For many, a visit to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, with its sunny beaches, unique culture, and stunning landscapes, is the trip of a lifetime. But as you’re preparing to head off on your tropical getaway, you might be wondering: “Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?” The short answer is it depends on where you’re coming from.
Domestic Travelers: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the answer is no, you don’t need a passport to travel to Hawaii. As the 50th state in the United States, Hawaii is considered domestic travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that you must present a federal or state-issued photo ID. This ID must meetsREAL ID requirements. Such IDs include driver’s licenses or other state photo ID cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). Beginning May 3, 2023, every traveler must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel.
It’s important to remember to check the expiration date on your ID before you travel, as expired IDs will not be accepted.
International Travelers
For travelers coming from outside the U.S., yes, a valid passport is required to enter the United States, including Hawaii. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need a visa. The U.S. Department of State has a wealth of information on who needs a visa to enter the U.S., how to apply, and what documents you need to bring. It is highly recommended to check their website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Exceptions: Passport Cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, and Trusted Traveler Programs
There are a few other forms of identification that can be used for domestic air travel within the U.S. These include passport cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL), and IDs issued through Trusted Traveler Programs (like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST).
Passport cards and EDLs, however, cannot be used for international air travel; they’re only accepted for domestic flights, and land and sea border crossings.
Trusted Traveler Program cards can be used for domestic and international travel, but you should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) site for specific requirements and to confirm which programs include a compliant ID.
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, a passport isn’t necessary to visit the breathtaking islands of Hawaii. However, a valid REAL ID-compliant identification is mandatory. International visitors will need a passport and, in some cases, a visa. Regardless of your origin, it’s always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities well in advance of your trip to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Happy travels to your Hawaiian paradise!
Scott Sweeney is the creator of Virtual Hawaii 360. Scott is a professional marketer and a lifelong Hawaii enthusiast. Scott splits time between Oahu and Dayton, Ohio. In addition to his marketing endevours, he is also a published Ukulele musician.