Travel requirements for cruise ship passengers have changed in recent years with a tightening of U.S. borders. Ideally, whatever type of cruise a traveler plans, the traveler should consider getting a passport. However, depending on the type of cruise, a passport is not absolutely necessary. With such varying rules regarding passports and also visa requirements, travelers are highly encouraged to do the research for required documentation before booking a cruise.

Proof of Citizenship

Passengers traveling on “closed loop cruises”--those cruises which begin and end at the same port--do not need to bring a passport. However, they will need to be able to show valid proof of citizenship. Recommended documents that show proof of citizenship are a government-issued ID card along with a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization.

Valid Passport

Starting June 1, 2009, the government implemented a new scheme requiring travelers entering the United States by land, sea or air to hold a valid passport. For cruise passengers this requirement is enforced when a cruise begins and ends in a foreign port or if the cruise begins and ends in different ports (even if both ports are in the United States). Should travelers only have a U.S. passport card, the traveler should be aware that the passport card is only valid for travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Travelers to other foreign countries must hold a U.S. passport book. In addition to a passport, non-U.S. citizens must have their visa and their permanent resident card in order to be able to re-enter the U.S.


In addition to a passport, cruise travelers may also require a visa for entry to countries that require visas, such as Russia or Brazil. Check with the cruise line first for information on visa requirements, as individual countries' visa requirements vary. For instance, countries like Turkey issue blanket visas to cruise ships, which cover all passengers. However, in Russia, travelers who purchase an excursion through the ship (versus a passenger traveling on his own) can have the visa requirement waived.

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