Places like Nepal and Bhutan allow Indians to travel without a passport, Americans can visit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands without needing one, and Germans can travel within many European countries using just their national ID cards.
Different countries have different rules about passport-free travel. This article covers the general options for citizens of India, the United States, and Germany, and where they can travel without a passport.
We’ll explain which places you can visit without a passport, what documents you’ll need, and helpful travel tips. You’ll learn about domestic areas, nearby countries, and special agreements that facilitate travel.
Places Where You Can Travel Without A Passport (Based on Your Citizenship)
Your citizenship determines which destinations you can visit without a passport. Each country has specific agreements and territories that allow passport-free travel for its citizens.
| Citizenship | Places To Travel Without a Passport |
|---|---|
| India | Nepal, Bhutan, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, domestic travel |
| U.S. | Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa |
| Germany | Schengen countries, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey |
Places Where Indians Can Travel Without A Passport
Indian citizens enjoy passport-free access to several destinations due to special agreements and domestic territories. These locations accept alternative identification documents for entry.
While Indians enjoy easy access to these neighboring countries, travelers from other nations, including Americans, typically need passports and visas to visit India.
1. Nepal
Nepal allows Indian citizens to enter without a passport due to the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship between both countries. This agreement permits free movement of people across the border for tourism and business purposes.
You need a valid photo ID, such as a voter ID card, a driver’s license, or any other government-issued identification. Aadhaar cards are not accepted as they don’t establish nationality, only residency within India.
- Best time to travel: March to May and September to November
- Best places to visit: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Everest Base Camp, Chitwan National Park
2. Bhutan
Bhutan permits Indian nationals to visit without a passport under the treaty of friendship between the two nations. This arrangement allows easy access to the last Shangri-La for cultural and spiritual tourism experiences.
As per the Embassy of India, Thimphu, Indian nationals are required to carry any of the two valid ‘Travel Documents’: (a) A valid Indian Passport having a validity of a minimum of 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India. Indians traveling to Bhutan by road are required to obtain an ‘Entry Permit’ based on a valid Travel Document from the Immigration Office of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
- Best time to travel: March to May and September to November
- Best places to visit: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Tiger’s Nest Monastery
3. Andaman & Nicobar
Indian citizens do not require a passport to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as these islands are an integral part of India, being a Union Territory. Travel to this destination is considered domestic, so a valid government-issued ID is enough for both travel and accommodation.
Additionally, there is no restriction on the length of stay for Indian citizens in the authorized areas. Travelers should carry a valid government-issued photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or driving license.
- Best time to travel: October to May
- Best places to visit: Port Blair, Havelock Island, Neil Island, Cellular Jail
4. Lakshadweep
The Lakshadweep Islands are Indian territories that don’t require passports for Indian citizens. However, you need special permits to visit these protected coral islands due to environmental conservation measures.
Indian citizens need a valid photo ID and must obtain entry permits from the Lakshadweep Administration. These permits are mandatory for all visitors regardless of their Indian citizenship status.
- Best time to travel: October to March
- Best places to visit: Agatti, Kavaratti, Minicoy, Bangaram Island
5. Domestic Travel (All Indian States)
Travel within India does not require a passport, as all states and union territories are part of the same country. Indian citizens can move freely across state boundaries without any international documentation.
Valid photo IDs, such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, driving licenses, or PAN cards, are commonly accepted identification proofs.
- Best places to visit: Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, etc.
Places Where Americans Can Travel Without A Passport
U.S. citizens can visit several territories without passports, as these places are under American sovereignty. These destinations offer tropical experiences and cultural diversity without international travel requirements.
While Americans enjoy passport-free travel to several U.S. territories, it’s worth noting that many international destinations have specific entry requirements and restrictions, like Russia.
1. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so American citizens and permanent residents can visit without a passport. It’s considered domestic travel, so no customs or immigration checks are needed. U.S. travelers can stay as long as they like without restrictions.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as of May 7, 2025, travelers to Puerto Rico must show a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, at airport security.
- Best time to travel: December to April
- Best places to visit: San Juan, El Yunque Rainforest, Vieques, Culebra
2. U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are American territories. Since they’re under U.S. sovereignty, American citizens can visit without passports, treating it as domestic travel to a tropical paradise.
A valid photo ID, like a driver’s license or state-issued identification card, is required for air travel. No customs declarations or immigration procedures are needed when traveling from the continental United States.
- Best time to travel: April to June and December to March
- Best places to visit: St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Charlotte Amalie
3. Guam
U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit Guam, as it is a U.S. territory. Travel to Guam is considered domestic, allowing citizens to stay indefinitely, just as they would in any other part of the United States.
You need a valid photo identification document for domestic flights to Guam. The island offers unique Chamorro culture and Pacific island experiences without the need for international travel documentation.
- Best time to travel: December to June
- Best places to visit: Tumon Bay, Two Lovers Point, Inarajan Natural Pool
4. Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands are a U.S. commonwealth, allowing U.S. citizens to travel there without a passport. Americans can stay, live, or work in the country without restrictions. The TSA requires a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other valid photo ID for air travel.
Citizens of certain countries may enter visa-free under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program for up to 45 days. Nationals from visa-exempt countries may stay for up to 90 days for tourism purposes.
- Best time to travel: December to June
- Best places to visit: Saipan, Managaha Island, Grotto diving site
5. American Samoa
U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to visit American Samoa, but must show a valid U.S. birth certificate or passport as proof of nationality. A return or onward ticket is also required for entry due to American Samoa’s separate border controls.
There is no specific limit on the duration of stay for U.S. citizens in American Samoa. However, travelers must provide proof of onward travel or employment to show they don’t intend to stay permanently without authorization.
- Best time to travel: May to October
- Best places to visit: Pago Pago, National Park of American Samoa, Ofu Beach
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Places Where Germans Can Travel Without A Passport
German citizens can travel to multiple European destinations without passports due to EU agreements and Schengen zone membership. These arrangements enable free movement with just a national ID card.
1. Schengen Countries
German citizens can travel freely within the Schengen Area without showing a passport at borders because member countries have open borders. They can stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa.
Although there are no routine border checks within the Schengen Area, Germans are still required to have a valid passport or ID to enter from outside. The 90-day limit applies across all Schengen countries, allowing travelers to stay without an extra visa for that period.
- Best time to travel: Varies by specific country
- Best places to visit: France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria
2. Iceland
Citizens of Germany don’t need a passport to visit Iceland, as both countries are part of the Schengen Area, which allows for free travel without border checks. They can stay in Iceland for up to 90 days without needing a visa.
Although a passport isn’t required, German travelers must carry a valid ID card or travel document to enter Iceland. Remember that this limit of days applies to the entire time spent within the Schengen Area, not just in Iceland alone.
- Best time to travel: June to September
- Best places to visit: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Jökulsárlón
3. Norway
Traveling to Norway without a passport is permissible for German citizens, as both countries are members of the Schengen Area. They can stay for up to three months without needing a visa or special permit.
To enter, they just need a valid ID card or passport. If staying longer than three months, they must register with the local police. There’s no set waiting time before returning, but proof of leaving is required.
- Best time to travel: May to September
- Best places to visit: Oslo, Bergen, Geiranger Fjord, Tromsø
4. Switzerland
German citizens don’t need a passport for short visits to Switzerland. They can use their valid German ID card or passport to enter. For stays of up to 90 days, no visa or additional documents are required.
If staying longer than 90 days, they must apply for a residence permit to the local Swiss authorities. While a passport isn’t required for short trips, it’s a good idea to have one valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- Best time to travel: June to September for hiking, December to March for skiing
- Best places to visit: Zurich, Geneva, Interlaken, Matterhorn
5. Turkey
Turkey allows German nationals to enter using a valid German ID card instead of a passport. Visitors can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa for tourism or business purposes.
This visa-free access is part of a special agreement between Turkey and Germany. However, the same ease of entry is not always extended to Turkish citizens by all European countries.
- Best time to travel: April to June and September to November
- Best places to visit: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus
Documents Required To Visit Countries Without a Passport
Alternative identification documents are needed when traveling without a passport. Each destination has specific requirements for acceptable forms of identification.
Required Documents:
- National ID cards – Government-issued photo identification
- Voter ID cards – Official voting registration documents
- Driver’s licenses – State or national driving permits with photos
- Birth certificates – Official birth registration documents
- Military ID cards – Armed forces identification documents
- Enhanced driver’s licenses – Special licenses for border crossings
- NEXUS cards – Trusted traveler program identification
These documents may be required when traveling without a passport is allowed. However, when passports are required for international travel, many destinations also require specific types of visas, depending on the purpose of the visit.
Can You Travel On A Cruise Without A Passport?
Specific cruise routes allow passengers to travel without passports, particularly closed-loop cruises that start and end in the same U.S. port. These cruises visit the Caribbean and nearby destinations.
Closed-loop cruises accept birth certificates and driver’s licenses instead of passports. However, having a passport is recommended for emergencies and for easier re-entry to the United States.
Passport-free cruise options for U.S. Citizens:
- Caribbean cruises from Florida ports
- Mexico cruises from California ports
- Canada and New England cruises from New York
- Alaska cruises from Seattle
Why Travel Without A Passport?
Traveling without a passport saves time and money on documentation processes. You avoid lengthy passport applications, renewal fees, and potential delays that could affect your travel plans.
These destinations offer convenient getaways without international travel hassles. You can enjoy different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes while maintaining the security of domestic travel arrangements.
Additionally, if you’re looking for broader travel inspiration beyond passport-free destinations, consider exploring some of the best countries to visit with family, family or colleagues.
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Conclusion: Passport-Free Travel Depends On Citizenship And Destination
Travel without a passport depends on your country of origin and your destination. Indian citizens have easy access to neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan, Americans can visit various U.S. territories hassle-free, and Germans benefit from seamless travel across much of Europe.
Always carry valid identification documents even when passports aren’t required. Check current requirements before traveling, as policies can change due to security concerns or international agreements.
Plan your passport-free trips to save money and time while experiencing new cultures. Consider destinations like Puerto Rico for Americans or Nepal for Indians to enjoy international experiences within their own borders.
FAQs
Limited international travel is possible without a passport, depending on your citizenship. Indians can visit Nepal and Bhutan, while Americans can travel to specific territories, but most international destinations require passports.
U.S. citizens can travel to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa without passports.
Common alternatives include national ID cards, enhanced driver’s licenses, birth certificates, military ID cards, and Trusted Traveler Program cards, such as NEXUS or SENTRI, for specific destinations.
Visas are typically issued in passports and require valid passport documentation. A visa alone cannot substitute for a passport when traveling internationally.
Canadians need a passport to fly to the U.S. However, they can drive or walk across the border with an enhanced driver’s license or a NEXUS card.
EU citizens can travel within Schengen countries with national ID cards, Indians can visit Nepal and Bhutan, Americans can visit U.S. territories, and various bilateral agreements allow limited passport-free travel.
