Can I Go on Cruises in the USA Without a Passport?

By Leah Rendon; Updated June 08, 2017

What travel documents do I need for a cruise in the U.S.?

Can I Go on Cruises in the USA Without a Passport?

Seasoned travelers know to keep their passports up to date and ready for inspection when traveling in other countries. That’s why it may come as a surprise that certain cruises, including those with stops in foreign nations, may not require passports. Uncover the details of this somewhat complicated exception to the rule to find out if it’s possible to leave your passport behind while you sail the high seas.

Cruising without a passport

U.S. citizens do not need passports when traveling on closed-loop cruises that depart and return to the same U.S. port and include at least one stop in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda. For example, a cruise that departs from Miami, travels to the Caribbean and ends back in Miami, qualifies as a closed-loop cruise so a passport is not required for re-entry to the United States, despite stops at international ports.

Travelers without passports must provide proof of U.S. citizenship before gaining re-entry to the U.S. on a closed-loop cruise. Proof includes a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship or consular report of your birth abroad. Passengers age 16 and older must also provide a laminated government-issued photo ID with name and date of birth, such as a driver's license or an ID card.

Restrictions for traveling without a passport

U.S. passengers sailing on non-closed-loop cruises must have passports for re-entry to the United States. A non-closed-loop cruise might see travelers departing from Seattle, making a stop in Vancouver and then disembarking in Anchorage.

Always check with your cruise line or travel agent to confirm the requirements for entering foreign countries on your cruise’s itinerary. U.S. citizens who try to disembark the ship for shore excursions may be denied entry to certain foreign nations if they don’t have passports. Any portion of a cruise that involves international air travel also requires a passport.

Passport requirements on island cruises

Some Caribbean islands require passengers to present their passports before gaining entry. If any of those islands are listed on your cruise’s itinerary, the cruise line may require passengers to bring their passports on board, despite the passport exemption rule for closed-loop cruises.

Emergency travel without a passport

Cruise lines always suggest traveling with a valid passport during a cruise in the event of an emergency. For instance, passengers who miss the ship at one port and fly to an international destination to catch up with the cruise, will need passports for air travel. Cruisers may also need to fly out of an international city to return to the U.S. if a medical, business or family emergency comes up, or if the cruise is cancelled due to mechanical problems. U.S. citizens can fly home with a temporary passport but obtaining one is a costly and time-consuming process.

About the Author

Leah Rendon