The Caribbean is a central hub for tourist destinations. The Caribbean offers picture-perfect views, crystal clear beaches, and undeniable culture spread throughout its locals and their spectacular cuisine. No wonder many tourists flock year-round from all over the world to visit these tropical destinations. The best part? You can travel to the Caribbean with no passport.
You may have considered traveling somewhere in the Caribbean, but you don’t have a passport or aren’t looking to travel internationally. This doesn’t mean the Caribbean is a no-go because America luckily has stunning territories located in the Caribbean that do not require you to have a passport to visit.
Puerto Rico
For one reason or another, U.S. citizens tend to forget that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. Because of this, U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. However, in May of 2023, Puerto Rico will be implementing Homeland Security’s REAL ID Act. If your state is not compliant with the requirements, you may need a passport to travel there. Read more about the REAL ID Act at our blog “Do You Need a REAL ID card?“.
Why Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is in the heart of the Caribbean and has so much to offer its tourists. For one, Puerto Rico is warm, tropical, and beautiful, but that is not all it has to offer. Puerto Rico has amazing scenery and fantastic food traditional to its culture. Cocina Criolla is what Boricuas (Puerto Rican Natives) refer to their cuisine as, and you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to try an authentically made Mofongo.
If you are looking for some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico might be your next destination. A great thing about Puerto Rico is its flexibility. Its warm climate allows for beaches to be open year-round, and they have so many beaches scattered around the islands of Puerto Rico.
Isla Verde, Carolina and Old San Juan
Isla Verde beach in Carolina offers clear blue beaches and white sand, but it is also located on a strip of restaurants and boutiques, which make for a very walkable vacation spot.
Once you are done with your beach experience, you can experience Old San Juan. Carolina is about a 10-minute Uber from Old San Juan, Puerto Rico’s historical capital. San Juan has these beautiful 5th-century forts and stunning architecture that can be described as romantic and brightly colored. Standing in the middle of a road or alley with Old San Juan’s romantic ambiance can make for the perfect Instagram picture.
Crash Boat, Aguadilla
If You prefer snorkeling and scuba diving, visit Crash boat beach in Aguadilla. Aguadilla is known as a playground for everybody, with its vast underwater wildlife, and with El Natural, a perfect place to dive just a few feet away; you will have the underwater experience of a lifetime.
I can go on and on about Puerto Rico’s stunning beaches. Still, most travelers do not leave Puerto Rico without mentioning the locals, the Boricuas, that make the experience of going to Puerto Rico much more worth it.
The U.S Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands is another U.S. territory in the Caribbean that does not require American citizens and permanent residents to have a passport for entry. The Virgin Islands is brimming with tourist possibilities and perfect year-round weather. From St; Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, you will indeed find a great reason to make the U.S. Virgin Islands your next destination.
St. Croix
If you are a tourist who likes to be immersed in history, St.Croix may be for you. St. Croix has stunning, historic buildings that have remained there since the 18th century. In addition, there’s Fort Christansvaern which remains one of the most well-preserved colonial forts the Caribbean has to offer.
Once you’re done sightseeing, check out its more adventure-based activities, such as ziplining or snorkeling. If you want to grab a drink, St. Croix is the place to do so. For ages, St. Croix has been distilling its spirits, especially its rum. If you’re a big fan of rum, try checking out a local distillery that will satisfy your needs.
St. Thomas
St. Croix might be the place to learn the Virgin Islands’ history, but St. Thomas is the go-to place for experiencing the culture. If you want to shop till you drop at duty-free prices, St. Thomas is the way to go. St. Thomas is brimming with boutiques, local shops, and vendors, but that is not all. They have a fantastic nightlife with locals who are so gracious in their recommendations for the best food and lounges that show St. Thomas is truly the place to go for spectacular nightlife.
If you’re a big fan of extraordinary views, you must visit Drakes Seat to get the best view of Magen’s Bay. And if you love art, visit Danish-French impressionist painter Camille Pissarro’s childhood home. If you want the tropical beach experience, no worries because they have that too!
St.John
St. John is for travelers who are passionate about nature and want to see the diverse beauty the Virgin Islands offer. St. John has arguably some of the best beaches in the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. The beaches are crystal clear, making them perfect for those excited to snorkel. You can also go hiking at the Virgin Island National park in St. John, which takes up almost two-thirds of the land there. If you like more of a routine, there are tons of nature and wildlife tours and private sightseeing tours that fulfill your craving for beautiful views and diverse wildlife.
St. John also offers over three dozen hiking trails. Speaking of foot traffic, St. John is pretty small and one of the less crowded tourist spots in the Virgin Islands, which is a plus for many travelers.
Why You Should Consider Getting a Passport
Suppose you want to travel to the Caribbean with no passport, no problem! However, you may use a passport to travel to these U.S. territories for security. If You only have one form of ID and you lose it or it gets stolen, you may need another form of ID to return to the states. It does not hurt to have two forms of ID, which is beneficial in this situation.
If you would like to get your passport renewal promptly, consider applying for a renewal with The Passport Office! They have many options, such as a passport renewal office in Miami, Orlando, Hollywood, and Tampa.
