Can you get off the boat on a cruise without a passport?

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government ...



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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.

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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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Ships that terminate in U.S. ports may require passengers to fill out Customs forms and show their passports to border control in the cruise terminal. Some passengers might be required to meet with immigration officials on board prior to getting off the ship.

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You won't be able to leave the ship without your cruise card, nor will you be able to return to the ship without it, so keep it close to you at all times. In most ports, you won't need your passport, so leave it locked up in your room's safe.

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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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The need for a passport depends on where the cruise will depart and disembark. Consider your passport needs as follows: A Standard Cruise: Will the cruise depart or disembark from a non-U.S. port? If your answer to this is yes, then you will require to provide a valid U.S. passport.

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The vast majority of passengers simply sail their normal cruise itinerary. But can you just get off the ship and return home on your own terms? The answer is yes, but there are some major complications (and laws) that should be considered.

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4 Caribbean Islands That Don't Require a U.S. Passport
  • Puerto Rico. Things to do. Each year, Puerto Rico sees millions of visitors, and many head straight to San Juan, the island's capital. ...
  • St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Things to do. ...
  • St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Things to do. ...
  • St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Things to do.


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You want a copy of all your identification – one for each checked bag. Keep a hard copy of your documents in your carry-on and each checked bag of luggage with which you are traveling, in case any of them go missing during the trip. These copies can help you in multiple situations.

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Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device.

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You can use a photocopy of your passport to prove that you have a passport or (if the passport is lost or stolen) to prove that you once had a passport. A photocopy of your passport can be quite useful, but you cannot use it if you wish to board an airplane.

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No, you are not required to pass through Immigration at every port of call on your cruise, as you will have already supplied us with your passport details on your Guest Information Form.

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If your ship is docked, you'll be able to simply walk off the vessel directly onto dry land via a movable ramp called a gangway. If it's anchored, you'll have to take a tender -- a small boat that ferries passengers ashore in groups.

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1 week Fast Track Your new passport is delivered to your home within 7 days of your appointment (excluding bank holidays).

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Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. You cannot walk-in. We do not charge a fee to make an appointment. You can only make an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778.

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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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Either type of passport can be used on closed-loop sailings that call at foreign ports but depart and return to the U.S. Without either document, you'd need to provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and proof of identification (such as a driver's license).

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