A passport is not required for a closed-loop cruise, one that both begins and ends at U.S. ports. So, if the cruise leaves from South Carolina and ends in Florida, a passport is not needed. But if the trip ends in Panama, a passport is required. Bahamian customs and immigration officials will not ask for a passport or visa from U.S. visitors arriving on a closed-loop cruise and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials will not ask for passport on the return trip.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), federal legislation effective in June 2009, requires that all U.S. citizens leaving the country hold a valid U.S. passport. While the destination country may or may not require U.S. travelers to present a passport, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials will need one before allowing travelers to re-enter the country. So, when traveling on a cruise that originates or ends in a country other than the U.S., a passport is needed. Whether a U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card is required depends on the country and method of transportation. A passport card is a cheaper, wallet-size alternative to a passport book and can be used only for air and sea travel to Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and Bermuda. If, for example, passengers are driving into Mexico to board the ship, a passport book will suffice. If the cruise ends in Costa Rica and passengers are flying back to the U.S., a passport book is required. Bahamian customs and immigration officials require a passport book from U.S. visitors, unless they are traveling by sea, in which case a passport card is acceptable. Also, if the cruise stops anywhere besides the Bahamas, travelers must bring the necessary travel documentation for that nation.
Several WHTI-compliant documents can be presented in place of a passport book while cruising the Caribbean. Enhanced tribal cards, a Form I-872 American Indian card, an enhanced driver's license, a U.S. military ID, a U.S. Merchant Mariner's Document, trusted traveler cards and a Native American Tribal photo ID card will be accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials as suitable substitutions to a passport for land and sea travelers. However, the Bahamian government does not accept enhanced driver's licenses from visitors. International air travel substitutions are stricter. U.S. airport officials will only accept a Merchant Mariner's document held by travelers conducting official maritime duties or a NEXUS Air trusted travelers card.
In the event that a traveler must return to the U.S. immediately, it may be necessary to fly back to the U.S. from the Bahamas. U.S. citizens will not be allowed to board the plane without a valid U.S. passport book or another international air travel document compliant with WHTI.
Prior to the implementation of WHTI, U.S. citizens and residents could travel to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda without a passport. However, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks heightened scrutiny of U.S border security. In the wake of the attacks, Congress appointed the 9/11 commission to evaluate the safety of the U.S. and investigate the events leading up to the attacks. WHTI is based off of the security recommendations set forth by the 9/11 commission. The purpose of WHTI, according to the Department of Homeland Security, is to strengthen security by creating standardized travel documentation regulations.
