It’s many people’s dream to experience a Hawaiian getaway. Known for its super relaxing and comforting vibe with the warm tropical winds, fresh pineapples and papayas, and traditional Hawaiian dance.
Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reasons. This tiny state in the southern hemisphere is home to different ethnicities across the globe, such as Filipinos, Koreans, Portuguese, Samoans, Tongans, and more.
A Hawaii travel checklist is a good recommendation for those wishing to visit this tropical hotspot. In this list, it’s important to include all documentation that’s required to enter the country. It’s beneficial to make this list a while before the trip to allow sufficient time to prepare.
Some may question if a visitor needs a passport to go to Hawaii. There is some truth to this, especially for residents from certain parts of the world.
What Are The Passport Requirements To Go To Hawaii?
To give you a bit of history, Hawaii was an independent republic until August 21, 1959, when it officially became the newest and 50th state of the United States. Thus, for residents of the United States, it may easier to take a trip to Hawaii, particularly based on documentation requirements.
Passport requirements may depend on where the visitor is from. Whether arriving from the United States or another country, here are things to prepare travelers for arrival in Hawaii:
• Traveling From Any US State
If traveling from any state in the US, a passport is not necessary to enter Hawaii. This rule applies to even citizens and non-US citizens as long as the arrival is from the United States. This is because Hawaii is already a part of the US mainland, not its territories, such as Puerto Rico. Therefore, flying to Hawaii from any state of the US is the same as flying from California to Iowa as an example.
• Traveling From Other Countries
For those arriving from other countries not affiliated or part of any US territories, a valid passport is needed to enter Hawaii. This rule applies to everyone planning to go to the United States from any other country. Some examples of when a passport would be required to enter Hawaii is when arriving from countries such as Japan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
In addition, if coming from any country other than the US, the arrival airport will be the international airport and necessary documents will be needed to show customs agents to verify identity. The Customs also allows a non-US citizen to submit the required documents online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
When the agents check the documentation, one of the details that are required is where the visitor will be staying. Documents such as hotel confirmations and any receipts from booking a tour would be good examples to show. Having information from the overall itinerary of the trip in Hawaii will help keep this a smooth transition at the agent checking desks.
Are There Any Requirements Concerning The Validity Of The Passport?
If visiting Hawaii from another country, the passport has to be valid for at least six months. This is a crucial requirement and must be confirmed to enter the country. There might be unforeseen situations that may require a visitor to stay longer than planned.
There is the option to apply for an emergency passport in case it expires or gets lost during a trip. Although, it is good to avoid this, to prevent the expense and hassle.
How To Apply For A Passport?
Applying for a passport in the United States is easy. All that is needed, is to complete the DS-11 application form. Once done, the next step is to submit it to the Department of State. While this process is fairly easy, the problem is the length of time to wait before receiving the new passport.
Additional documents also need to be attached to the application form before submitting it. These include proof of identification with a valid ID issued by the government, such as a driver’s license, REAL ID, or military ID. It’s also recommended to include two passport-sized ID pictures.
• Proving Citizenship
During the application process, one will need to prove citizenship. This is typically done with a birth certificate and other valid forms of identification. Naturalization papers or consular report of birth from another country can also be used in a case where the applicant is not a US citizen by birth.
It’s a good thing to remember that having a green card will not work to prove citizenship because that will only prove permanent residency in the United States, not citizenship. Likewise, don’t forget that even a person convicted of a felony can also apply for a passport without a problem. However, this will only be possible if the person is not on parole, awaiting court proceedings, on probation, or banned from leaving the country.
Are Other Documents Needed To Go To Hawaii?
Yes, other documents (other than passport) may be needed to move freely whilst in Hawaii. Such documents are those that are shown to border patrol agents when arriving into the country (e.g., driver’s license). This type of ID can also prove useful when arriving at a hotel. Be sure to take a driver’s license if a hire car is part of the itinerary.
Final Words
Many people dream of visiting Hawaii, and it’s unmistakenly a perfect place for a tropical island experience. For those traveling from the US, a passport isn’t required and this applies to non-us citizens as well as citizens. If the arrival country is a country other than the US then a passport will be required. Either way, be prepared with additional documentation to prove personal I.D and details about the itinerary for the trip to Hawaii to show at the border crossing.
