Cruise Requirements for Passports

Should you have a passport for your upcoming cruise? Well, that’s a complicated question and depends heavily on many factors. However, the simple and safest answer is “YES”. Most cruise companies now highly recommend that all travelers hold a valid passport for their cruise, even if the cruise is a ‘closed-loop’ cruise. The most common reason to hold a valid passport is simple: you are safer with your passport than without it. Any time you leave the country you will want to make sure that you are free to travel abroad or back home easily, if necessary. If there is a medical emergency and you have to fly home, you’ll need a valid passport book. If you suddenly have the opportunity to change your travel plans but you don’t have your passport, well then you may miss out on a great opportunity.

Additionally, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires that U.S.travelers must present a passport or other document that proves identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. What does this mean for you? Well if you want to enter or exit the U.S., you will need to prove your identity and citizenship. This is what a passport does. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport card? The passport card is only valid for travel by land and sea, to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. If you need to hop on a flight, you will need a passport book. The passport book is valid for all types of international travel so it is often preferred over the passport card.

What are the passport requirements for a cruise?

The passport requirements are based on a few factors, mainly the cruise line and the type of cruise you choose. The cruise passport requirements are often available directly on the website of the cruiseline so please check with your cruise company directly. Also, the passport requirements may be impacted by your travel destination. For instance, Canada, Mexico, and Antarctica all have specific travel requirements. But when in doubt, get your passport. You will not regret being prepared for your travels and besides: Your passport is a ticket to see the world!

What countries require a Passport for a Cruise?

Passports are not required for ‘closed loop’ cruises because you are leaving and entering from the same U.S. port, without really spending any time abroad. A closed-loop cruise is a sort of “loop-hole” in the passport requirement for a cruise. A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port is considered a closed loop. For example, if your cruise begins and ends at the same port in Miami, then you are on a closed loop cruise. Many cruises that have this itinerary may not require a passport. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling or from Hawaii, another U.S. territory (Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), then you may also not need a passport.

However, as we mentioned previously, you will have better protections in the event of an emergency or a change of travel plans simply by carrying a valid passport. Remember that travel plans change and you may need to fly out of the United States to meet your ship at the next available port if you miss the scheduled embarkation. Additionally, if travels need to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, you will need a passport. Passports are required for all cruise travel to all other International destinations. There is also a rule called the Six Month Passport Validity Rule. This rule states that U.S. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip.

Some cruise line companies require a valid passport no matter where you are traveling. Currently the list is: Azamara Club Cruises, Crystal, Cunard, Fred. Olsen, Hurtigruten, Oceania, P&O, Paul Gauguin, Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, Star Clippers, Swan Hellenic, Voyages of Discovery and Windstar.

Please check directly with your cruise line company for their passport requirement if you do not plan on bringing a valid passport.