Can you go to The Bahamas by boat without a passport?

If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you'll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.



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Traveling to the Bahamas without a passport isn't possible in any case. Whether you cruising on a close loop cruise, via an airliner, or any other source, you'll need a passport for the Bahamas in all cases.

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Upon arrival, everyone on board will need proof of citizenship (passport) and a completed immigration card. All boats entering The Bahamas are required to pay an entry fee that covers a cruising permit, fishing permit, and departure tax for up to three people.

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U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.

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Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport. Learn why a passport is best. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after your cruise ends. Read more about passport requirements.

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U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel between the U.S. and these territories:
  • American Samoa.
  • Guam.
  • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Puerto Rico.
  • U.S. Virgin Islands.


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Anything except fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products can be brought into The Bahamas. All meats must be canned or frozen.

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You will need a passport, and proof of ownership of your boat, if you go ashore in a foreign country. Until you have presented your documents to the officials at a port of entry and “checked in” you may not go ashore anywhere else in that country.

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US citizens must present a passport.

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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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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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All travelers are advised to carry a valid passport with them when taking a cruise to Mexico, regardless of their nationality and port of departure. US citizens on closed-loop cruises, meaning they begin and end at the same US port, can travel to Mexico with proof of citizenship other than a passport.

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Things every first-time tourist needs to know:
  • English is actually the official language of the Bahamas, so it'll be spoken everywhere you go.
  • There's no need to get your currency exchanged, US currency is accepted. ...
  • Tips are king. ...
  • Cars don't drive on the right side of the road, they drive on the left.


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The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary. If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need your passport.

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