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Legally, while closed-loop cruises don’t require a passport, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mandates proof of citizenship and identity. Here’s where your birth certificate and government-issued photo ID come in handy, or better yet, an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). Be aware that requirements on closed-loop cruises can still change in certain countries, so be sure to check the entry requirements of the specific cruise ports on your itinerary. Some Caribbean nations still require passports or passport cards, like Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Why It’s Best to Travel With a Passport
No, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring a copy of it with you, just in case (leave the original in the cabin safe). When you get off the ship in port, you don’t need your birth certificate to enter or leave. While it’s not definite, it’s been seen that on some cruises, passengers that are positive for COVID have had to debark the ship. That means they have to find an alternate way home, such as flying. You will also need to have a passport size photo taken and pay the required fees. While this type of passport can be issued within as little as a day, it could take up to a week to receive it.
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Bermuda
In that case, your passport is better left in the safe in your cabin. You might also need a passport for shore excursions that take you from one country to another, such as certain tours on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad that takes passengers from Alaska into Canada. A cruise is an easy way to visit many new places without having to unpack and pack again. When you discover a place you want to return to, you can plan another trip, perhaps with a new passport in hand.
You don't have to wait for a passport to travel: What to know about closed-loop cruises - USA TODAY
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Mexico
Some Caribbean islands such as St. Martin, Haiti, Guadeloupe and Barbados still have rules that require that visitors carry passports. Citizens, including green-card holders and lawful permanent residents. However, a passport card is only a valid form of identification for a closed-loop cruise. It may not be used for flights to foreign destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, or Canada.
Accepted Identification for Canadian Citizens
That’s no longer the case when you take advantage of cruises you can go on without a passport. A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown.
These things are beyond anyone’s control, so don’t rely on the “it won’t happen to me” mentality. Which islands are visited does vary slightly by the cruise ship and cruise line. However, all islands offer a variety of popular activities like beach breaks, island tours, snorkeling, and historic and cultural tours.
There are also plenty of sweet treats including maple syrup, whoopie pies, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream from nearby Vermont. Like many of the tropical cruise regions, there are plenty of beach breaks, island tours, food tastings, and nature excursions to experience in the Mexican Riviera. Plus, there are exclusive offerings like whale watching, cultural shows like Rhythms of the Night, and some unique landscapes that you can’t find in the Caribbean. For those living on the West Coast, the Mexican Riviera might be the perfect destination to which to cruise without a passport.
Whether you should cruise without a passport is another matter (there are some risks that we’ll get into below). Despite the allure of no-passport-required adventures, we’d be remiss not to highlight the security and peace of mind a passport provides. Imagine needing to fly home unexpectedly from a foreign port because of an emergency, or getting the chance for an impromptu jaunt to a fascinating nearby country. While your cruise must start and end in the U.S., some Alaskan cruises make pit stops in dreamy British Columbian spots like Victoria, renowned for its lush Butchart Gardens. However, it’s essential to carry specific documents, like your birth certificate and government ID, for these little side adventures.
Cruises Without a Passport: Everything You Need to Know
For example, if you had to fly home from a foreign port due to a family emergency, then you’d have trouble returning without a passport. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
While you will need the WHTI-approved identity documents, reviewing your itinerary’s port entry requirements before departure is essential. And in case of a family or business emergency, you will be permitted to disembark the ship earlier than expected and fly back to the US if you have a valid passport. There are also several cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Holland America, and Princess cruises, that also offer East Coast routes, so you can compare their rates to get a great deal. Although, if you are planning on traveling with WHTI documents, tread with caution regarding 20-night closed-loop cruises to Hawaii with the likes of Viking, Princess, and Holland America.
First time cruisers often ask if they need a passport to go on a cruise. The answer is that you generally need a passport to travel to a foreign country, but select itineraries sailing roundtrip from U.S. homeports do not require passports as travel documents. This loophole, if you want to call it that, is the result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative designed to allow travel to and within North American countries on a cruise ship. Instead of a passport, passengers will need to carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization should suffice). While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances.
Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport. At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one. If you love the great outdoors and want to surround yourself with nature, an Alaska cruise is perfect. Sail past glaciers; spot whales, moose and bald eagles; capture breathtaking photos on a mountaintop train ride; and cuddle with sled dog puppies. Or just enjoy a meal of fresh salmon or crab while you're ashore -- no passport needed.
A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans. You've decided you want a vacation, but there's a problem -- you're a U.S. citizen and you don't have a passport. Maybe you've never had the time, money or desire to travel abroad previously, or perhaps your old passport has expired. If you do have a passport, read our guide to the Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines. Don’t have the right documentation to cruise, according to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the U.S.
This is called a closed-loop cruise, and it allows you to visit several international destinations without ever needing to present your passport. Cruising is a wonderful way to explore incredible destinations while also enjoying luxury accommodations and onboard entertainment. However, before you step foot on the cruise ship, it is smart to understand the documentation requirements to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
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