U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens traveling to Hawaii from elsewhere in the United States do not need a passport. But they need official identification, such as a driver's license, in order to embark upon a flight.
U.S. Permanent Residents
Legal permanent residents of the United States traveling to Hawaii from the U.S. mainland who are not continuing to another country do not need passports, just official identification. If a legal permanent resident is flying into Hawaii from another country, he will need both his passport and alien registration card (green card).
Traveling Onward
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident traveling to Hawaii and then continuing to another country, need a current passport. You will also need to check the entry requirements of the foreign country you are visiting and may need to obtain a visa for entry.
Visa Waivers
Citizens of the 35 member nations of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program need a passport to enter Hawaii from abroad but not a visa. Visitors from these nations, which include Australia, France and the U.K., are admitted for up to 90 days for tourism or business. For a list of member nations, visit travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries
Canadian Citizens
Most citizens of Canada who are traveling as tourists do not need a visa or a visa waiver but do need a valid passport to enter Hawaii from abroad.
Canadian Residents
Canadian legal permanent residents need a passport to enter Hawaii. If the passport is issued by a country that is a member of the Visa Waiver Program, Canadian residents can enter on a visa waiver for up to 90 days. Otherwise they will need a nonimmigrant visa in addition.
Visas
Visitors flying in to Hawaii who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens or a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program member nation will need both a valid passport and a nonimmigrant visa. To obtain a visa, apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate well in advance of your intended travel time.
About The Author
Joanne Lewis is a freelance writer who has written for newspapers since 2005. She is currently the editor of a weekly community newspaper in Los Angeles, Calif. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
