Do you need a passport for a cruise? What to know

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your very first nautical escapade, one question always comes to mind: Do you need a passport for a cruise? This guide will answer your concerns and help you unravel the passport puzzle.

Planning a cruise as a U.S. citizen? Here’s what you need to know:
A passport is highly recommended, but not always required.
Your passport should be valid for the duration of the cruise.
No passport pages are needed.
And in most cases, no visa is required.
On a closed-loop cruise—where you start and end in the U.S.—you can travel without a passport. However, if your cruise starts in the U.S. and ends in another country, you’ll need one.
Want to explore Mexico during your cruise? No problem. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can disembark in Mexico with a government-issued photo ID.
As for travel visas, it depends on your destination. Most cruises starting and ending in the U.S. don’t require a visa.
Wherever you set sail, KAYAK is here to help you travel smart. Because every trip starts with a plan—and we’ve got yours.

Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Passport Needed?

Highly recommended

Blank pages needed

None

Passport validity

Duration of the cruise

Visa tourist needed

Usually not

This depends on various factors, such as your destination or the itinerary of the cruise. Cruises can be of different types: Closed-loop cruises and cruises that drop you to another city or country.

Closed-loop cruises

If your cruise starts and ends at the same U.S. port, it’s a “closed loop” cruise. You may not need a passport. For instance, a cruise that departs from Miami, Florida, to at least one foreign port of call, such as Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, before returning to Miami, Florida, is a closed-loop cruise.

A hammock tied on two palm trees with distant views of a cruise ship in the ocean.

A stock photo of a US passport. Photographed using the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II.

A woman spreads her arms as she stands on a ship's deck facing the sun above a vast ocean.

Cruises that drop you to another city or country

You need a valid passport for a cruise that begins in one U.S. port and drops you in another city or country. For instance, a cruise that starts in Miami and ends in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, or another U.S. port is an open-loop or open-jaw cruise. You’ll need a passport for that voyage.

Can you go on a Caribbean cruise without a passport?

Yes, you can go on a Caribbean cruise without a passport, depending on the specific circumstances of the cruise. If it’s a closed-loop cruise, you can travel without a passport. You’ll need a passport if the cruise starts in a U.S. port and ends in any Caribbean destination.

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

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can get off a cruise ship in Mexico without a passport. You can use other forms of identification, such as a government-issued birth certificate, a government-issued driver’s license, a picture ID, or an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). However, we recommend carrying a valid passport, which may be useful in case of unforeseen situations.

A woman in a white dress stands at the edge of a stone platform admiring the views of Mayan ruins.

Can you go on a cruise with just an ID?

You can go on a cruise with just an ID if your cruise starts and ends in the same U.S. port, visiting destinations such as Bermuda, Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean. Travelers can provide documents, such as an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or a government-issued birth certificate.

Is a travel visa needed to go on a cruise?

This depends on the destination country or port of call you’re visiting and your citizenship status. Some destinations don’t require a U.S. citizen to have a visa, but require a U.S. lawful permanent resident (LPR) to have one. U.S. citizens will not need a visa for most cruises that start and end in the United States.

What are the cruises that don’t require a passport?

Most closed-loop cruises don’t require a passport for U.S. citizens. Popular journeys that don’t require a passport for U.S. citizens include closed-loop cruises with ports of call along the Caribbean (Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), Mexico (Cancun and Cozumel), and Canada. You can find other destinations for summer travel.

KAYAK’s travel tips to enjoy a Caribbean Cruise

Set sail on an unforgettable Caribbean adventure with KAYAK’s essential travel tips.

Best month
February

Avg Temperature
80 °F

Don’t forget
Sunglasses

Mature couple drinking wine out on the deck. They are happy and smiling sitting in deck chairs. The sea is in the background. Focus on the background

What to pack in your suitcase?

Having been on several Caribbean cruises, I’ve learned that packing strategically can greatly enhance the experience. I recommend packing:

necessary travel documents
lightweight clothing
sunscreen
toiletries
sunglasses
a reusable water bottle
and charging devices.

What are the best places to make a port of call during your Caribbean cruise?

I’ve come to appreciate certain port-of-call destinations that offer a diverse and unforgettable experience. They include Grand Cayman, the Bahamas, Antigua, St. Thomas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

View from the bed through the window saw two chairs on the balcony, the background is sea and sky.

What is the food you should absolutely try?

Through my many culinary experiences when cruising, I’d recommend salt fish, jerk chicken, and conch fritters on Caribbean cruises, Ceviche on Mexican cruises, and Poutine on Canadian cruises.

A bowl of raw fish dish garnished with onion, mint leaves, and orange slices.

A comforting bowl of crispy fries smothered in savoury gravy and melted cheese curds.

A woman picking up two plates from a stainless steel work table in a restaurant kitchen.

What are the 5 best activities during a cruise?

In order to enjoy your cruise to the fullest, I’d recommend attending live shows, exploring the ship, sampling dishes, relaxing by the pool, and socializing for an entertaining voyage.

rows of empty sun bathing bench on board a cruise wooden deck sunset moment

Three joyful multiracial friends relish an outdoor breakfast, basking in each other's company and happiness.

Closeup of a young girl with her family inside the cinema.

Conclusion

Do you need a passport to go on a cruise? While some cruises may allow for alternative forms of identification, carrying a valid passport offers peace of mind. For further information on essential travel documents and tips for a cruise experience, check KAYAK guide on why you may be a cruise person.

The foregoing article was last updated on the 20th of February 2025. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
Sources:
https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-74?language=en_US
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/cruise-ship-passengers.html

Do you need a passport for a cruise: An essential travel guide