Only 42 percent of Americans have a passport. If you are among the majority of citizens who do not have one, that doesn’t mean you can’t travel outside of the United States. Travel & Leisure recently released a list of international destinations open to Americans with just a government-issued ID and, possibly, your birth certificate. The best part is most of these places offer year-round warm weather and beautiful beaches.
If you’re looking to get away and don’t have a passport, consider booking a trip to:
Puerto Rico – Visiting Puerto Rico is no different than visiting New York, Arizona, or any other state. To travel to Puerto Rico, U.S. citizens just need to show their ID; a birth certificate is not required.
U.S. Virgin Islands – To visit St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix you’ll need both a valid government-issued ID and your birth certificate. The article says a birth certificate is not always needed, but you should have it with you in case you are asked to show proof of citizenship.
American Samoa – To visit this U.S. territory in the South Pacific you only need a government-issued ID and a certified birth certificate. You are also required to show a ticket for onward passage out of American Samoa or proof of employment.
Guam – While Americans only need a government-issued ID and a certified birth certificate to enter Guam, you will probably need a passport to visit this island in Micronesia. That’s because to get to Guam you will fly from Honolulu through a major hub, like Tokyo or Seoul, which requires a valid passport.
Cruising is another good option for Americans without a passport, provided you book a closed-loop cruise. That’s one that begins and ends at the same U.S. port and only travels within the Western Hemisphere. Americans can visit places like Belize, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada with just a government-issued ID and birth certificate.
Do you have a passport? If not, would you now consider visiting one of these beautiful international destinations? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and share your thoughts.
