Why passports are recommended for closed-loop cruises

In general, international travel requires a valid Passport and other traveling documents. However, in some cases “closed loop cruises” permit you to travel on just a Certified Birth Certificate (if you are a Natural Born US Citizen). Close Loop Cruises are for those which begin and end at the same US port, including cruises to Alaska, Mexico and many Caribbean Cruises.

This page is about why, even when you CAN travel using a birth certificate, a passport is still recommended.

1. The primary reason is it is a single document that establishes your identity and citizenship. Without a passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID with a name that matches your birth certificate. If your name does not match, you will need to have documents which show the name change, such as a certified copy of your marriage license.
2. For children, it establishes that both legal parents or guardians consent to international travel for the minor when both parents are not traveling with the child. This also helps clear up situations where a single parent has full legal authority while both might still be listed on a birth certificate. There is still additional recommended paperwork, see Traveling with Children (link).
3. If you miss your return time at a port of call and the ship leaves without you while in a foreign country, you may be delayed hours or days (at your expense) until the US Embassy can provide you proper traveling papers to return first to the USA before continuing on to your next port of call to catch the ship.
4. If you have any emergency which forces you to leave the cruise early, such as a medical emergency on your part, or perhaps some emergency back home causing you to return early, you will encounter the same delays as indicated in #3 above. And during an emergency situation, the last thing you generally want is extra delays in returning to the USA.

If you still elect to travel with simply a Birth Certificate, be sure of the following:

1. You are a natural born citizen of the United States of America
2. You have a certified copy of your birth certificate
3. You have a government-issued photo ID, such as a drivers licenses
4. The name on your government issued photo ID and birth certificate must match exactly. If not you will need to bring supporting official paperwork to explain the differences, such as a name change due to marriage or divorce.
5. If traveling with children, see Traveling with Children (link).

While we don’t like to focus on the negative, here are some real life situations where people had wished they purchased a passport and, in most cases, travel insurance as well:

• Sick boy stuck in Mexico without a passport as medical bills mount

Finally, this page relates to US Customs and Boarder Patrol Requirements for people returning or entering into the USA. It does not cover the entry requirements you might be subject to for the countries your visit. Some countries, such as Canada and Mexico have strict laws regarding prior criminal history, and while you may be able to re-enter the USA, it does now provide assurance that you will be accepted into a specific country for travel.

Additional resources:

• CBP: What documents should I take on a cruise?

This blog post is written as an opinion post by the travel professionals at True Vacation Travel. You are encouraged to get informed for yourself at http://travel.state.gov