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Can I go on a closed-loop cruise with an expired passport?

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was launched in 2009 by the United States government. This was implemented to clarify what documents guests require for traveling on a cruise ship. It allows U.S. citizens to go on closed-loop cruises without needing a valid passport.



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If you are on a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends at the same port in the United States and visits Canada, Mexico, or much of the Caribbean, you do not need a valid passport. According to CBP, all you need is documentation proving you are a U.S. citizen.

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Immigration officials will often come onboard cruise ships to check documentation and the process of keeping the passports centrally makes it much easier and faster for the cruise line and passengers.

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The answer is Yes. You will need a passport to go on a cruise from the UK, regardless of your international destinations, or even if you're not planning on leaving the ship. A passport is an essential travel document that serves as your proof of identity and nationality when crossing borders.

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First and foremost, if a United States citizen chooses to do a closed-loop cruise without a passport, they'll still be required to show a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (a certified copy of your birth certificate).

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For U.S. Sailings only, U.S. Citizens may cruise using an official US state-issued Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID, like a driver's license or an identity card.

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Answer: No, you cannot travel internationally without a valid passport. Photocopies of passports are not acceptable. If you need your passport to travel internationally and do not have time to wait for routine processing, then you can apply for expedited passport renewal. By mail, this process takes 2-3 weeks.

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If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.

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United States and Canadian Citizens must have either a valid passport or valid documents as defined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Visit U.S. Customers and Border Protecion (CBP) website for additional information on WHTI compliant documents.

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Birth Certificate Information A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified. Birth Certificate Card. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

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Places to Cruise Without a Passport
  • Bahamas. Courtesy of Disney. Florida's ports of Miami, Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale), and Port Canaveral (about an hour east of Orlando) offer the majority of closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas. ...
  • Mexico. Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises. ...
  • Bermuda. Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line.


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If you are traveling internationally, you will still need your passport, as REAL ID cards are not an acceptable form of identification for international travel. Sea (cruise) travel: REAL ID cards cannot be used for international sea cruise travel.

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Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends. Read more about passport requirements. Guests age 16 and older whose ARC has no photo must present a valid government issued photo ID.

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U.S. citizens will not be allowed to use their expired U.S. passport for direct return to the United States after June 30, 2022. If a U.S. citizen overseas has an expired U.S. passport, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a U.S. passport.

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Could I Be Denied Entry Abroad If My Passport Expires Soon? Yes, you will be denied entry abroad if your passport is about to expire. Additionally, if you need a visa, you won't receive one with a valid passport of less than six (sometimes three) months.

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