Do You Need a Passport to Take a Cruise?

This is a question I get asked often.  My quick answer would be yes.  Of course, I think everyone should have a valid passport -you always want to be ready to seize the opportunity to travel!

Here’s the official scoop on passport requirements for US passengers who are cruising.

A valid passport is required for all international itineraries.  US travelers are not currently required to sail with a passport on most domestic itineraries (including Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico and Panama Canal); however, all cruise lines highly recommend that you carry one.

Here’s what could happen:  If your cruise requires international air travel, including flights between the US and Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda or Mexico, you will be required to present a valid passport when departing from or returning to the US by air.

Even if your cruise does not involve air travel outside the US, if you had to unexpectedly depart your cruise ship in a foreign port prior to the end of the sailing due to a medical, family or business emergency, a passport would be required to re-enter the US by air.

If you don’t have a passport and want to cruise on a domestic itineraries for which a passport is not required, US travelers must present one of the following valid travel documents at cruise check-in:

Passport Book: (this is the recommended travel document)
US Passport Card
US Issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
US Issued Identification Card (issued to minors and non-drivers)
NEXUS Card Air travel (limited to participating airports)
SENTRI and FAST cards

US citizens ages 15 years and younger may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or citizenship card in lieu of the above documents on domestic sailings only.   

US citizens traveling on U.S. roundtrip or “closed-loop” voyages may also travel with an original certified birth certificate presented together with a valid government-issued photo identification. These voyages include:

Alaska roundtrip from San Francisco or Seattle
Canada/New England roundtrip from New York
Caribbean roundtrip from Florida ports, New York or San Juan
Hawaii roundtrip from Los Angeles or San Diego
Mexico roundtrip from Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco

Still not sure whether or not you need a passport?  Give me a call  or shoot me an email and I’ll guide you.  Happy traveling!