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Bermuda Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go to Bermuda?

Kate H. Knapp

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Although Bermuda may be closer to your home city than many other places in the U.S., it’s still a sovereign nation with its own passport requirements. For U.S. citizens, a valid passport book with at least one blank page for an entry stamp is mandatory to visit if you arrive in the country by air; a passport card can be used to enter Bermuda on a closed-loop cruise (a round-trip cruise that departs and returns to the same U.S. port) but a passport will be needed if an emergency flight is required. Proof of a return ticket or travel beyond the island are among the additional Bermuda passport requirements you need to know about.

Bermuda Passport Requirements

A valid passport book is required to enter Bermuda and to re-enter the United States by air. A birth certificate, government-issued photo ID, or passport card will not be enough to gain access into the country if international air travel is involved; leave those at home and obtain a valid passport book for your Bermuda travels instead.

How to Get a Passport to Go to Bermuda

Apply for a passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling to Bermuda. It’ll cost more if you wait until the last minute to apply for a passport book. For information about the documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport, go to USA.gov .

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need?

Additional Bermuda Travel Requirements

Visa: You do not need a visa to go to Bermuda if you are a U.S. citizen.

Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required to visit Bermuda.

What to Do If You Lose Your Passport in Bermuda

If you lose your passport in Bermuda, report the loss immediately to the U.S. Consulate General Hamilton .

So, Do I Need a Passport to Visit Bermuda?

In summary: Yes, Bermuda passport requirements state that U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book with at least one blank page for an entry stamp to enter the country by air. A passport card may be used if you arrive on a closed-loop cruise that departs and returns to the same U.S. port, but a passport book will be necessary if an emergency flight is needed.

Proof of a return ticket or travel beyond the island are also required when visiting the island.

More Information When Visiting Bermuda

The  U.S. Department of State  provides detailed information, including travel advisories and passport validity requirements, to your destination.

For information on how to apply or renew a passport,  visit  here .

The Bermuda Tourism Authority  is a great resource for things to do and places to stay, as well as everything you need to know before you go when planning a trip to Bermuda.

Protect Your Passport

We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection. 

On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once you arrive at your destination, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the hotel or vacation rental but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock .

More from SmarterTravel:

• 5 Exotic Places Where You Don’t Need a Passport
• How to Renew a Passport, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck—The Ultimate Guide
• How to Take Your Own Passport Photo

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Getting to Bermuda has never been easier!

All you need is your valid passport and the bermuda arrival card.

We invite you to complete the digital Bermuda Arrival Card prior to your arrival on the island. The form is easy and will take less than 2-minutes and get you through faster. Once you complete the form you receive an email confirmation and present it to our border agents to help expedite processing on arrival. The Bermuda Tourism Authority is working to ensure an optimal visitor experience and observes international privacy protection standards. 

Please review our privacy policy .   

Effective November 14, 2022, Covid-19 testing and travel authorisation forms are not required to enter Bermuda. All air arrival visitors will need to fill out the arrival card. Cruise visitors are not required to complete any entry form. 

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US Consulate: Traveling On Bermuda Passport

The U.S. Consulate said that while Bermuda passport holders are visa exempt, meaning we generally do not require a visa to travel to the United States, Bermuda passport holders who travel internationally are welcome to apply for visas to facilitate their travel.

A spokesperson said, “The Consular Section wishes to remind Bermuda passport holders that they are visa exempt, meaning they generally do not require a visa to travel to the United States.

“However, Bermuda passport holders who travel internationally are welcome to apply for visas to facilitate their return to Bermuda via the United States.

“Bermuda passport holders who have passports printed with the ‘GBR’ code [passports printed in the United Kingdom] may encounter difficulties at foreign airports when attempting to board U.S.-bound flights, especially in locations where airline staff are unfamiliar with the Bermuda visa exemption.

“Bermuda is not in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program [ESTA], and nationals of Bermuda should not apply for ESTA to travel to the United States. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please e-mail [email protected].

“Updates on services and other Consulate news can also be found on our Facebook and Twitter pages – @usconshamilton.”

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Comments (16)

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What a useless and unhelpful statement. Can they cope with thew large numbers who want to know? Why not just add us to ESTA?

So if we need a visa , why can’t we apply for ESTA ? We have to apply for a regular visa like all other foreign nationals .

ESTA you pay.

Because Bermuda passport holders don’t need a visa. We aren’t in the visa waiver program because we don’t need a visa. We can enter the US freely for periods up to I believe 90 days visa-free.

The problem some people are having is when they return to Bermuda via the US from countries that don’t know Bermuda passport holder can enter the US without a visa. So it seems, the Bermuda government needs to get together the the relevant US agency to ensure departments of other countries recognize our freedom of travel agreement with the US.

“The problem some people are having is when they return to Bermuda via the US from countries that don’t know Bermuda passport holder can enter the US without a visa. So it seems, the Bermuda government needs to get together the the relevant US agency to ensure departments of other countries recognize our freedom of travel agreement with the US.”

Why would the US waste their time worrying about us. Its the Bermuda government that needs to do something. The US is doing Bermuda a favor, they don’t need to bend over backwards for Bermuda.

If we go independant lining up for a visa will be the norm plus the orange haired one likely thinks we are in with the Mexicans

why can’t the british government just put the BMU code back on are dam passports . looks like the Bermuda government team needs to take a trip to London or get some answers from the governor

Fox news…washinton post….I am an American…I asked for assistance concerning a deprivation of liberty and extortion…do you know what my ship consulate told me?.. One Word…”no”…..I ask you….why are they called consulate?…I suggest they be removed from US budget…it is a waste of tax dollar!

Who do you Bermudian’s think you are? Special!!

See …there you go…me mee…meee….think reason …before and after you…infinitum….by definition you are an obscurity of your purpose and original tenure…not even sure you meet criteria.

I am no clearer after reading this article. Basically, it is highly random that you will be able to travel visa free.

Walton, please begin the process of adding us to ESTA. Why? Because within the next few years every Bermudian will have a GBR code in their passport. The last remaining Bermuda printed passports will expire, so it makes more sense to plan for the coming situation.

I doubt that International Passport printing protocols will allow Bermuda to print on island untill we go independent. They won’t do it for British Forces on the Sovereign bases in Cypruss and in British Forces Germany so I doubt they will do it for Bermuda.

Walton is too busy denying people their rights.

“….meaning they generally do not require a visa to travel to the United States…”

What on earth does this mean? Either you need a Visa or you don’t.

Some people require visas because they were arrested in the past or they overstayed their allowed period of stay in the U.S. There are a number of reason why some Bermudians need visas to travel to the U.S. Hence the qualifier “generally”….

How many years has this gone on now unresolved? What is the problem getting the code restored? Where is the idiot who caused all of this in the first place? Still have a job?

It is not just airline personel who are not familiar with the visa free exemption that we have entering the US. There are plenty of US border protection people who don’t know either. More than a couple of times there have been delays at smaller Canada US ground crossings caused by agents who don’t know of our visa free status. Some of them really hate it when a supervisor has to be called to enlighten them.

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Everything you need to know about visas for Bermuda

Apr 7, 2023 • 4 min read

Check out the entry requirements ahead of your visit to Bermuda © Matt Henry Gunther / Getty Images

With its famous pink-sand beaches, pastel-colored houses trimmed with bougainvillea, and a melange of British, African, Portuguese and Caribbean cultures, balmy Bermuda is a favorite destination for sunny getaways year-round .

The island ticks all the boxes for a tropical escape. Bermuda's eclectic, colorful heritage is reflected in its food, art and music, and there are plenty of things to do  in the sun, when you aren't enjoying the stunning beaches .

Whether you’re coming by cruise ship or plane, entering and leaving Bermuda is relatively straightforward, but what paperwork you need varies depending on your nationality. Here's a guide to Bermuda’s entry requirements, from info on visas to details on how to apply for temporary residency and permission to work in Bermuda.

Some nationalities can visit Bermuda without a visa

You can visit Bermuda without a visa or permit if you’re a British, or a citizen of the US or Canada, regardless of whether you come to Bermuda as a tourist, business traveler or work permit holder. All you need is a passport (valid for the proposed duration of your stay) plus tickets for return or onward travel.

There's some small print. Travel tickets must show the Booking Reference Number, destination and departure date and time, and you must also produce a valid visa for the country you are traveling to next (if one is needed). Note that credit-card-sized US passport cards are not accepted for air travel – you'll need your actual paper passport.

Other nationalities need proof they can enter the UK, US or Canada 

As of 2014, Bermuda no longer issues entry visas or visa waivers to visitors, regardless of nationality or purpose of their visit. However, if you’re a citizen of any other country besides the UK, Canada or the United States, you must show a valid passport, return or onward tickets and proof that you have the right to re-enter either the US, UK or Canada (depending on your port of transit), since you will have to pass through one of these three countries to reach Bermuda.

This proof may take the form of a Multi Re-Entry Visa (MRV), if one is required to enter the UK, US or Canada. Proof that you can re-enter these countries is required even if you are just passing through the airport to catch a connecting flight to Bermuda. MRVs and passports must be valid for at least 45 days past the expiration of your stay in Bermuda. You may also be asked to show proof of booked accommodation for your stay.

More paperwork is needed if you're a permanent resident not a citizen

If you’re a permanent resident of the US, UK or Canada, rather than a citizen, on arrival in Bermuda you must produce proof of right of abode in one of the three countries. British and Canadian residents must show a Permanent Resident Card, while those living in the US need to show either a Permanent Residence Card (Green Card) or an original certificate of US naturalization, as well as some government-issued photo ID.

Return or onward tickets and a passport valid for 45 days beyond your booked departure date from Bermuda are additional entry requirements. If you’re a woman traveling under your married name, but your identification is under your maiden name, you must also produce a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

All nationalities need to fill out the Bermuda Arrival Card

From November 2022, all visitors to Bermuda, whether they arrive by air or yacht (travelers on a cruise ship are exempt), need to fill out the Bermuda Arrival Card . This is available digitally and can be completed in advance of arrival or as a hard-copy at Immigration.

Tourists can stay in Bermuda for 180 days

The maximum length of stay for tourists has been extended to 180 days as of August 1, 2020. To extend your stay beyond this 180-day maximum, you can request an extension . You'll need valid travel documents (such as a passport), a letter from a host or sponsor along with their ID, proof of onward travel and to pay a fee.

There are several working visa options in Bermuda

Until recently, working in Bermuda required a work permit and a job offer from a Bermuda-based company. However, from August 1, 2020, Bermuda has been offering special Work from Bermuda residency certificates , valid for up to a year, to digital nomads and students of all nationalities who wish to either work or study remotely while based on the island.

The online application costs US$275, and applicants must be over 18 years old, with valid health insurance and a clean criminal record. You'll need to present evidence that you are employed by a legitimate company, self-employed, or enrolled in a recognized study program, and have a continuous source of income.

Alternatively, there are six different types of work visa in Bermuda, all with their own restrictions and requirements.

This article was first published December 2021 and updated April 2023

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Do You Need A Passport To Go To Bermuda? (On A Plane or A Ship?)

Planning a trip to Bermuda? Find out if you need a passport by plane or ship, including exceptions & vital travel tips for a smooth vacation.

Bermuda is a beautiful island destination worth visiting on your next vacation. This island is known for its pink sand beaches, created by pulverized coral and shells, and the historic town of St. George. So, do you need a passport to go to Bermuda?

Adults, children, and infants entering Bermuda by airplane must present a valid U.S. passport to enter the country. You must also present a valid U.S. passport to re-enter the United States. If you’re taking a cruise to Bermuda, a passport is recommended in case of emergencies. However, you don’t need one if the cruise begins and ends in the United States.

If your identification documents are in your maiden name, but you’re traveling under your married name, carry your marriage certificate.

As of March 2014, entry visas and visa waivers are no longer required for tourists or business visitors. Follow along as we explore everything you need to enter Bermuda and enjoy your vacation.

What Documents Do I Need To Fly To Bermuda?

Credit: Shutterstock

Before heading to Bermuda, you need to provide several documents to the country.  All travelers must complete the Bermuda travel authorization process online within 48 hours of departure. You must also show a return or onward ticket, such as a roundtrip ticket or proof of onward transportation to another country.

All visitors 12 years and older are required to show proof of vaccination.  Acceptable proof shows that you’ve received a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before your arrival. However, Bermuda officials do not require travelers to have booster shots.

Visitors 2 years old and younger must provide a negative COVID-19 pre-arrival test result . You Supervised antigen tests must be taken no more than two days before arrival. NAAT tests are acceptable no more than four days before arrival.

Can I Use A Birth Certificate In Place Of A Passport To Travel To Bermuda?

The short answer is no; you cannot use a birth certificate in place of a passport to travel to Bermuda.  A birth certificate, driver’s license, or identification card will not grant you entry into Bermuda. You must have a passport to enter the island.

Bermuda accepts two different types of passports: passport books and passport cards. Both of these types of passports will show proof of citizenship and identity. However, if you’re traveling to Bermuda by air, you will need to carry a passport book.

Related Read:   Do You Need A Passport To Go To Puerto Rico?

Current Travel Restrictions for Bermuda

People are excited to travel again, whether by cruise ship or plane. No matter how you plan to travel to Bermuda, it’s always a good idea to know the current restrictions. Currently, Bermuda has several restrictions in place.

Bermuda requires proof of vaccination for travelers 12 years and older and a negative COVID-19 test for travelers under 2.  Bermuda requires travelers to submit a Travel Authorization application where visitors can upload their negative pre-arrival test, vaccination, and travel information.

You can purchase applications for $40 up to a month before travel to permit early review of vaccine records.

Do You Need To Get A Vaccine To Go To Bermuda?

All visitors 12 years and older traveling to Bermuda must be vaccinated.  If you are unvaccinated, you must apply for a medical exemption to enter Bermuda at least 10 days before arriving. Additionally, the Quarantine Authority needs to approve the exemption.

To get approval for Medical Exemption from Vaccination, you must have a medical contraindication to COVID-19 vaccines. The traveler must submit a letter from a licensed physician documenting the medical contraindication. There are strict guidelines for the letter, so be sure to visit the  Government of Bermuda travel site .

Related Read:   Do You Need a Passport To Go To St. Lucia?

Does A Child Need A Passport To Go To Bermuda?

Adults, children, and infants entering Bermuda need a passport.  There are several guidelines if the child is under the age of 16 and applying for a passport.

• Both parents must accompany applicants under 16 years old applying for a passport.
• The applicant must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• The parents of the applicant must provide parental identification. If one parent cannot attend, they must fill out a Parental Permission form and get it notarized. You can find this form  here .
• You also need to complete a DS-11 form and pay the $115 application fee.
• Applicants must submit one U.S. passport photo.
• Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a 5-year passport.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Bermuda By Cruise Ship?

Citizens from all countries except for the U.S. must have passports on cruise ships.  U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to go to Bermuda by cruise ship if the cruise originates and terminates in the United States. However, valid U.S. passports are strongly recommended when you go on a cruise for many reasons.

Illness and arrests are the most common occurrences when you would need a passport on a cruise ship. For example, in these situations, you might need to return to the U.S. by plane instead of on the cruise.

If this happens, you will need a passport for air travel. Keep in mind that passport cards are not valid for air travel, only passport books. Therefore, while you don't have to have a passport to cruise to Bermuda, it's wise to bring one anyway.

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Do You Need A REAL ID To Go To Bermuda?

REAL IDs are essentially driver’s licenses with additional technology.  You cannot use a REAL ID for international air travel to Bermuda.  Americans visiting Bermuda by cruise ship can travel using a REAL ID, but it is not a requirement.

While a passport isn’t required to visit Bermuda by cruise ship, it is always a wise recommendation in an emergency. For U.S. citizens traveling to Bermuda, a valid passport book should have at least one blank page for an entry stamp.

You can use a passport card or REAL ID to enter Bermuda on a closed-loop cruise. A closed-loop cruise means it’s a round-trip to the same U.S. port.

Do You Need A Visa To Go To Bermuda?

Short stay travelers from the U.S. do not need a visa to enter Bermuda.  A short stay is considered a vacation of 90 days or less. Passports must be valid for the entire duration of your visit, but it’s recommended to have six months of passport validity.

If you plan to extend your stay beyond three months, there are additional requirements:

• You must attend an appointment with the Immigration Department in Bermuda to apply for a Visitor Extension.
• The Visitor Extension will grant you an additional 90 days in Bermuda, 180 days total on the island.
• You must submit an application before the appointment that states your expiration date.
• You will need to present the application form, a signed declaration of the host or sponsor, or hotel.
• Acquire a valid passport or other travel document, such as a passport card or REAL ID, to enter Bermuda. This document has to be valid for 45 days past the departure date.
• Evidence of a return flight is required.
• You must present an updated travel application or  ESTA .
• You’ll need to provide financial evidence that you can pay for the extension fee.

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What Islands Can You Go To Without A Passport?

If you forgot to renew your passport or didn’t apply for one in time, your vacation doesn’t have to be ruined. As a U.S. citizen, there are several locations you can go to without a passport. Whether you’re looking to stay local or prefer a short flight, there are options for those who want to stay in the states.

In the Caribbean, you can visit St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix in the  U.S. Virgin Islands . San Juan and Culebra, Puerto Rico, are other common areas to visit without a passport.  If you want to stick to the United States, check out Key West, Miami, or Anna Maria Island in Florida.

Don’t forget about the West Coast - California is home to  Santa Catalina Island . A little bit further west is Oahu, Kauai, and Maui, Hawaii, always a great location when trying to stay in the United States. Guam and American Samoa are two places known for lush, tropical beaches that aren’t overrun with tourists.

Wrapping Up Your Bermuda Vacation Documents

If your vacation plans take you to Bermuda, plan ahead to avoid stress and delays. You don’t want unexpected problems to stop you from putting your toes in the pink sand beaches. If you’re traveling by plane, you will need a passport; if you’re traveling by cruise ship, you won’t.

Don’t forget about the required documents when traveling to Bermuda. All travelers must complete the Bermuda travel authorization process online within 48 hours of departing for Bermuda. You also need to provide a roundtrip ticket or proof of onward transportation to another country.

Bermuda has COVID-19 vaccination requirements, as well, so be aware of those. All visitors 12 and older must show proof of vaccination, and visitors under 2 need a negative COVID-19 test.

It is best to visit the  Bermuda travel website  before traveling to make sure you have what you need. Also, give yourself enough time to start the process early. There are several requirements that are due weeks or months before arrival.

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Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.