The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative governs travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada and the Bahamas. It dictates what documents are acceptable for entry or re-entry into the United States from these three countries.
When taking a cruise, it is the sailing itinerary that determines what documents are needed. U.S. citizens on a cruise that departs and returns to the same U.S. city are on a closed-loop cruise. All others are deemed open-loop.
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises aren't required to present a passport, but they will need proof of citizenship. An original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a passport card or an enhanced driver's license (EDL) can meet this requirement. In addition, a valid government-issued photo ID must be presented.
A standard passport is required for all other cruises. Note that if your cruise does not return to the same U.S. port, you are required to present a passport for international travel.
Passport applications can be submitted at an approved passport acceptance facility. Proof of U.S. citizenship, all applicable fees and form DS-11 must be submitted with two passport-sized photos, a Social Security number and photocopies of acceptable identification.
