Do You Need A Passport To Travel In The Us?

Published On : 17 Oct 2024

Regardless of whether you are an American citizen holding a green card or a foreigner planning a trip to the United States, you must have asked yourself whether you require a passport to travel within the country. But this brings us to the following question and the answer to it depends on several factors. As a general rule, travelling within the United States requires passports to be different from the passports used in international travel.

A US citizen can move in the 50 states, the US territories and some foreign countries without the need of a passport. However, it is advised to have a passport and this is preferable for flying as it makes the process so much easier. For people coming from different countries to the united states, the conditions are much tighter and passports are often demanded in any case.

Read on for the complete guide to using a passport for domestic travel within the United States.

Is a Passport Required for Domestic Flights in the United States?

If you intend to fly within the 50 states then it will be wise to prepare your self for some photo ID check and most airline companies will require one or the other form of photo ID issued by the government. But sometimes a US passport is not necessary.

Travelers ages 18 and older can present one of these forms of government-issued ID instead

A driver’s license or other photo identity card issued by the state where the purchaser resides. It should be from a US state or territory and it must be compliant with the Real ID Act. Regular ID cards have features such as stars or the word ‘Enhanced’ to show that they are Real ID compliant.
Military ID cards (active duty, retired military and dependents)
DHS trusted traveler cards are (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST).
Green card or the permanent resident card.
US Border Crossing Card:
Native American tribal photo ID
US Passport card

It should also be pointed out that a US passport book can be used to identify oneself when flying within the country. However, despite being one of the many forms of identification accepted for domestic air travel, a passport is not commonly required. However, it should be noted that passports and passport cards are the most globally accepted types of IDs. If so, then it is always advisable to use a passport while flying internally in the United States because it is the best document to use.

In some cases, though, a passport book may be required by your airline

For travel between the mainland of the United States and Puerto Rico or other territories of the United States. These routes are handled in a similar manner as other international flights.
If your flight has a connection to any international destination, even if your trip begins in one state of the United States and ends in another. This is through having a layover at an international airport.

If your intention is to travel within one state or across several states while having no international connections, any government-issued ID that complies with the Real ID Act standards will be sufficient. A US passport is not necessary.

Is It Necessary to Have a Passport to Travel Within the Country by Car, Bicycle or Boat?

American citizens do not require a passport or passport card for traveling within the US states or its territories by land or sea.

When traveling across state lines in a private vehicle, an Amtrak train or intercity bus, a driving license, state-issued ID card or any other Real ID compliant identification is adequate. This also applies to travel to and from Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam or American Samoa by car ferry, cruise or cargo ship as well.

However, the people living in some territories are expected to provide additional identification due to territorial agreements. For instance, the immigration policy of the Northern Mariana Islands is closely linked to Guam, and a citizen may use some papers instead of a passport to travel to Guam. Also, the people of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are allowed to move within the United States without any identification.

For other citizens of other states who are also travelling within the American region by road or sea, the Real ID card such as a driving permit is sufficient to prove citizenship. It is important to note that while US passports are not required, they may simplify the identification process.

What about children and infants traveling within the United States?

Minor below the age of 18 also does not need a passport when traveling within the United States , or to territories, by air, land or sea. Instead, here are the required ID documents:Instead, here are the required ID documents:

Flying Within the US Mainland

Ages 5-17: While it is advisable to bring any government issued photo ID like school ID, it is not mandatory. The acceptable proofs can include a birth certificate, social security card, passport card, or a REAL ID-compliant card. It is advisable to contact the airline and confirm their policy on the IDs that are acceptable for this age group.
- Under age 5: Children are allowed without ID because most airlines do not have a policy that restricts such young ages.
Travel Between US Mainland and US Territories: Travel Between US Mainland and US Territories:
- Ages 16-17: A valid government ID with photo is necessary
- Under the age of sixteen: A birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or a passport is necessary.
Ground Transportation in All 50 States:Ground Transportation in All 50 States:
- There are no documents required for children or infants using the land or sea transportation.

Every domestic airport and port has its own policies on identification therefore it is advisable to visit the airline’s website to find out the current ID requirements for unaccompanied children or infants. Remember that infants traveling internationally by air have extra rules regarding passports and visas. However, for anything within the United States, infants do not require identification.

Is a Passport Required for Tourists to Enter the United States?

Foreign tourists who wish to visit the United States are required to have their passports more than domestic travelers who wish to move within the country. Yes, foreigners need a passport to be able to enter the United States of America since it is one of the most crucial documents needed.

In most cases, yes. The general population of a country, including Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries will require a passport to travel to the United States by air. This is in addition to the temporary visitors such as those visiting for holidays as well as those visiting the US for business, immigration or to study.

Other US visitor visas such as business visitor visas (B-1), student visas (F-1) and other related ones also require one to have a passport. However, you should verify this with the visa that you want to apply for since the requirements can vary. Some key exceptions do exist where passports may not be mandatory, for example:Some key exceptions do exist where passports may not be mandatory, for example:

Those using road means may use an enhanced driver’s license or Nexus card instead of a passport.
The people from the BVI can visit the USVI without a passport because of the territorial affiliation between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.
Other Western Hemisphere citizens can visit the US for a short period without a passport by applying with a border crossing card or US visa card.

The Takeaway

Although they are generally welcomed in all travels within the United States, passports are not strictly required by either the law or TSA in most occasions. A Real ID card provided by any state like a driver’s license or state identity card is enough. However, passports are required for foreigners when they visit the United States in virtually all circumstances – with the exception of a small number of cases.

Thus, it is recommended to consult your individual itinerary and travel plans to find out whether you will need a passport when moving within the country by car, plane or ship. Make sure to have all the necessary documents to meet the requirements of airlines and, if necessary, border control. But let us not forget that possessing a passport when you are an American citizen makes ID checks less stressful, prevents inquiries about citizenship, and is a backup identification when traveling within the country.

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