Documents at the Cruise Terminal

At the check-in desk, staff verify that every guest has the right documents for the itinerary. If something is missing or does not match, they cannot let you board. Here is what they check and where the rules come from.

Closed-Loop Cruises From the United States

U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes a closed-loop cruise as one that begins and ends at the same U.S. port and travels only within the Western Hemisphere. For U.S. citizens on these sailings, CBP accepts a government-issued photo ID together with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization. CBP also notes that the countries your ship visits may still require a passport, and advises checking with your cruise line. Rules for children differ; see CBP’s WHTI questions and answers.

Open-Jaw and International Sailings

If your cruise starts in one port and ends in another, or begins outside the United States, a passport is generally required. Lines publish their own document rules, which can be stricter than government minimums, so read your cruise documents carefully.

Coming Home

On return to a U.S. port, guests pass through CBP inspection. CBP uses facial comparison at many cruise terminals and says U.S. travelers may opt out and ask for a manual document check. Our sister site First Time Cruise covers how disembarkation works.

Keep Documents in Your Carry-On

Never pack travel documents in luggage you hand to a porter; you will need them at the desk before you see your bags again. For the full list of papers to gather before you leave home, use the documents checklist on our sister site Cruising Checklist.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Guests who are not U.S. citizens generally need a passport and any visas or travel authorizations required for the United States and every country on the itinerary. Lawful permanent residents should carry their residence card along with a passport. Requirements depend on nationality, so check well before sailing.