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Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), requirements.  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

Having a passport solves so many issues while traveling and while a passport may not be required, it turns into what combination of documents are required without one.  If you do not need a passport, you do need to clearly understand the cruise documents, and what documents you are agreeing to provide during the check in process.   Getting on the ship, the cruise line is using the check-in information you supplied as identification.  If you don't arrive with what you agreed to, the boarding process stops until documents are supplied.  Remember during the online check-in process, you agreed to provide specific identification documents; passport, driver's license, etc., as listed on the WHTI Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative website.   Homeland Security receives the info from the cruise line and uses it to verify US citizenship of passengers who do not have a passport.  It's also very important that names on reservations match their identification exactly.  Remember to fill out the Health Status Questionnaire during check-in and bring it with you, if you don't, they'll have you complete one before getting on the ship.  

Almost everyone gets it right, but when you don't have the correct documents, things get panicky.  Calls to home, family, and even your travel consultant looking for the missing document.  If you don't have it, they do not let you board, while the remainder of you party can board, usually one or more misses out on a vacation.  Travel insurance does not cover, not having the correct documents. (No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation.  (RCL FAQ)

Did you know?

If going to Martinique, guests going ashore are required to carry a valid, unexpired passport. 

Puerto Rican citizens should review their birth certificates and ensure they are up to date. Puerto Rican birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010, are not valid forms of proof of citizenship. (From RCL FAQ)

If you're traveling with a citizen of another country, a multi access visa may be required for them to return to the US.  Check with US state department.  

If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required. 

 

U.S. citizens travelling to Europe will shortly need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), the new travel authorization for Europe that will come into effect in 2024. 

 

From the www.chp.gov website (go to www.chp.gov and search for WHTI).

U.S. citizen adult travelers can present a valid:

• U.S. Passport;
• Passport Card;
• Enhanced Driver’s License;
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST);
• U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders;
• U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling on official business; or
• Form I-872 American Indian Card; or
• Enhanced Tribal Card (when available).

Canadian citizen adult travelers can present a valid:

• Canadian passport;
• Enhanced Driver’s License; or
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST).
• U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have all the appropriate documents.

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. If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required. 

 

Do a search for "What travel documents are required to board?". 

Please remember during the online check in, you agree to have the required documents. You are responsible for your documents and also the documents for everyone you are checking in.  If you have a question, you need to reach out to the cruise line and verify you have the correct documents. 

Also, accepted forms of identification vary based on nationality, departure port and disembarkation port.  You really do need to verify you have the correct documents, 

 

An example of Carnival cruise lines requirements, (and always check with your specific cruise line)

Domestic Cruises

For cruises that begin and end in a U.S port, the following WHTI-Compliant Documents are acceptable for cruise travel. These standard forms of documentation will enable the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. If a picture I.D. is not affixed to the WHTI-compliant document, a picture I.D. is required (a valid, unexpired government-issued photo I.D. for all guests 16 years of age or older). If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required.

• U.S. Passport
• Passport Card
• State Enhanced Driver's License
• Certificate of U.S. Naturalization
• Native American Indians

 

Virgin Voyages - Are passports and visas required to sail?

While our Sailors are free to voyage at will, some global rules for travel still apply.  Virgin Voyages require it's Sailors to have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after the voyage end date. Based on your country of citizenship, some ports may also require a necessary visa to enter.

(8/2/2023)