Note: Passport laws are currently undergoing changes, so please check this page regularly for updates.
Last update: January 5, 2019
All passengers are required to carry valid Proof of Citizenship before being allowed to board a cruise ship. Bringing proper proof of citizenship is the responsibility of the guest. Any guest traveling without proper documentation will be denied boarding by the cruise ship and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Please read this page carefully.
1. Alaska
2. Bahamas
3. Bermuda
4. Caribbean
5. Canada and New England
6. Hawaii
7. Mexico
New U.S. Birth Certificate Requirement
Beginning April 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of State will require the full names of the applicant’s parent(s) to be listed on all certified birth certificates to be considered as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship for all passport applicants, regardless of age. Certified birth certificates missing this information will not be acceptable as evidence of citizenship. This will not affect applications already in- process that have been submitted or accepted before the effective date. We recommend a passport be used for all cruises.
All travelers will be required to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. This new requirement will be known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or secure travel document when entering the United States.
Passport processing times have increased due to high volume. Click here for Passport Application processing times
You should allow yourself a sufficient amount of time to apply and receive your passport in advance of travel. Please allow up to 10 weeks for processing of U.S. passport applications. Peak U.S. passport processing is between January and July. We recommend applying as soon as possible prior to your cruise.
Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.
A valid passport is required. Some countries may require the purchase of a visa. Click here to check visa requirements.
Non US-Citizens traveling to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico, Canada or Alaska must present proof of citizenship in the form of:
A valid passport from your Country of Origin is required. Some countries may require the purchase of a Visa. It is your responsibility to check with Embassy of your country or the country you are visiting with regards to Visa requirements.
It is important that guest names on travel documents (Alien Resident Cards, etc.) be identical to those on the cruise and airline tickets. Otherwise, proof of name change (i.e., a marriage license) must be presented.
Non-US Citizens Traveling to Canada or Alaska
The Canadian government requires foreign citizens from most countries other than the U.S. to obtain a visa for entry into Canada. This law affects travelers on all cruise itineraries that begin or end in Canada, as well as those that make a port of call in Canada. Failure to present the required visa will result in denied boarding with no refund. To learn if Canada requires a visa for citizens of your country please call your embassy or consulate.
What is a Passport?
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.
How do I apply for a Passport?
To obtain a passport, you need to go in person to one of 8,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.
You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; or if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you are under 16 your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost of stolen.
For more information, visit these links on U.S. State Department Website.