As of June 1, 2009, U.S. State Department issued the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which requires all cruise passengers traveling on a one-way cruise that starts or ends outside of the United States to carry a valid passport for entry into the United States. U.S. citizens may also carry a passport card, enhanced drivers license or "trusted traveler" card (including NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST cards) for entry. However, if your journey is on a "closed loop," or one that commences and terminates at a U.S. port, a government-issued photo ID, birth certificate or other proof of citizenship will suffice.
All passengers on cruises with itineraries outside of the North America and Caribbean region must carry a valid passport at sea. For those journeying to the United States, an appropriate tourist visa is also required. This excludes residents of countries in the Visa Waiver Program. Check local embassies of the countries in which you are disembarking to confirm whether or not you need to apply for a visa.
Citizens from Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunel, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are part of the Visa Waiver Program with the United States. Nationals of these countries do not require a visa for a stay of less than 90 days in any of these countries. However, a passport is still required on cruises.
Immigrants living in Canada without a Canadian passport must travel with a valid passport from their country of citizenship and a U.S. visa to enter the United States on a cruise. They will also be required to show an original copy of their Canadian Permanent Resident Card.
