Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

Depends… but probably not.

Sorry! That’s a terrible answer but it really depends on the details whether or not you need a passport for a cruise. There was a time a few years ago that the United States Government was going to eventually make passports mandatory for cruisers. Considering the tough economy, the price and the overall nuisance of obtaining a passport, both cruise lines and Caribbean governments complained about the overall effect this could have on travel. In response the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) concluded that as long as a U.S. citizen is on a “closed loop” cruise there is no need for a government issued passport.

The official word from WHTI states:

“Closed Loop Cruises: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.”

For most cruisers this means you can go on a cruise without a passport and that is good news for both cruisers and the ports of call. If you are still a bit confused, here are a few frequently asked cruise passport questions that have a more definable answer.

What is a “closed loop” cruise?
A closed loop cruise is one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. For example, a cruise that leaves Ft. Lauderdale and visits Mexico and the Caribbean, then returns to Ft. Lauderdale is considered a “closed loop” cruise. On the other hand, if your cruise leaves Miami, visits a couple of islands and then travels through the Panama Canal and ends in San Diego, you are NOT on a closed loop cruise and you would need a valid passport.

Do you need a passport to cruise to the Bahamas?
As long as your cruise leaves and returns from the same American port you do not need a passport. A birth certificate and government issued photo ID will be enough.

Do you need a passport to cruise to Mexico?
As long as your cruise leaves and returns from the same American port you do not need a passport. A birth certificate and government issued photo ID will be enough.

Do you need a passport to cruise to the Caribbean?
As long as your cruise leaves and returns from the same American port you do not need a passport. A birth certificate and government issued photo ID will be enough.

Do you need a passport to cruise to Europe?
Yes – even if the cruise is considered a closed loop tour you will still need a passport for all European cruises.

Do I need a passport when cruising from San Juan?
As long as it is a closed loop cruise you do not need a passport when cruising from San Juan. San Juan is considered part of the U.S. and the closed loop rules apply.

Do I need a passport when cruising to South America?
Yes – even if the cruise is considered a closed loop tour you will still need a passport for all South American cruises.

How long does it take to get a passport?
About 4 to 6 weeks with routine service and 2 to 3 weeks with expedited service including prepaid overnight delivery service with the post office.

What if I need my passport immediately?
You will need to try one of the online expediting services such as RushMyPassport.com.

Cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean highly suggest obtaining passports for all cruise travel even if it is not required. If an emergency arises or if for any reason you miss your ship in any port you will need a valid passport to either fly home or to meet the ship at its next destination. Not having a passport in these situations could result in significant delays and complications.