Can I go to Key West without a passport?

No problem. Key West lies at the end of the Florida Keys and is as close to the Caribbean as you can get without the headache of acquiring a passport. U.S. citizens can escape to our tropical paradise and traverse the island freely.



Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to go to Key West. Since Key West is part of the state of Florida, traveling there from any other U.S. state is considered a domestic trip. You only need a standard government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, to board a flight or drive across the Overseas Highway. In 2026, the REAL ID requirement is in full effect, so ensure your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant if you are using it for air travel. Even if you arrive via a cruise ship that departs and returns to a U.S. port (a "closed-loop" cruise), U.S. citizens can typically use a birth certificate and government ID instead of a passport, though a passport is always recommended for emergencies. For international travelers, the standard visa or ESTA requirements for entry into the United States apply, as Key West is an official port of entry with its own international airport (EYW).

People Also Ask

Is Key West expensive? Well, it can be, and there are many reasons why a destination like Key West can be somewhat costly for tourists. Much of what attracts visitors in the first place from all over the world to the islands includes attractions that are costly, such as private boat and snorkeling tours.

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The most likely scenario is that you will be prevented from boarding transport by the staff on duty. If you managed to avoid that situation, you could be blocked from entering your destination by border authorities upon arrival. Generally, it is necessary to have a valid passport if you want to travel abroad.

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The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is now May 7, 2025. The TSA will accept your driver's license as an ID to fly now if it is a non REAL ID until May 5, 2025. After that date, it will need to be a Real ID. A Real ID is a federally approved state driver's license.

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Cultures collide in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, the tropical island that tempts mainland Americans with its proximity to Miami (just a 2.5-hour flight).

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As a general rule of thumb, international travel requires a passport. So, at the very least, foreign nationals who are neither American citizens nor permanent residents will need a passport to go to Hawaii. Passport requirements will differ based on the length of stay and the country of origin.

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At a Glance: Yes, you need a passport to go to Cancun, Mexico from the United States. When traveling by air, a valid passport is required, along with a completed Multiple Migratory Form (FMM).

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1. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Welcome to the largest of the U.S. territories, my favorite U.S. territory. Holding more people than all other territories combined, Puerto Rico (PR) also happens to be the cheapest territory for travelers, which makes it perfect for those who prefer spending more on adventures.

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Countries in the Visa Waiver Program that can travel to USA visa-free:
  • Andorra.
  • Australia.
  • Austria.
  • Belgium.
  • Brunei.
  • Chile.
  • Croatia.
  • Czech Republic.


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