Can I Travel if I Am Undocumented?

If you are an undocumented immigrant in the United States, you don’t have legal status, and immigration authorities can deport you or put you in removal proceedings. However, in reality, many undocumented individuals live, work, and travel in the U.S. on a daily basis.

However, there are certain rules that you should keep in mind depending on whether you are traveling by air, land, or sea. It also matters if you travel within or outside the country. Your immigration status can make leaving or entering a country difficult.

If you get stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you may be placed in removal proceedings. To stay in the U.S., talk to an immigration attorney about your options for deferred action or getting permanent residency.

Travel on Domestic Flights in the U.S.

To travel by plane within the United States, undocumented immigrants and their families may present one of the following documents:

• A state-issued driver’s license or identification card (if it is REAL ID-compliant)
• A valid foreign passport
• An Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
• A permanent resident card (Green Card), if applicable

As of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses for flyers age 18 or older. Minors under the age of 18 do not need a REAL photo ID. However, there are other acceptable forms of identification for flying, including a U.S. or foreign passport, permanent resident card, Employment Authorization Card, and other acceptable identification.

International Air Travel Into the U.S.

If you are flying into the United States from another country, you have to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clearance. Foreign visitors generally require a passport to enter the U.S., with some exceptions. Individuals from most countries need a visa to enter the U.S., and CBP can turn you away at the border if you don’t have a visa or other qualifying status to enter the country.

If you want to travel outside of the United States, entering another country will depend on that country’s customs and border procedures. Most international flights will check to make sure you have a valid passport before boarding. For some countries, you may also need a foreign visa or other registration to enter the country.

Check for entry requirements before booking a trip to travel outside the U.S. Remember that if you try to return to the U.S., you will need to have valid documentation to enter the country.

Travel by Land

If you travel by land between different cities in the United States, whether by bus or train, it depends on the company you use. Different companies have rules about whether they will ask for identification. Many bus companies have an official policy that requires an ID to purchase a ticket, but enforcement is often inconsistent.

When traveling by train, Amtrak generally does not require identification. However, customers must provide valid photo identification when asked by train members, law enforcement, or for certain other transactions with the train company.

If you travel by public transportation within a city, such as taking the New York City subway or a bus in San Diego, you don’t need an ID.

Be aware that Border Patrol agents may conduct checks on some buses and trains, particularly within 100 miles of the U.S. border.However, you must have your passport handy if you take a car, bus, or train crossing the border to Mexico or Canada.

Travel by Sea

Traveling by water is similar to traveling by land. For trips within the country, the documentation requested depends on the company. For example, if you take a ferry across a lake or river, it is best to check with the ferry company to see what documentation is required. To travel outside the country, such as the Seattle-Vancouver ferry, you will need to present your passport.

Can I Re-enter the United States After Leaving?

If you were in the United States unlawfully, either because you crossed the border irregularly or overstayed your visa, you might be banned from reentering the country. The longer you have stayed in the U.S. illegally, the longer the reentry ban will last:

• Irregular stay of fewer than 180 days: There is no automatic reentry ban, but the immigration officer may deny you entry based on this irregular stay.
• Irregular stay between 180 days and one year: You will face a reentry ban for three years.
• Irregular stay of more than one year: You will face a reentry ban for 10 years.

Undocumented people can also face deportation, denial of permanent residency, removal, denial of a tourist visa, or other consequences if caught during unlawful presence.

Can I Travel if I Have a Pending Immigration Case?

The rules don’t change for travel within the country. However, if you want to leave the country while you are processing your immigration case, keep in mind that you need one of the following documents to re-enter the U.S.:

• Advance parole document
• Refugee travel document
• Reentry permit
• Transport documents

This is the case for people applying for an adjustment of status, a green card, or asylum benefits.

Those protected by DACA or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must request and obtain prior permission with an advance parole document if they wish to reenter the United States. Note, advance parole is not automatic and requires U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval prior to departure. Talk to an immigration lawyer before traveling outside the U.S. with a pending immigration case.

What Are the Travel Rules for Minors?

To travel within the United States, minors generally do not need any type of identification. However, airlines may require identification for unaccompanied minors. TSA and airlines may also ask for proof of age, using a birth certificate or other identification. To travel outside the country, the travel requirements vary by country.

Legal Advice About Traveling for Non-Citizens

U.S. immigration laws change all the time. Each new presidential administration has the power to make significant changes in the USCIS, including increasing border patrol and immigration enforcement. Don’t rely on rumors for your information about immigration issues. Contact an experienced immigration attorney for legal advice about your right to travel.