The Departments of Homeland Security and of State issued the final rulemaking concerning the requirements of passports for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After years of development following 9/11, this ruling is the end of the process and can be considered FINAL.

The following rules are in effect for cruise passengers:

US and Canadian Citizens - A valid passport is required for all non-domestic itineraries including Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, India, Central and South America, South Pacific and Tahiti. Although US and Canadian citizens are not currently required to sail with a passport on domestic itineraries including Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico, it is highly recommended.  If your cruise requires air travel between the US and the Americas, Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda or Mexico, you will be required to present a valid passport when departing from or returning to the US by air.  Even if your cruise does not involve air travel outside the US, should you be required to unexpectedly depart a vessel prior to the end of the sailing, a passport would be requied to re-enter the US by air. 

Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport when you dock at a foreign port, depending on the islands or countries that your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your travel agent and cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents for the stops you’ll be making on your cruise.