Can I enter the US without a passport?

All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.



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U.S. citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used.

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U.S. nationals, including U.S. dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. U.S. dual nationals may also be required by the country of their foreign nationality to use that country's passport to enter and leave that country.

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Boarding domestic flights is possible if you have a state-issued ID. But can you fly without a passport outside the U.S. and its territories? The answer is no. International air travel standards require all flight passengers to have valid passports regardless of age.

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If your passport's time is almost up, don't wait — start the renewal process now. You can't travel while your renewal application is being processed, and you need to make sure your travel documents are valid for at least six months past the dates of any planned international trips.

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If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.

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If you are in the U.S. and you are flying domestically, the good news is that you do not need your passport. You can fly by showing any photo ID issued by the government. It can be done in all 50 U.S. states. Not only that, but the U.S. overseas territories also allow this.

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Requirements for a USA trip
  1. You have a valid passport or Green Card.
  2. You have a valid ESTA or US visa that matches your passport data (not applicable to Green Card holders).
  3. You do not pose a threat to the USA or the American people.
  4. You are not subject to an entry ban.


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In place of a passport, you can use WHTI-compliant documents like passport cards, trusted traveler's cards, and NEXUS cards. While these allow you to travel to these regions by sea and road, they are not acceptable for international flights.

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If your travel date is less than 5 days away: Call (877) 487-2778 for an 'Urgent Travel Service' appointment with a local passport agency. Again, call as soon as they open at 8am Eastern Time.

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Where Can US Citizens Travel without a Passport?
  1. St Thomas.
  2. St John.
  3. St Croix.
  4. Hawaii.
  5. Puerto Rico.
  6. Mariana Islands.
  7. Guam.
  8. American Samoa.


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It may be issued on the spot or within two days.
  • Note: Emergency U.S. passports are not valid for travel through many countries, including France, Belgium, Holland and the Arab Emirates. ...
  • Please note: a prepaid postage label is required even though you will be picking up your passport.


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