Americans may not need a passport if sailing domestically or round-trip from the same U.S. port — even if the cruise anchors in foreign ports such as Bermuda or Cancun. The “closed-loop cruise” loophole only works in the Caribbean, however, and it’s not valid for all the islands. Be sure to check entry requirements with your cruise line. Passports can take several weeks to obtain, so be sure to plan ahead.
Americans may not need a passport if sailing domestically or round-trip from the same U.S. port — even if the cruise anchors in foreign ports such as Bermuda or Cancun. The “closed-loop cruise” loophole only works in the Caribbean, however, and it’s not valid for all the islands. Be sure to check entry requirements with your cruise line. Passports can take several weeks to obtain, so be sure to plan ahead.