Loading Page...

Can you use birth certificate for cruise to Bahamas?

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.



People Also Ask

We highly recommend that all U.S. Citizen's cruise with their U.S. Passport book that is valid at least 6 months after your cruise. Guests may also sail with their official US state-issued Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID...

MORE DETAILS

Please note that hospital Birth Certificates (baby feet Birth Certificates), as well as photocopies or images of any required travel documents are not accepted for boarding. For sailings departing from U.S. homeports, an official US state-issued Birth Certificate is also accepted.

MORE DETAILS

If you travel to the Bahamas by sea (like a cruise), you can use your passport or substitute one of the following documents: A passport card. A Trusted Traveler card. An enhanced driver's license (sometimes called Real ID) with security features.

MORE DETAILS

Additionally, if you are using an identification (e.g., driver's license) and a citizenship document (e.g., birth certificate), then BOTH documents must match the name on your reservation. Otherwise, it may result in delay or possible denial of boarding.

MORE DETAILS

If you no longer have your birth certificate, you can get in touch with the city or county you were born to get a certified official copy to use on your cruise. There's usually a small fee and waiting period, but it's faster than getting a passport.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Voter registration cards or Social Security are not considered proof of citizenship. If the child is a newborn and the actual birth certificate has not arrived from the Vital Records Department, we will accept a hospital issued birth certificate.

MORE DETAILS

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 ...

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Although a passport is not required for U.S. citizens taking cruises that both originate and terminate at the same U.S. port, we, again, strongly recommend all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel).

MORE DETAILS

To enter The Bahamas, U.S. residents who are not citizens need the following documentation: For visits NOT exceeding 30 days: An original Alien Registration Card (Green Card) is required, along with a national passport (passport from country of birth).

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Even if you have a Real ID, you'll still need to bring a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship for a closed-loop cruise.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

If you are traveling within the next two weeks, you may be able to visit the U.S. Passport Office for same-day or next-day processing. Please contact my office for additional assistance. My office is always available to assist you with the issuance or renewal of your passport.

MORE DETAILS

Based on current rules and trends, you cannot leave the US with an expired passport. However, traveling with one is not untrue; as of May 2021, the US government made it possible for citizens with expired passports to return home using their expired passports if they expired on or after the end of January 2020.

MORE DETAILS