The U.S. has five permanently inhabited territories: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands in the North Pacific Ocean, and American Samoa in the South Pacific Ocean.

Yes, several Caribbean islands are territories of the United States, providing a high-value domestic travel option for U.S. citizens. The most prominent is Puerto Rico, a large island with a rich Spanish heritage and diverse landscapes ranging from the rainforest of El Yunque to the historic streets of Old San Juan. Additionally, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), consisting of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, are popular "America's Caribbean Paradise" destinations. In 2026, these territories remain a premier choice because U.S. citizens can travel there without a passport, though a Real ID is required. Smaller, uninhabited territories like Navassa Island also exist but are mostly utilized for scientific research. Because these islands use the U.S. Dollar and follow U.S. laws, they offer a familiar yet tropical escape for millions of travelers each year.