N
Glam Monitor

What type of ID is required for a cruise?

Author

Daniel Johnson

Updated on July 09, 2026

For US Sailings - U.S. Citizens may sail using their: Official US Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID, like a driver's license or an identity card. Please note that hospital Birth Certificates (baby feet Birth Certificates)...

Can I board a cruise ship without a passport?

If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport. For “closed-loop” cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: A boarding pass. A government photo I.D.

Can you cruise without a passport 2020?

You Need a Passport for Cruises To and From Foreign Ports

For example, any time you cross a land or sea border into a foreign country, you'll need a passport, whether it's riding Alaska's White Pass and Yukon Railway or taking day trips to smaller Caribbean islands.

Do they check ID on cruises?

The federal government requires that passengers on closed-loop cruises provide proof of citizenship and a valid, government-issued photo ID card to return to the United States.

Can you use a passport card for a cruise?

You can use a passport card as legitimate identification on your cruise if you're sailing exclusively to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries. As you'll be re-entering the U.S. through a seaport, the customs and immigration officials at the port will recognize your passport card as a valid travel document.

21 related questions found

Can I use passport card instead of real ID?

A passport card can be used as ID for domestic flights. It cannot be used for international air travel. Fits in your wallet, same size as a driver's license or legal permanent resident card. The cost for first time applicants is $65 for adults and $50 for children under age 16.

Can a US resident go on a cruise?

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government ...

Can I drink on a cruise if im 18?

Yes. The rules vary by cruise line, but most allow 18-year-olds to hang out at bars or nightclubs on their own, or with family and friends who are also 18+. But do note that the drinking age on all ships that visit the U.S., as well as on many U.S.-based cruise lines sailing anywhere in the world, is 21.

Can I use my birth certificate to go on a Carnival cruise?

Also acceptable for cruise travel (for cruises that begin and end in a U.S port), U.S. citizens can show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate issued by a government agency and accompanied by government-issued photo identification.

Can you get on a cruise with a copy of your birth certificate?

The birth certificate can be an original or an official copy. However, for copies we would recommend you have a copy issued by the local health and vital statistics department. In other words, you don't want to just make a photocopy of your actual birth certificate and use that to board the cruise.

Can I get off the cruise ship in Mexico without a passport?

If you are cruising to Mexico on a closed-loop cruise, (a journey that starts and ends at the same U.S. port), you can enter without a passport and show a state-issued ID and an original birth certificate instead.

Can you go on a Caribbean cruise without a passport?

You can still cruise to the Caribbean without a U.S. passport if you are a U.S. citizen, but only if you take what is known as a "closed loop" cruise. That means that your cruise ship needs to start and end at the same U.S. port.

What cruise ports require a passport?

Even if you're on a closed-loop sailing, certain islands in the Caribbean – Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barts, Barbados and others — require a passport for entry. It's your responsibility (not your cruise line's) to learn the requirements of each of the destinations you're visiting before you go.

Can you cruise to Bahamas without passport?

If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you'll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

Can I go on a Disney cruise without a passport?

Ships & Cruises – Frequently Asked Questions

A: At check-in, all Guests must present valid passports or other acceptable proof of citizenship. All travelers are required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States by air.

Can I go to the Bahamas with an enhanced license?

United States citizens, for example, can use a passport book or card, or an enhanced driver's license to enter the Bahamas via sea border. While the same documents will allow you to re-enter the U.S. on a cruise, only a passport book will permit you to return on an airplane.

Does my child need a passport for a cruise?

All passengers, even the children, must have a passport. If your cruise departs from a non-U.S. port—even Canada or Mexico—this is also not considered a closed loop cruise, even if it returns home to the same non-U.S. home port. All passengers, even the children, must have a valid passport.

Do I need my birth certificate to go on a cruise?

Citizens may sail using their: Official US Birth Certificate and a supporting Government Issued Photo ID, like a driver's license or an identity card. Please note that hospital Birth Certificates (baby feet Birth Certificates) are not accepted.

Can non-U.S. citizens go on a cruise?

Domestic Cruises

Non-U.S. Citizens are required to carry a valid, unexpired passport and a Multiple Entry Visa, if applicable. In addition, guests must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements.

Can you smoke on a cruise ship?

Can you smoke on a cruise ship? You may smoke on a cruise ship, but only in designated smoking areas. On most ships operated by U.S. cruise lines, all indoor public spaces are off-limits with the exceptions being the casino (or part of the casino), a cigar lounge (if the ship has one) and one or two other lounges.

Can 17 year olds go on a cruise alone?

Children ages 16 and 17 can be in a cabin by themselves; however, they must be accompanied by an adult age 18 and over in a separate cabin. Minimum age to leave the ship on your own: Passengers must be 18 or older to go on a ship-sponsored shore excursion on their own.

What country has the lowest drinking age?

In fact, 64 percent of the world's nations have legal drinking ages of 18. The youngest legal drinking age in the world is 15, with both Mali and the Central African Republic allowing folks to drink at that time.

Can I travel with a different name on my passport and green card?

Answer: Yes, you may travel with your passport and green card in your maiden name. Make sure to have your tickets booked in your maiden name as well. Question: I recently got married and legally changed my name.

Can DACA go on a cruise?

1. DACA applicants may not travel outside the United States until after their DACA request has been approved. 2. DACA applicants or recipients who travel outside the U.S. without being granted approval for travel will lose their DACA status.

Can I use my passport to fly?

The U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card are both accepted as ID for domestic flights. You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before.