While we’re still in the middle of winter, you might still feel a pull toward more tropical destinations.
In a world that demands passports for even the briefest escapes, there are still places where you can slip away without one — at least for now.
Starting May 2025, however, Real ID will be required to travel, as the Deseret News previously reported. It’s important to note Real IDs won’t substitute for a passport when traveling abroad.
Here are some tropical destinations you can visit without a passport.
Here’s where to go, and how to get there
American Samoa
To visit the volcanic peaks and coral reefs in the beautiful American Samoa, travelers will need a valid U.S. passport or certified birth certificate demonstrating his or her U.S. nationality and a ticket for onward passage out of American Samoa or proof of employment in American Samoa according to The U.S. Department of the Interior.
Guam
Guam, known for its white sand and clear waters, requires visitors to present a Real ID or a valid U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID and an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, according to Visit Guam.
Make sure to book your trip through Honolulu, because you’ll need a passport if you have a connecting flight in as airports like Seoul or Tokyo, per Travel + Leisure.
Puerto Rico
Those traveling to Puerto Rico have it easy — you don’t even need your birth certificate.
Visitors only need to show their government-issued ID to visit the vibrant culture within Puerto Rico, according to Discover Puerto Rico.
U.S. Virgin Islands
U.S. citizens eager to taste the sophisticated food and feel the warmth on their skin offered by the U.S. Virgin Islands will be required to show a valid government-issued ID and a birth certificate when visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, per Virgin Islands Port Authority.
Northern Mariana Islands
To travel to the 14 of the Northern Mariana Islands, visitors will need government-issued ID and an original or certified birth certificate, per Travel + Leisure.
Again, make sure you fly through Honolulu to avoid layovers in countries where you’ll need a passport.
International closed-loop cruises
Take advantage of closed-loop cruises to visit a variety of different countries without a passport.
Travelers will only need a government-issued ID and a government-issued birth certificate, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.