A passport can get you into nearly 200 countries around the world, but even without that international document, travelers to the United States can still see some exciting parts of the world.
Currently there is a passport application Back up and delayMaking people wait eight to 12 weeks to receive their documents, limiting travel plans.
However, there is no need to give up all hope Exciting holiday: When you cannot fly to an international destination Without passportThere are places where US travelers can go with only their state-issued ID.
Where can I travel without a passport?
The United States has five permanent territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. American Samoa requires a passport. However, the US Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico are accessible to US travelers even without a passport, according to the federal government.
In the US Virgin Islands, you can sunbathe on the famous white-sand beaches of island territories like St. Croix and St. Thomas and explore tropical reefs in clear blue waters. The Northern Mariana Islands have a mix of relaxing beaches and thrilling mountains that are perfect for hikers. In Puerto Rico, travelers can experience the history and culture of San Juan or adventure in the tropical rainforest of El Yunque.
According to the entry and exit requirements published by the Territory of Guam, traveling US citizens must have a passport, but “on a case-by-case basis, photo ID and proof of citizenship may be accepted.” Guam offers gorgeous beaches and fascinating pieces of World War II history.
Are there crews that do not require passports?
There are also unique travel opportunities like closed-loop cruises, which allow people to get out and explore. They’re a little trickier, says CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg. They are not as great an option as they may sound, as few companies offer them.
“How many of those are there? Very few. We’re talking about a cruise that leaves one port in the United States and goes to another port in the United States, and those don’t happen very often,” Greenberg said. This is due in part to a 1939 law called the Jones Act, which stated that a ship not registered in the United States could not sail between two US ports without first stopping at a foreign port. Most cruise ships are not registered in the United States, Greenberg said, making them susceptible to the law. “Closed-loop cruises are really a misnomer, because while they’re technically possible, no one does them.”
Previously, Americans were able to travel between Canada and Mexico without a passport, but that has been changed and is no longer an option, Greenberg said.
Lynn Sladky/AP
While delays are affecting passport wait times, Greenberg said the best advice he can give to people who want to see the world is to get their applications done.
Even if you already have a passport, delays can still affect your travel plans. Most countries require passports to be active for at least six months beyond the length of your trip, so if you have plans that won’t work with those requirements, it’s important to renew your passport as soon as possible. You should also check the entry requirements — some countries may require two blank pages in your passport, so if you don’t have one available, you’ll need a new passport.
Still, Greenberg says, having international documents is worth the time and investment.
“The number of places you can travel without a US passport is very limited,” Greenberg said. “Passports are the best investment you can make.”
If getting a passport in time for your next trip isn’t an option, there are plenty of places to travel in the US. A US News & World Report rankings A look at destinations for 2022-2023 revealed that the Grand Canyon was the top place to visit in the country, with visitors from around the world coming to take in the majestic formations and other gems in the Arizona desert.
A TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards Poll Released in 2022, the United States finds some crowd-pleasing destinations. At the top of the list is Las Vegas, beloved for its glittering nightlife. Next up are Hawaii’s Oahu and Maui, where travelers can soak up the sun and check out some adventurous island activities. Fourth is Key West, Florida, the southernmost point in the United States. Other highly-ranked destinations include New York City, New Orleans and Nashville.
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Kerry Breen
