Five countries Americans can travel to without a passport

Passport expiration dates were probably the last thing people thought about last year. And then the borders were closed, quarantine was announced and the flight schedule was cut. But now that the world is slowly opening up, many Americans have found their paperwork expired. Unlike the 6-8 weeks it might take to obtain a passport in pre-Covid times, the US State Department warnsthat the waiting time can be from 12 to 18 weeks. This was reported The Washington Post.

This is due to the ongoing delays caused by the pandemic. We are talking about a delay in the consideration of 1,5-2 million applications for passports.

For many US citizens, this means that the summer vacation plans everyone was hoping for may change.

Peter Vladitas, executive vice president of supplier relations for Internova Travel Group, said travel advisors often hear complaints from desperate clients.

“Every day we have literally dozens, if not hundreds, of clients asking, ‘Can you help me get my passport faster? And the honest answer is no.

Instead, travelers without a valid passport choose domestic destinations: from Florida to Hawaii and Alaska. But there are other, more remote places to choose from.

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Travelers should of course check for local restrictions related to COVID-19. They are required to carry the required forms of identification, including proof of citizenship. It is also necessary to study each stage of the journey in order to avoid potential border problems along the way.

Puerto-Rico

The U.S. Caribbean Territory began allowing visitors to return in September 2020, and it began waiving some lockdown measures earlier this year. Vaccinated travelers have upload your vaccine card through the travel declaration form portal. Unvaccinated travelers must provide a negative coronavirus test result within 72 hours of arrival. Those who wish to be vaccinated but have not yet received vaccine, can be vaccinated with a single-dose Johnson & Johnson at the international airport. Luis Munoz Marina or when visiting the islands of Vieques and Culebra.

US Virgin Islands

Tourist Web site The US Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, proclaims: "US citizens do not need a passport." US Territory requires all visitors to use verification portal prior to travel, as well as taking turns confirming a negative coronavirus test result within five days of being sent to the destination, or confirming a positive antibody test result within four months of travel.

American Samoa

Southernmost U.S. territory in the South Pacific boasts affordable places to stay, an abundance of ecotourism, and "no five-star hotels here or fancy outlets or even mass tourism." While the Polynesian destination does not require a passport, it is still banned and flights are suspended. Until the end of August, Hawaiian Airlines did not have a single flight registered.

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Guam

Territory The US in the Western Pacific, which has a significant military presence, draws visitors from places like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Hawaii. US citizens arriving via Hawaii do not need a passport. Fully vaccinated travelers, those with evidence of a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of arrival, or those who have recovered from the virus within three months prior to arrival do not need to quarantine upon arrival.

Cruise, or better - several cruises

Cruise ships are starting to leave the United States again. On cruises with closed loopthat start and end at the same US port and visit various destinations including Alaska, the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean, travelers do not need a passport, although cruise lines recommend having one. Those who do not have a passport need other forms identity cards, including a government-issued photo ID of a person over 16 and a birth certificate. Some Caribbean islands may require a passport to enter, so passengers should make sure they know what to expect at each stop.