Do I need a passport to take a cruise? The answer is yes and no. To determine if you need a passport or not, determine what type of cruise you are taking. There are closed loop cruises, and open loop cruises. A closed loop cruise begins and ends in the same U.S. port; an open loop cruise begins in one U.S. port, visits a port in a foreign country, and ends in a different U.S. port than where the cruise began.
Closed Loop cruises
U.S. citizens can enter or depart the country on a cruise with proof of citizenship.
Citizenship is established by:
- An original or copy of his or her birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born)
- A photocopy is not acceptable
- Also a government issued photo ID
Open Loop cruises
On an open loop cruise, a passport is required.
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