Do I Need a Passport for My Cruise?

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UPDATE OCTOBER 2019: All cruisers sailing to Martinique will now be required to have a passport!

This is a question we get asked regularly by clients. The answer? It depends!

As a general statement-- passports are required by US law for anyone entering or re-entering the United States by land, sea or air. 

However, there is an exception in place for "Closed Loop Cruises". A "Closed Loop Cruise" is defined as one that:
  • Embarks and returns to the SAME US port
  • The ship is only visiting Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or the Bahamas

If you are on a "Closed Loop Cruise" you will need the following form of documentation to prove US citizenship if you do not have your passport:
  • Certified copy of your government issued Birth Certificate or naturalization documents (All travelers)
  • Valid picture ID issued by the Federal or State government (Anyone 16 or older)

This exception to passport requirements only applies to US Citizens. If you are a legal resident you must bring both your national Passport as well as your Alien Registration Card (Green Card).

At Whitney World Travel we do highly recommend everyone take a passport with them on their cruise. Some issues to consider include:
  • If you miss the ship at any port and need to fly to catch up, you will need a passport
  • If there is a personal emergency that requires you to leave the ship early, you will need a passport to fly home

We also suggest checking specific cruise passenger guidance from the US Department of State as well as passport guidance for your specific cruise line.
If you have any questions regarding your specific trip please contact your Travel Advisor today!