Do you need a passport for an Alaskan cruise that stops in Canada?

Alaska cruise vacations that begin or end in Canada or another Foreign Port and Alaska Vacations that do not begin and end in the same port of call: If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins or ends in Canada or another foreign port, you are required to carry a valid passport.



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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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You can cruise to quite a few destinations without a passport, as long as you have proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID. A variety of documents are accepted as proof of citizenship, including a state-certified U.S. birth certificate.

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Carnival offers many Caribbean cruise options including sailings that depart and return to U.S. ports like Baltimore, Norfolk and New Orleans. These don't require a passport as they are closed-loop sailings.

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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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The only way to drive to Alaska without a passport is if you are a U.S. citizen with a NEXUS membership card, an enhanced driver's license, or you have special authorization via the military or government affiliations.

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If you're a United States citizen going on a “closed loop” cruise, you'll only need to present: Government issued photo identification. Proof of citizenship (an original or copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization)

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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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U.S. citizens flying between another state and Alaska do not need a passport. However, those driving through Canada or traveling on a ferry or cruise ship with stops in Canada are required to carry one. All non U.S. citizens will need a passport and possibly other documents to enter.

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But why do cruise ships have to call on foreign ports? The reasoning is a bit convoluted, but it's tied to the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which, in part, regulates the transportation of goods (Jones Act) and people (Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886) on ships that aren't registered in the United States.

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Passengers with a passport issued by any of the countries eligible for the eTA do not need a visa to disembark the ship in Canada. Individuals from other countries must have a valid Canadian visitor visa to disembark on Canadian soil.

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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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