Do you need a passport on a yacht?

Do I need to bring my passport on my yacht charter? Every passenger on-board a yacht must have their passport on-board at all times. Most professional, luxury yachts are commercially registered vessels, just like stepping on a plane, your passport is required.



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Closed-Loop Cruises If you are a U.S. citizen planning a closed-loop cruise, you can travel without a passport. A closed-loop cruise means that you board a cruise ship in a U.S. port, only travel in the Western Hemisphere and then return to the same U.S. port where you started your journey.

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All yachts (both US and foreign) must complete immigration/customs clearance within 24 hours of arrival – no matter what. The skipper, and every other person on board, regardless of nationality, are required to report to the nearest CBP Office.

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Now, most of the time, you need to have a passport when traveling, but there are always a few exceptions.
  • Best Places to Travel Without a US Passport. You can travel without a passport in the following countries: ...
  • Puerto Rico. ...
  • US Virgin Islands. ...
  • Northern Mariana Islands. ...
  • American Samoa. ...
  • Guam. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Mexico.


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No-Passport-Required Destinations
  • U.S. Virgin Islands. A Caribbean vacation isn't out of reach without a passport if you stick to the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. ...
  • Vieques, Puerto Rico. ...
  • Culebra, Puerto Rico. ...
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico. ...
  • Whistler, British Columbia. ...
  • Quebec City, Canada. ...
  • Toronto, Canada. ...
  • Cape Breton Island, Canada.


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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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In short, if a yacht carries more than 12 passengers, irrespective of whether payment is made, the vessel is considered a 'Passenger Ship' which puts it into a different category from standard luxury yachts. A 'Passenger Ship' must be SOLAS compliant, which requires rigorous testing, training, and surveying (and cost).

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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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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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How does law work in international waters? Ships are registered with a country (and fly that flag). The Captain is responcible for enforcing the laws of that country. Anyone arrested would eventually be tried in court back in that country.

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