So here’s the thing – what percent of Americans have a passport? You’d think in 2025, with the world more connected than ever, that number would be high. But it isn’t. It’s still under 50%. That means half of the country literally can’t leave if they wanted to, because they don’t have the paperwork.
And honestly, that one fact explains a lot about why Americans, compared to folks in other countries, don’t travel overseas much. Let’s talk about it.
America is already huge
One of the biggest reasons people don’t feel the need to go abroad is simple: the US is massive. You can see just about every landscape you’d want: snowy mountains, sunny beaches, deserts, rainforests, crowded cities, quiet towns all without crossing a border.
So when you’ve got all of that right here, many people think, why should I go through the hassle of international travel? A road trip feels easier, a flight across the country feels enough. And that’s part of the story.
The numbers behind it
But the bigger piece is this: what percent of Americans have a passport? Right now, only about 48%. That means more than half the people you meet in the US can’t even think about going overseas unless they apply for one first.
It’s grown over time, sure. In 1990, only about 4% had one. By 2000, it was 15%. In 2010, 35%. Now, it’s close to half. That’s progress, but it’s still way behind countries like Canada, where nearly 70% of people have passports.
Here’s how it looks laid out:
| Year | Percentage with Passports |
| 1990 | 4% |
| 2000 | 15% |
| 2010 | 35% |
| 2020 | 45% |
| 2025 | 48% (estimate) |
So yeah, the trend is going up. But nearly half the country still doesn’t have that little blue book.
Travel costs a lot
Let’s be real. International travel is expensive. Before you even book flights or hotels, you’ve got to pay for the passport itself over $100 per person. If you’ve got a family of four, that’s hundreds just to get the documents.
Then throw in flights, which can be thousands, plus lodging, food, and all the extras, and suddenly the price tag feels out of reach.
For many families, it’s just not worth it when you can take a vacation in your own state or fly to another city for way less.
The vacation time problem
And then there’s time. Americans don’t get much of it. Compared to Europe, where people take weeks off, the average US worker is lucky to get two weeks of paid vacation. Some don’t get any.
With so little time, a lot of people aren’t going to spend two days flying to and from Europe or Asia. They’d rather go somewhere closer, use their time to actually relax, and not deal with jet lag.
So even if you ask what percent of Americans have a passport, the truth is plenty of people who do have one barely use it.
The fear of the unknown
Let’s not forget the comfort factor. For some, going abroad is exciting. For others, it’s flat-out intimidating. New languages, different money, unfamiliar customs, it can feel overwhelming.
It’s one thing to get lost in Chicago or New York. It’s another to get lost in a city where you can’t even read the signs. That fear, even if people don’t always admit it, keeps a lot of them from traveling outside of the United States.
Safety and politics
And then there’s what people see on the news: political unrest, terrorism, health risks. Whether or not the fear is accurate, it’s real.
Plus, there are some countries Americans can’t travel to at all. North Korea is the obvious one, but there are also strong warnings for places like Syria, Somalia, or Libya. These aren’t vacation spots anyway, but the idea that there are limits makes international travel feel less welcoming.
Why travel when home has it all?
Here’s the honest truth: America already has incredible places to see. National parks, famous cities, beaches, mountains, you name it. People think, why spend thousands going to Paris when the Grand Canyon, New Orleans, or Miami are right here?
So for many, travel outside of the US doesn’t even cross their mind.
The digital shortcut
Here’s another thing. Technology makes people feel like they’re seeing the world even if they aren’t. Social media, YouTube, documentaries, Americans can watch other people walk through Tokyo, Rome, or Rio without ever leaving their couch.
It’s not the same as being there, but it scratches the itch for some folks.
Things are changing slowly
That said, change is happening. Younger generations, millennials and Gen Z are much more interested in global experiences. They see travel as something valuable, not just a luxury. They want to explore, connect, and learn from other cultures.
So while right now what percent of Americans have a passport is under 50%, the number will likely keep going up. Slowly, but surely.
Countries that are off-limits
Just to be clear, Americans can visit most places in the world. But a handful are banned or carry very strong travel warnings:
- North Korea (completely banned)
- Syria (travel strongly discouraged)
- Libya (dangerous conditions)
- Somalia (security risks)
It’s a small list, but it shows that global travel isn’t always as simple as “book and go.”
Conclusion:
So, what’s next? Will Americans start traveling overseas more? Probably. With remote work making it easier to live anywhere, cheaper flights popping up, and younger people pushing for new experiences, the trend looks promising.
But for now, the reality is simple: until the answer to what percent of Americans have a passport climbs well past half, most people will keep their vacations within the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of Americans have a passport?
About 48% of Americans have one today.
How many Americans does that mean?
Around 160 million people in the US currently hold valid passports.
Why don’t more Americans travel abroad?
The big reasons are cost, limited vacation time, and the comfort of domestic travel.
How does the US compare to Canada?
Nearly 48% of Americans have passports compared to almost 70% of Canadians.
What stops people from traveling outside the US?
Money, language barriers, fear of safety issues, and lack of time off.
How many Americans travel abroad each year?
Roughly 90 to 93 million trips abroad are made annually.
Are there countries Americans can’t go to?
Yes. North Korea is banned, and Syria, Libya, and Somalia carry strong warnings.
Has the number of passport holders grown?
Yes, it’s grown from just 4% in 1990 to nearly half today.
Do younger people travel abroad more?
Yes. Millennials and Gen Z are far more likely to get passports and use them.
Will passport numbers keep climbing?
Most likely. Travel is becoming more affordable and more appealing to younger generations.