When Taking A Cruise Do I Need A Passport?

A passport is required for a cruise, depending on whether the itinerary is a closed-loop or open-loop sailing. It is essential to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship, as it serves as your ticket into foreign lands and proof of identification. However, if you are cruising to Bermuda, you don’t necessarily need a U.S. passport book but can use any of the following documents instead: U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Surprise! Some cruises can take without a passport, such as Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and other destinations.

For U.S. citizens, a passport is not required when traveling outside the U.S., as long as you book a closed-loop cruise. Closed-loop cruises travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and other countries. If your cruise says you won’t need a passport, bring it even if your current one does. Consular reports of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State or a Certificate of Birth Abroad are not required.

If you are a U.S. citizen aged 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without a passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a birth certificate. If you are cruising without a passport, you will need proof of identity and U.S. citizenship in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

A passport is the simplest way to show proof of citizenship and identification, and it is the simplest way to do both. If you don’t have a passport yet, there are various cruises that depart and return to a U.S. port, so be sure to pack it accordingly.