Should I bring passport on cruise?

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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On a cruise, you may not get a single passport stamp. Most ports do not require cruises visitors to pass through immigration. If you cherish passport stamps, you'll have to seek them out.

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A cruise line may keep your passport for the duration of your cruise or certain segments to make it easier for immigration to check passports when travelling between different countries.

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You won't be able to leave the ship without your cruise card, nor will you be able to return to the ship without it, so keep it close to you at all times. In most ports, you won't need your passport, so leave it locked up in your room's safe.

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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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Necessary cruise documents include acceptable official forms of identification, proof of your booking number and boarding information, and confirmation that you aren't ill. You must present these upon arrival at the port.

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Leave it locked securely in your safe within your stateroom. There is no point risking loss or theft. Where possible, hide your passport on your immediate person.

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Bottom line Cruise documents provide the verification you'll need to board your vessel on embarkation day. They include identification, boarding passes, health forms and any required visas, which you should always keep handy in your carry-on bag or personal item.

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Generally, passengers are required to disembark within an hour or two after docking. However, some cruise lines may allow passengers to remain onboard for a few extra hours if they have special arrangements with the port authority.

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Unlike passport books, a passport card is wallet-sized, similar to the size of a driver's license. Passport cards can be used for land and sea entry to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

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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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In the United States, anyone on a cruise ship whose last port of call was outside the US is required to pass through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), unless if the last port of call was equipped with US preclearance facilities (in which case the ship will be treated as a domestic arrival).

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In the United States, anyone on a cruise ship whose last port of call was outside the US is required to pass through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), unless if the last port of call was equipped with US preclearance facilities (in which case the ship will be treated as a domestic arrival).

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Passport Control Process Before Boarding The ship's officers will check each passenger's identification against an official database to ensure that everyone onboard is legally entitled to travel in the country of departure. This process is similar to what happens when entering a foreign country.

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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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Birth Certificate Information 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. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

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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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We recommend paying for on shore purchases that are over $10 with a credit card to reduce the amount of cash you need to carry when off-ship and for a good record of your purchase, and use pocket change or local currency for the rest.

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