Countries Where US Citizens Need A Visa
Are you wondering for which countries U.S. citizens need visas? This post will answer the question and cover every country that is not part of the visa-waiver program for U.S. citizens.
Do I Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii
Written By: Armando Du Preez
Fact Checked By: Mohak Nahta
Aug 17, 2022
6 min read
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Known for its beautiful beaches, Hawaii, also known as the "big island," is one of the most popular travel destinations for U.S. citizens and people from around the globe. Not only do people travel to Hawaii because of its spectacular beaches, but there are almost no travel requirements.
In contrast, if you are an American Citizen and want to travel to Hawaii, it's as easy as driving from California to Nevada or Texas to Oklahoma.
To prove how easy it is, we'll look at Hawaii's entry requirements when traveling as a U.S. citizen in this post.
Do You Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii?
Before starting with the entry requirements, we must first look at the question everybody's asking, "do I need a passport?". To give you the clarity to the question, it all depends on the country that you're traveling from. So let me explain this by breaking it down:
Do You Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii From The USA?
I know the questions swimming around in your head looks something like this: " Do I need a passport to go to Hawaii?" " Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii?" and all of the above.
Well, don't worry, I've got you covered!
It is not necessary to present a passport if you're traveling from the United States as a U.S. citizen. You are only required to show proof of identification when traveling to the beautiful Aloha State.
Can I Go To Hawaii With A Green Card?
U.S. Green Card holders enjoy the same benefit as U.S. citizens. However, you will also be required to present some sort of identification. For example, suppose you are a U.S. Green Cardholder. In that case, the border authorities will ask you to show your valid resident permit, U.S. Green Card, or immigration documents (your government-issued I.D.).
As a general travel tip, present your usual form of I.D. for domestic travel.
Do Foreign Nationals Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii?
As a general rule, you must have your passport when traveling abroad if you are a foreign national. In addition, you must meet the visa and passport requirements before being permitted into the United States.
Do I Need A Passport If I Enjoy Visa-Free Travel To The United States?
Yes, you will need a valid passport. Although 40 countries enjoy visa-free travel to the United States under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you must present a passport upon arrival. Therefore you must present your passport and your I.D. when traveling to Hawaii.
Do I Need A Passport If I'm Traveling From A Foreign Country To Hawaii?
If you are a foreign national (non-US citizen) and traveling to Hawaii, you must have a passport. You must follow the same procedure when traveling to one of the U.S. mainland states. It would be the same because the Hawaiian Islands are part of the United States. This is because they were indicted as the 50th state in the United States of America and formed part of the U.S. territory.
Do Minors Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii?
Minors do not need a passport if they are traveling to Hawaii. On domestic flights, underage passengers who do not have a form of photo identification must travel with an adult. The adult must present a valid form of photo identification.
Normal restrictions apply to underage travelers flying alone; a specialized ticket must be purchased. In addition, children under the age of five must travel with an adult. Still, some airlines may allow children as young as 12 to travel without the need for unaccompanied minor procedures.
As a general rule, the adult should travel with the minor's birth certificate to provide proof of age.
What Documents Can I Present When Traveling To Hawaii?
Suppose you are planning a trip to Hawaii from any U.S. state. In that case, you will be required to submit travel documents such as a valid identification before boarding your plane. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the following documents can be used as valid identification:
- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including I.D.s issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
- An acceptable photo I.D. issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
How Will The REAL ID Act Impact Passport Requirements In Hawaii?
Some new information came to light with regards to the REAL ID Act. Beginning May 3, 2023, all air travelers aged 18 and up will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S. States.
If you can't present a form of identification that meets the REAL ID requirements, you must travel with your passport. Therefore, if you want to travel to the islands of Hawaii as a U.S. citizen, you will need your passport.
- When Do I Need To Get A REAL ID?
- How Do I Know My Document Is REAL ID Compliant?
- What Alternative Documents Can I Present?
When Do I Need To Get A REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act will be implemented on May 3rd, 2023. Therefore, you can apply for your REAL ID as soon as the Act is implemented. However, it is important to note that you will be required to submit a set of documents to your local licensing agency when applying. In addition, as soon as your new I.D. or driver's license has been processed, only then can it be used to board domestic flights.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly to Hawaii in 2022?
No, you don't. The REAL ID act will only come into effect in May 2023; this means that until then, you don't need a REAL ID to fly to Hawaii in 2022.
How Do I Know My Document Is REAL ID Compliant?
When you get your new REAL ID driver's license or I.D., it will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card:
Please find below samples of what it would look like:
What Alternative Documents Can I Present?
Suppose you do not have an identification document that complies with the REAL ID Act. In that case, there are other documents that you can use to travel to Hawaii, such as:
- A passport
- A passport card
- A state-issued Enhanced Drivers Licence (EDL)
And That About Covers It
As one of the most relaxing and spectacular destinations globally (especially Maui and Honolulu), you can only imagine why it is an excellent getaway for U.S. citizens. After reading this post, you have all the essential information regarding the documents you will need when traveling to Hawaii. Please feel free to read the FAQs for more details.
Written By: Armando Du Preez
Fact Checked By: Mohak Nahta
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a COVID test to fly to Hawaii?
As of March 26, 2022, there will be no COVID-related requirements for arriving domestic passengers. However, travelers arriving in Hawaii directly from international airports must comply with U.S. federal requirements. Ensure to consult with your airline.
Where Can You Go Without A Passport?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you can travel to any one of the following countries without your passport:
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- the Northern Mariana Islands
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Canda
- Alaska
- Mexico
Please remember that you must provide valid proof of identification when traveling to one of the countries mentioned above.
How do I fill out safe travel to Hawaii?
Hawaii is no longer requiring domestic visitors to fill out an online health form before arrival, making it a little easier to visit the islands in the future.
Is Hawaii considered an international flight?
Hawaii is one of the 50 states that make up the United States of America. Therefore, you are on a domestic flight when you fly with Hawaiian Airlines or another airline from the mainland United States.
How long is a flight from Hawaii?
Flights from the west coast take only 5-6 hours (6 hours going, 5 hours coming home). Flights from the Midwest can take 7-9 hours, while flights from the East Coast can take 10+ hours.
What city is the cheapest to fly to Hawaii?
The cheapest flights to Hawaii usually land in Honolulu at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Hawaii's capital, or in Kahului, Maui, at Kahului Airport (OGG).
Will my phone work in Hawaii?
Most U.S. cellphone companies have a presence in Hawaii, and local cellphone calls are typically included in nationwide or domestic calling plans. However, please check with your provider as roaming fees for some plans may apply.