. That is why there are around 50,000 people from the US and Canada who live here all year round or for the majority of the year and a lot more who come and stay for the winter.
Puerto Rico is an island east of Cuba. Puerto Vallerta is in Mexico and on the Pacific coast. Would expect different weather. You’ll also need a passport to travel there. This article is about places to travel WITHOUT a passport.
Its great all year relax
Looking for a place to experience the most adventure and activities in warm weather. First vacation
Destin, Florida or Gatlinburg TN
Go to the Abey in West Hollywood, CA
crazy hot weather
We just got home from Puerto Rico and are currently looking at real estate because we fell absolutely in love with it!
Where did you stay in Puerto Rico
Its great all year are u latina nope and you love it out there huh lol
Hello im planning to go to puerto rico, and work. maybe when you all find something you could look me up to renovate, small fee and room? veteran, tradesman…
Hi
Any one know travel from India any beautiful location with out passport?
See websites for American Samoa and Guam (and possibly Puerto Rico). Even though you don’t need a visa to enter as a US citizen, they do state that you need a US passport for entry. May need to clarify if some other proof of citizenship in conjunction with e.g. a personal ID can be used.
I’ve seen on several websites that American Samoa is the only US possession that requires a US citizen to have a passport with 6 months validity remaining on it to enter the possession. I live in a foreign country(citizen), with US citizenship and customs told me over the phone I can fly into Guam with 1 day of validity left on my US passport. But if I want to go home, I have to leave before US P.P. expires as I am not going back to the U.S. Been to American Samoa a few times. They don’t even like REAL Samoans and the place is a dump. Forget it. You Don’t need a passport to go to Guam from Hawaii or back.
You are missing a true tropical paradise — Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. There are beautiful unspoiled beaches and great roads for biking. Great snorkeling, diving, and fishing. There’s even a casino, if that interests you.
I’ve been to Saipan, Guam and neighboring Island that’s Paradise I miss the place blue ocean and a nice view of the Laolao golf course.
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If anyone is looking to book with a travel agent I recommend my personal travel agent Alesia Johnson. Her rates are generally less than most agents I know. She is professional and able to assist with various travel needs including things to do while on yoir vacation like restaurant reservations, and day activities like snorkeling, and etc. She can be contacted at personaltravelguru@gmail.com for more information.
I’m intrested in taking my Godmother to Hawaii. It will be a once in a life time trip for her. She’s elderly and would Love the opportunity to go. I’m not sure which island would be the most affordable for us. I’m afraid I’m going to have to do this on a low budget, if possible. I realize Nothing is Cheap in Hawaii. Does anyone have any suggestions, Please !
Kihei Condos in Maui. You can get a nice beach front condo for $200 a night. Not flashy, but very nice. Quiet area with a nice beach. Was just there with my wife for our ten year anniversary. We stayed there the last 3 days of our trip, but wished we had just stayed there the whole time. https://kiheikai.com/beach-front-condo-unit-01/
We went to Kauai. Beautiful. Use a VRBO. Can get a studio with a queen bed for under $100. I cooked most of the meals to save on money. Rented a jeep.
Check out air bnb instead of hotel accommodations and Ohau is best on prices
Been to Maui 7 times cannot beat. Less expensive in the Fall and not as hot. Cheapest way to go is getting condo and making most of your own meals. Best area to save is Kihei or Maalea bay.
You really can’t do Hawaii on a budget. It’s just not a budget friendly place!
I have lived on the Big Island…and know many ways to cut down your expenses!! Email me at jmnaomi74@hotmail.com with the subject HAWAII…I can give you a lot of insight!!
Big Island is by far more reasonable.
Hi,,I’m American with passport and my partner is Philippine citizen with passport. We travel twice yearly to mostly Asian countries because it is costly and hard for her to get visas. We find that doing one to two week cruises helps because some countries allow her to get, for example a one day on arrival visa. You know what I mean? I’m 74 in a couple weeks and find the visa paperwork difficult and she does not understand most of the questions. My question to you is,,if I find some cruises that I can go to with my visa, can you find out if they would offer her an on arrival visa for a day. For most of the ships ports, it’s not even a whole day,,just maybe 8 to ten hours or so. If you can offer some help,,let me know and I’ll give you the cruises we are considering. Thank you in advance for any help with this.
Nice try Alesia
Who books with travel agents still??
hello I just read your comment. about your travel agent & I’am interested in contacting her ( Alesia Johnson ). so if you can please give her my info. I would really appreciate it!.
My girlfriend really wants to go on a vacation an I can’t get a passport, it’s going to be our first vacation any suggestions on where we can go tropical?
Key West is a great place with lots to do for vacation. Although it’s not cheap, it’s cheaper than other American tropical spots because, you can drive there. The road through the Keys is awesome. Food etc. can be trucked in which saves the cost of delivering buy ship or plane. An attached US city so you are already used to all the laws etc. Enjoy!
Anywhere in the Florida Keys is beautiful! Also highly recommend the Florida panhandle beaches, sometimes called the Emerald Coast. Either place, you can get to by car from the US.
I really like what you guys are usually up too.
This type of clever work and coverage! Keep up the amazing works
guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.
You got 8 tropical islands in Hawaii, take your pick! http://www.hawaii.com
Sorry Aunty, these are the only Hawaiian islands you can step foot on: the 4 main islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, and 2 smaller ones, Lanai and Molokai. Kahoolawe was used for bombing exercises so it’s barren and not allowed, and Niihau is the “Forbidden Island”. Privately owned where native islanders can live like their ancestors. I lived on the Big Island of Hawaii and I loved it.
I spent 4 months on Guam in late 1965 early 1966. The beaches were fantastic.
I find it interesting that you are sending me an email, as a Canadian customer, that says I do not need a passport to fly to the USA and its protectorates. Has something changed so that Canadians no longer need passports to fly to the USA or did you make an error?
My daughter n i take a trip once a year for my birthday. would b nice to get this
You may not need a passport, BUT, I recommend that anytime you travel outside the continental US you bring your passport with you. There have many incidents where a plane is diverted to another country and need to overnight. It can get uncomfortable overnighting in customs.
These are all wonderful places to visit I’m sure and up to a short time from now this article might be useful but I think that this article does not hold much future merit. Since most people need to plan a trip that will be many months in the future this article could actually hurt their planning process instead of the intention of helping. The facts of this article will be outdated VERY shortly and is misleading on 2 counts.
Firstly, this article should say right at the start that this advice is only applicable for travel now until early next year. This article will be misleading and completely meaningless for anyone planning a trip after April 2020 because unless you can drive to these places you will, as of then, need a passport or enhanced license (which requires showing a birth certificate to upgrade to, just like when getting a passport) to FLY ANYWHERE even domestically. And secondly, I think that this article should also point out (probably written in the title even), that it was meant to inform that only U.S. citizens can travel to these other U.S. states and territories without a passport. The title is misleading and seemingly reads that ANYONE, even foreign citizens, can travel to these U.S. places without a passport. As the Canadian reader above also points out in their comment, this is not the case. The article never says that this advice is meant for ONLY U.S. citizens and since it’s on the internet, this advice as written without preface, is misleading to any non U.S. citizen. At the very least the title should read
“7 Destinations That Offer *U.S. CITIZENS UNTIL APRIL 2020* Paradise Without a Passport.” You should update this article because it is wrong and misleading.
I thought was October 2020 since I am in one of the last states to roll it out completely yet?
“I am so grateful for your blog.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…”
At the very center of your being you have the power; you know your power and you understand what you want.
I live in morocco
How can i travel for thoses destinations without passport?
Actually, you DO need a passport to enter or leave American Samoa. Even If you are a United States citizen.
Sounds good. Have friends in San Diego
Puerto Rico is great, except for the hurricanes and earthquakes.
Poor Puerto Rico- barely back and now the quakes- have been wanting to see this wonderful island- praying for all-
I’m down for a vacation
Would like to see Guam again with my husband
Please add some African countries to this list.
For Exampe;
1. Eacu, Africa
2. Ghana
3. South Africa Republic
Thank you.
Don
7/3/20
You cannot travel to these countries without a passport ? which is the point of the article.
I’m from the lower 48 states. I’d love to visit San Diego, Hawaii, or the Keys but I don’t have a passport.
cool post. I just stumbled upon your post and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
Hola buenas tardes, le informo del teléfono genérico para encontrar este repuesto que depende del servicio técnico en madrid de Fagor, dado que Edesa y Fagor tienen como común el mismo fabricante. Hola, buenos días, nosotros no tenemos ese material pero sin duda lo puede encontrar en Servicio Técnico Oficial BSINTERSERVICE en Madrid en Calle Embajadores 198, TF 5284704. Ponga el modelo que tiene en el buscador y debajo la Marca, y verá que le salen los diferentes modelos que le comento. También disponemos de servicio de fontanería y pocería, con un servicio óptimo y tarifas sin competencia.
I am a Nigerian living the US with permanent resident status(green card) and thinking of travelling to San Juan for my 10th year honeymoon in December, do i need a visa since i am not a US citizen?
CHECK YOUR SPELLING
Key West, Florida
Note that face masks are required in indoor “pubic” spaces????
All places are very beautiful. We all should visit these places once in a life and as we know that passport is not required so it will be easy to visit there.
Thanks for giving the information.
Regards,
Siddharth.
This article doesn’t quite cut it for all Canadian subscribers to whom it was e-mailed. Passports are required to visit any and all of these locations.
A friend gave me this advice when my family went to explore Key West (and it is beautiful especially at night!), he said: Every time you stop the car it’ll cost you $100, if you get out of the car it’ll cost you $200! Joking yes, but not too far off!