This is a question asked by customers regularly. Answer? it depends!
As a general statement – U.S. law requires a passport for anyone entering or reentering the United States on land, sea or air.
However, there is one exception to “closed-loop cruise”. “Close-loop cruise” is defined as:
- Arrive and return to the same U.S. port
- The boat only visits Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or the Bahamas
If you are in a “Close Loop Cruise”, you will need the following documentation to prove that you do not have a passport:
- Certified copy of your government-issued birth certificate or naturalization document (all travelers)
- Valid image ID released by the federal or state government (anyone 16 years old or older)
Exceptions to passport requirements apply only to U.S. citizens. If you are a legal resident, you must bring your national passport and an alien registration card (green card).
Traveling in Whitney World We strongly recommend that everyone ride their passport with them on their parade. Some issues to consider include:
- If you miss a ship at any port and need to fly to catch up, you need a passport
- If there is a personal emergency that requires you to leave the boat early, you will need a passport to fly home
We also recommend checking for specific Cruise passenger guidance at the U.S. State Department and passport guides for specific cruise routes.
If you have any questions about your specific trip, please contact your travel consultant immediately!
