Do children need a passport to travel on a cruise that is entering other countries?

Cruising to/from a foreign homeport: Any time your embarkation or debarkation port is in a foreign country, all cruisers (kids and adults) need to carry valid passports. This includes Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. In most cases, passports must expire 6 months or more after the end of your trip.



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Times Your Child Does Not Need a Passport to Cruise Children younger than 16 need only to carry their birth certificates (original or copy); children 16 and older, as well as adults, each need to show both a birth certificate and a government-issued photo I.D.

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Technically, yes – U.S. citizens can present a state-certified birth certificate and government-issued photo ID to sail on most cruises departing from the U.S. But a passport is the more efficient, secure option.

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Times Your Child Does Not Need a Passport to Cruise Children younger than 16 need only to carry their birth certificates (original or copy); children 16 and older, as well as adults, each need to show both a birth certificate and a government-issued photo I.D.

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Original U.S. State Certified Birth Certificate or a certified copy; or an original Consular Birth Abroad Certificate from the U.S. State Department. Read more about birth certificate requirements. Guests age 15 and under are NOT required to have a photo ID, just the birth certificate.

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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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A minor travel consent form is a legal document, signed by a child's parents and/or legal guardians, giving permission for the child to travel with another adult. Any time a child travels abroad without both parents and/or legal guardians, they need to have this written permission.

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The letter should say I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission. If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.

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Adult Focused Cruise Options and Amenities
  • Carnival Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.
  • Silversea All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury Cruises.
  • Seabourn Luxury Cruises.
  • Windstar Small Ship Cruises.
  • Oceania Cruises.
  • Azamara Luxury Cruises.


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Beyond needing a valid passport to travel, cruise ship passengers might also require a cruise visa. This happens when the countries they are exploring along the way have specialized entry requirements in place. A cruise visa provides the same credentials for a traveler as a traditional visa.

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Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) must carefully document legal custody prior to traveling. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide a notarized letter of consent.

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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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Find a port agent. In cases when cruisers are late returning to the vessel, the ship's crew will often remove the passengers' essential items -- passports, cell phones and medication -- from the ship to leave with the port agents. These officials can help you with contacting your ship and making travel arrangements.

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Taking Your Passport Should you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.

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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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For U.S. citizens: For Round Trip cruises from the U.S. that DO NOT include Panama or Colombia, U.S. citizens 17 and under will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of their birth certificate, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS AND a valid Government Issued ID.

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A guest's age is established upon the first date of sailing. This age limit will be waived for children sailing with their parents or guardians in connecting staterooms; for underage married couples; and for active duty members of the United States or Canadian military.

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Guests age 15 and under are NOT required to have a photo ID, just the birth certificate. Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship.

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