No passport? No problem: These islands are part of the United States and its territories

There’s plenty to explore away from the US mainland and most of these remote destinations won’t require you to produce a passport on entry.

There are 68 large islands (over 75 square miles) which are directly under American sovereignty or a territory of the United States plus hundreds of smaller ones. Some, such as Hawaii, are popular tourist destinations while others are much less known. If you want to feel like you are visiting somewhere new and exotic, then these maybe the places for you - without having to pack your passport.

Aloha Oʻahu!

The Hawaiian archipelago consists of 137 islands, including eight main ones: Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi.

Oʻahu is the third largest island of the archipelago and the most populated. Around 900.000 inhabitants live on O’ahu - almost half of that figure living in Honolulu. According to government figures, a total of 857,102 tourists visited the Hawaiian Islands in June 2025 - slightly down (1.8 percent) on last year.

The weather is tropical all year-round, with average temperatures around 70–85 °F (21–29 °C), with the warmest months from June through October.

Most visitors tend to stay in Honolulu but it’s the remote parts of the island which are really worth seeking out. For example a half-day trip to Pearl Harbor to see the place where the course of WWII and history changed. There’s plenty to see - the Pacific National Monument, Battleship Row and USS Arizona Memorial.

Or for something more relaxing, what’s better than lazing on one of the island’s famous beaches: Waikiki, Ala Moana, Ko Olina or Hanauma Bay and Kaneʻohe Bay.

Flights from the West Coast to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) take an average of around six hours, while flying from East Coast airports takes longer - 11 to 12 hours.

Catalina Island, California

Hop on the the Catalina Flyer at Newport Beach and in no time you’ll be a world away on Catalina Island. The daily ferry service to and from the island takes around 75 minutes. Ferries also depart from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.

Once ashore, you can marvel at the sun-soaked harbor views and colorful hillside cottages. The island covers an area of about 75 square miles and most visitors get around by hired golf carts or bikes.

For those seeking something a little more active to do, there’s kayaking, paddling tours to Frog Rock, an adrenaline-inducing zipline, undersea sub expeditions, snorkeling and for when you’re back on tierra firma, an 80s-style roller disco at the Wrigley Ballroom. And when you’re feeling less energetic, why not try your luck at the casino, or pop downstairs to the Art Deco Avalon Theatre.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit as there are fewer crowds than in the summer months.

Vieques, Puerto Rico

There are four countries which US citizens can freely travel to and from from the United States without the need to show a passport as they are classified as US territories. One of them is Puerto Rico.

Just off the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico lies Vieques AKA La Isla Nena (“little girl island”, a tropical haven packed with natural treasures.

With almost 20,000 acres of protected land and over nine nautical miles of marine reserve, this island paradise is a dream come true for both beachgoers and outdoor adventurers.

Since 2001, Vieques has been home to the National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most ecologically diverse sanctuaries in the Caribbean. The Vieques NWR provides a safe habitat for native, migratory, rare and protected species. Sixteen federally-listed plant and animal species can be found living in the refuge itself or its surrounding waters.

For those looking for a slow-paced getaway, there are the sun-kissed beaches: Navío, Caracas, Sun Bay and Playa Negra - noted for its black sand and impressive cliffs.

Vieques can be accessed by air or sea. Flying is the fastest and most convenient option, though it’s a more expensive option than the ferry. Small planes depart from San Juan (SJU), Ceiba, and Isla Grande airports, with flights lasting around 30 minutes and offering breathtaking aerial views of Puerto Rico’s coastline.

Alternatively, head to the town of Ceiba, about a 40-minute drive from San Juan International Airport to catch the ferry. The ferry offers a scenic ride across the water and usually takes 35 to 45 minutes.

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