Does everyone need a passport to cruise?

Do I need a passport to cruise? Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship. We strongly recommend that all guests present a passport as their form of ID on boarding day, and for some guests a passport is required.



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If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport. For “closed-loop” cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: A boarding pass. A government photo I.D.

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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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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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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements 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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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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If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license that has your photo, name and date of birth. In addition to a driver's license, you must also present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship.

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For U.S. citizens: Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport. 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, n...

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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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Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. In addition to required documents stated below, guests must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements.

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As long as the ship you are taking departs and returns to a U.S. port, these are some of the cruises that don't require a passport. Passport-free, you can visit ports like: Cancun. Cozumel.

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Either type of passport can be used on closed-loop sailings that call at foreign ports but depart and return to the U.S. Without either document, you'd need to provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and proof of identification (such as a driver's license).

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U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

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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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Travelers to Mexico are warned to be aware of the inherent risk of contracting and spreading the virus by visiting the area. The CDC recommends that all tourists to Mexico be fully vaccinated and follow local health and safety protocol such as mask wearing and social distancing.

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U.S. citizens on cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port and travel to destinations in Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, the Bahamas or Bermuda are able to re-enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship other than a passport or passport card.

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Birth Certificate Information The following are acceptable: An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics.

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If traveling by air to the Bahamas, all children and adults are required to present a valid passport book. But some people ask, “What ID do kids need to fly?” There is no need for an ID when you have a birth certificate or valid passport for the Bahamas.

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Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. You cannot walk-in. We do not charge a fee to make an appointment. You can only make an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778.

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