FINAL Passport Rule Issued for Land and Sea Borders
Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers: U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.
*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State
All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.
We encourage travelers to obtain passports to allow the broadest travel opportunities. You can visit www.travel.state.gov to obtain information on how to apply at more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities in the United States.