Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii? It depends on your citizenship.
There are more than a hundred reasons to visit Hawaii at least once.
The island of Hawaii is an American state. But the land and its people stand apart as a unique culture completely different from the rest of the 49 states of the USA.
It is famous for its natural beauty and resources. The multicolored beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, and delicious, nutritious food here welcome you as a humble host.
‘But, do I need a passport to go to Hawaii?’ If that is the question you are asking yourself, then you are in the right spot. This article has got you covered with the proper answer and guidance.
Do You Need A Passport To Go To Hawaii?
Are you an American citizen? If yes, then you don’t have to worry about getting a passport for Hawaii. US citizens have the Freedom of movement according to the Privileges and Immunities Clause of the US constitution. It states –
“The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.”
Hawaii officially became the 50th state in the US after on the day August 21, 1959. The islands are around 2400 miles away from the mainland of the USA, but it is still one of the several states under the US.
So, if you are a US citizen, you can visit Hawaii due to your right to move freely across the different states of the US. So, do you need a passport to go to Hawaii from the US? The answer is no. You don’t need a passport to go to Hawaii. But, you still need to keep your documents and identificational proof as a US citizen. A driver’s license is good enough as your id proof.
A Driver’s License Is All You Need
When you are traveling within the territory of the US, you need your driver’s license. It is considered the primary identificational proof for domestic travel within the US. The security at the TSA will require your driver’s license to identify you as a citizen of the US.
The same identity proof will help you during your hotel check-ins for renting a car. So, the driver’s license works as a multipurpose ID proof while traveling within the US. But, if you are a US citizen and you departed from outside the US to land in Hawaii, only then will you need a passport.
For example, if you are a US citizen, but you are leaving from India for Hawaii, in that case, you need your passport.
Passport Requirements For Hawaii Trip For Foreigners
Just as I already clarified, a passport is not necessary unless you are a foreigner or a US citizen going to Hawaii from a foreign. However, if you are a foreigner and visiting Hawaii on a trip, then a passport is a must. It is a general rule to carry your passport as a foreigner while on a trip to Hawaii.
This also applies to countries that are allowed a free visa. These countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, South Korea, Belgium, and Australia.
For a simple answer – You will not require a passport to visit Hawaii if you are from the US because the US constitution does not restrict citizens from domestic travel. But, if you are a non-US individual, you will certainly require a passport as ID proof.
ID For Kids On A Trip To Hawaii
No, kids from the US also don’t need a passport to visit Hawaii. If they are under the age of 18 and if they are traveling with adult guardians, they don’t need an ID proof or passport to travel to Hawaii.
However, the normal restrictions are still in effect for underage or minor citizens. They have to purchase a flight ticket. Adult travelers also need to carry the birth certificates of the minors as proof of their age.
Can I Go To Hawaii With A Green Card?
The number of benefits applies the same to US green card holders just as they apply to US citizens. However, it is crucial for them to present with a proper residential permit. For example, your green card and immigration documents. But, when you are on a general trip, you should present them with the usual domestic travel ID.
Proof IDs US Citizens Can Show For Domestic Travel
Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii? I hope you got your answer to that. But, if you are a US citizen and wondering what proof of ID you need to travel to Hawaii, then you can check this list out –
- US passport
- Drivers’ license
- US passport card
- Traveler cards trusted by DHS
- US Department of Defense ID, (including IDs issued to dependents)
- Border crossing card
- Permanent resident card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here are some popular questions that people ask –
Ans: Yes, you can show your driver’s license as ID proof to visit Hawaii. It is enough to get you through TSA security and fly to Hawaii. But, this is only applicable to US citizens and their domestic travel.
Ans: US citizens also don’t need a passport when they are on a trip to Maui. it is the 50th state in the US, and according to the US constitution, the citizens have the Freedom to move freely within the country’s territory.
Ans: Complying with a covid test is a must for passengers from any location traveling to another. If you are arriving in Hawaii, you must undergo a complete Covid test since it is the US federal requirement.
Bottom Line
Do you need a passport to go to Hawaii? As I said before, you don’t need one if you are a US citizen. However, you should follow all the other rules and have ID proof even during your domestic travel within the US territory. Hawaii is a good place to explore within the US. Whether you are a US citizen or not, you should definitely check out this place.
However, if you have any similar queries, you can ask us in the comment. We will be sure to get back to you.
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