Traveling By Sea: Exploring Passport-Free Voyages

It is possible to travel by sea without a passport, but only on specific closed-loop cruises that begin and end at the same US port. These cruises may stop at foreign ports, but as long as they originate and terminate in the US, they do not require a passport. However, it is still recommended to carry a passport, as unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical evacuation, may require air travel back to the US, which does mandate a passport. Additionally, some countries mandate a passport even for closed-loop sailings. For closed-loop cruises, US citizens aged 16 and above need a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate or certificate of US naturalisation.

Closed-loop cruises: No passport needed if the trip begins and ends at a US port

If you're a US citizen and don't have a passport, you can still take advantage of "closed-loop cruises", which are trips that begin and end at a US port. These cruises usually depart and end in the same US port, such as Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale, or Seattle for an Alaskan cruise.

Closed-loop cruises must meet certain criteria to qualify. Every voyage on a non-US-flagged ship that departs from and returns to a US port must, according to maritime law, visit at least one foreign port of call. This could include places like Vancouver, Mexico, the Caribbean, or even Western Caribbean cruises to Cancun. To qualify as a closed-loop cruise, the itinerary must include contiguous territories of the US, such as Mexico and Canada, as well as several islands in the Caribbean.

For most closed-loop cruises, you won't need a passport. Instead, you can provide a government-issued photo ID if you're 16 or older, and a birth certificate or certificate of US naturalization. If you're 16 or older, a driver's license or photo ID with your name, photo, and date of birth will also suffice. However, if you're a minor under 16, different documentation is required, such as a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. It's important to note that these requirements are for US citizens; non-US citizens will need a passport regardless of the cruise type.

While closed-loop cruises offer a convenient way to travel without a passport, there are a few warnings to keep in mind. For example, if you need to return to the US by air for any reason, you'll need a passport to board a flight. Additionally, if you miss the ship at one of the ports, you may have to make your own travel arrangements, which could be challenging without a passport.

Identification: A government-issued photo ID and birth certificate are required for US citizens

If you're a US citizen and want to travel by sea without a passport, you'll need to make sure you have a few specific forms of identification with you. While it is possible to travel by sea without a passport, it's important to note that the Department of State recommends that anyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book. This is because, while some forms of identification may be accepted for closed-loop cruises, they may not be sufficient in unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, which would require you to return to the US by plane.

For closed-loop cruises, US citizens aged 16 and over need to provide a government-issued photo ID and a certified birth certificate or certificate of US naturalization. A valid US driver's license is also acceptable. These cruises typically depart from and return to the same US port, without requiring international air travel. Examples of closed-loop cruises include trips to Alaska, Bermuda, the Bahamas, New England, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

It's important to note that some countries may require a passport even for closed-loop sailings. Additionally, if your cruise includes a foreign port that requires a passport for disembarkation, you will need to have your passport with you.

For US citizens under 16, only proof of citizenship is required, such as a birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization.

While it is possible to travel on closed-loop cruises without a passport, it is always recommended to have one when traveling outside of the US.

Foreign ports: The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada

The Bahamas

You will need a valid passport to enter The Bahamas. This applies whether you are travelling by air or by sea, although there are some exceptions. If you are travelling on a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends at the same US port, you can use an enhanced driver's license, proof of citizenship or naturalisation certificate, plus a government-issued photo ID. However, major cruise lines strongly recommend that all guests have a valid passport that will remain valid for at least six months beyond the end of the cruise.

Mexico

If you are travelling to Mexico by sea, you will need a valid passport. However, if you are on a closed-loop cruise, you may not need a passport.

Bermuda

If you are travelling to Bermuda on a cruise that starts and ends in the US, you do not need a passport. However, it is strongly recommended that you bring one, as you will need it if you need to return to the US by plane for any reason.

The Caribbean

The passport requirements for the Caribbean will depend on which country you are travelling to, your passport, and whether you are travelling by air or sea. If you are travelling by air, you will generally need a valid passport. If you are travelling by sea, it depends on whether you are on a closed-loop cruise or a standard cruise. For a closed-loop cruise, you may not need a passport, but for a standard cruise, you will need one.

Canada

If you are travelling to Canada by sea, you will need a valid passport. However, if you are a US citizen, you can use a valid US passport or another form of proper identification, such as a driver's license.

US destinations: Alaska, Hawaii and New England

If you're a US citizen, you don't need a passport to visit Alaska, Hawaii or New England. However, there are still certain requirements that must be met.

Alaska

Alaska is a US state, but as it is remote from the continental US and can only be reached by travelling through Canada, some people are unsure about the passport requirements for entry.

You do not need a US passport to drive to Alaska, thanks to relaxed immigration policies between the US and Canada. However, you will need to prove your US citizenship. This can be done with a valid passport or WHTI-compliant documents, such as:

• Passport cards
• Trusted traveller cards
• Enhanced driver's licenses
• Enhanced tribal cards

Hawaii

Hawaii is treated as a US state, so US citizens do not need a passport to enter. However, there are some circumstances in which a US passport must be produced, such as:

• Leasing a car
• Getting your car on a barge
• Staying in a hotel or guest house
• Visiting a sensitive US naval or airbase
• Registering a business

If you are flying to Hawaii, you will need a valid government photo ID.

New England

New England is, of course, part of the US, so no passport is required. However, if you are taking a closed-loop cruise that departs from and returns to a US port, you will need to carry a valid US driver's license and proof of citizenship.

Open-loop cruises: These voyages begin in one US port and end in another

Open-loop cruises are a great option for those wanting to explore beyond the destinations of a closed-loop cruise. These cruises are sometimes referred to as \"open-jaw\" or \"repositioning\" cruises.

Open-loop cruises depart from one port and arrive at a separate port of call. For example, a cruise that departs from Athens, explores Greece, then heads to Sicily and ends on mainland Italy, with passengers flying home from Rome.

Open-loop cruises require a passport, but they allow access to many more countries. On a map, such trips may appear as a triangle or an "open jaw". Without geographic restrictions, ships with open itineraries can travel farther and often stop at more ports. This may also entail visiting more exotic locations.

If you're a US citizen, you'll need a valid passport to sail in Europe or Asia. You'll also need a passport to fly to or from an international airport.

Frequently asked questions