But unlike Hawaii, Puerto Rico is not a state. That means it does not have voting power in Congress and its citizens can't vote for the U.S. president — but they can vote in party primaries. Puerto Rico is self-governed through a local constitution that was approved by Congress in 1952.

There are several inhabited islands that are US territories but not states in 2026, the most famous being Puerto Rico. Located in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a "Commonwealth" where residents are US citizens but do not have voting representation in Congress or the right to vote for the US President. Other major permanently inhabited territories include Guam, the US Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John), the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. In 2026, these islands operate under US sovereignty and have their own local governments and governors. Additionally, there are several uninhabited islands known as the "US Minor Outlying Islands," such as Midway Atoll and Wake Island, which serve as military outposts or wildlife refuges. Traveling to most of these from the US mainland in 2026 usually does not require a passport, though it is often recommended for the US Virgin Islands.