What documents do you need to go to Canada on a ferry?

ID & Travel Requirements Passport Card. Enhanced Driver's License or an Enhanced ID Card (EDL/ID) applicable to select states/provinces only (MI, MN, NY, VT, WA; ON, BC, MB) If you are not a United States or Canadian born citizen, you will be required to have a passport and possibly a Visa.



For travel between the U.S. and Canada via ferry in 2026, the documentation requirements fall under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Most adult travelers should present a valid Passport, Passport Card, or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) (available in states like NY, MI, MN, VT, and WA). A standard "REAL ID" is insufficient for crossing the international border. If you are a member of a trusted traveler program, a NEXUS card is also highly recommended. For children under the age of 16, a birth certificate (original or copy) is usually acceptable in lieu of a passport when traveling by sea or land. Non-U.S. or non-Canadian citizens will typically need a valid passport and may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa depending on their nationality. Additionally, if you are bringing a vehicle, ensure you have your registration and proof of insurance ready for customs officers at the terminal.

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U.S. citizens visiting Canada will be required to present one of the travel documents listed here:
  1. U.S. Passport.
  2. U.S. Passport Card.
  3. Enhanced Driver's License (Issued by New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington only)
  4. Trusted Traveler Program Cards such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards.


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The largest waterfall, known as “Horseshoe Falls” or “Canada Falls”, is mainly located on the Canadian border. Considering that two of the three waterfalls are located in US territory, it's safe to say that you can get a great look at most of Niagara Falls without needing a passport.

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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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Submit your customs and immigration declaration online using Advance Declaration up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada. If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport kiosk or eGate.

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Acceptable ID for US and Cdn citizens boarding a ferry is either:
  1. a Birth Certificate plus Government issued Photo ID.
  2. a current Passport.
  3. a Naturalization Certificate plus Government issued Photo ID.
  4. or a Citizenship Certificate plus Government issued Photo ID.


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For U.S. citizens, a passport or visa is not required. Instead, a birth certificate and one photo identification card may be used; however, a photo identification card by itself is not enough. For permanent residents of the United States, “Green Cards” may be used in lieu of their passports.

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Travel within Canada
As of October 1, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Canada, or board a plane or train in Canada. This applies to travel within Canada and flights or trains leaving Canada.

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Do I need a passport when traveling on a ferry? The form of ID you'll need to travel on a ferry depends on the route and your own nationality. On most international routes you will need your passport to check-in, however there are exceptions to this.

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The answer is Yes. You will need a passport to go on a cruise from the UK, regardless of your international destinations, or even if you're not planning on leaving the ship. A passport is an essential travel document that serves as your proof of identity and nationality when crossing borders.

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U.S. Passport. Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) (see below) U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders, or. U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business.

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