How do passports work on a cruise?


How do passports work on a cruise? If a cruise begins at one port and ends in another port, even if they're both in the United States, passengers are required to have a valid passport. Similarly, if a cruise starts or finishes in a foreign port, travelers must come prepared with a current passport.


Do you go through passport control on a cruise?

Importance of Passport Control on a Cruise Passport control is an important part of the cruising experience and it's something that all passengers must go through. This process is there to ensure that everyone on board has valid travel documents and is legally allowed to be in the country they are intending to visit.


Can you go anywhere in the Caribbean without a passport?

Although United States (US) citizens traveling to most of the Caribbean cannot do so without a passport, they do not need to apply for a visa for short stay visits. All of the Caribbean islands, with one exception, allow US citizens to visit for between three to six months without a visa.


Can you get off a cruise ship in another country without a passport?

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport.


Does your passport get stamped at every port on a cruise?

On a cruise, you may not get a single passport stamp. Most ports do not require cruises visitors to pass through immigration. If you cherish passport stamps, you'll have to seek them out. Here's how to get them.


Do you take your passport on shore excursions?

Taking Your Passport Should you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.


What is a closed loop cruise?

A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs from and returns to the same U.S. port and remains in the Western Hemisphere. As such, it does not require the passengers to have a U.S. passport—even if the itinerary visits some international ports along the way.


Do I need to take my passport off the cruise ship in the Bahamas?

No, you cannot get off a cruise ship in the Bahamas without a passport. Generally you don't need a passport to leave a cruise ship on a port visit.


Can I sail on Royal Caribbean without a passport?

U.S. citizens traveling on our international sailings are required to have valid passports. Before Leaving Home: Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship.


Can you get off a cruise ship in Mexico without a passport?

Mexico Cruise Passport Requirements US citizens on closed-loop cruises, meaning they begin and end at the same US port, can travel to Mexico with proof of citizenship other than a passport. Accepted alternative documents include: US state-issued copy of the birth certificate.


How do I know if my cruise requires a passport?

Do I need a passport? We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.


Can I get off the cruise ship in the Caribbean without a passport?

More often than not, the answer is no. U.S. citizens don't need a passport if the cruise starts and ends in the same U.S. city. This is known as a closed-loop cruise. That said, some may require a passport if you want to disembark at ports in any Caribbean destination.


Can you get on a Carnival cruise without a passport?

Carnival offers many Caribbean cruise options including sailings that depart and return to U.S. ports like Baltimore, Norfolk and New Orleans. These don't require a passport as they are closed-loop sailings.


Can you use a passport instead of a birth certificate on a cruise?

Can I cruise with a Passport if I am a U.S. Citizen? We highly recommend that all U.S. Citizen's cruise with their U.S. Passport book that is valid at least 6 months after your cruise. Guests may also sail with their official US state-issued Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID...


What is the best way to carry a passport?

While it may be convenient to keep your passport in your carry-on bag, we recommend against it. You never know when you may be required to check in the suitcase or leave it behind in an emergency. To be safe, always carry your passport in your cross-body bag, fanny pack or passport pouch that will always be with you.


What cruise line does not require a passport?

Carnival offers many Caribbean cruise options including sailings that depart and return to U.S. ports like Baltimore, Norfolk and New Orleans. These don't require a passport as they are closed-loop sailings.


Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Do I need a passport? We recommend that everyone taking a cruise from the United States have a passport book. Though some “closed-loop” cruises may not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port.


Is it better to take cash or card on a cruise?

We recommend paying for on shore purchases that are over $10 with a credit card to reduce the amount of cash you need to carry when off-ship and for a good record of your purchase, and use pocket change or local currency for the rest.


Do you need a passport to go to Cancun?

For the purpose of flying into as well as out of Mexico, a Passport is always required for cancun as well. Technically, It must be a legitimate passport book and not just an ordinary passport card, as the card isn't valid to travel internationally. The passport book should have validity for the period of your stay.