Do you need an ETSA for a Caribbean cruise? You don't need a visa or ETSA to go on a Caribbean cruise as you can enter visa-free. Instead, you'll only need your passport. However, if you're going to be in transit or setting off from a US port, you must apply for an ETSA for entry to the United States.

For U.S. and Canadian citizens, visas are rarely required for most standard "closed-loop" Caribbean cruises (cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port). Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), travelers can often visit major ports in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands using just a passport or, in some cases, a birth certificate and government-issued ID. However, for "open-loop" cruises or those visiting specific islands like Cuba (which currently has very restricted cruise access) or the French West Indies (Martinique/Guadeloupe) for non-U.S. citizens, specific entry requirements may apply. If you are a permanent resident or a citizen of a non-WHTI country, you will almost certainly need a visa for multiple stops. In 2026, it is vital to check the specific requirements for your "Port of Registry" and every stop on your itinerary, as some islands have begun implementing digital "Entry Forms" that must be completed 72 hours before arrival.