For almost all Alaska cruises, a passport is required to travel.? All foreign flagged cruise ships traveling to Alaska will make stops in both the United States and Canada; and, some longer, repositioning Alaska cruises may begin and end in Mexico or another country. As a result, ALL passengers, regardless of nationality, are required to carry valid Proof of Citizenship and documentation before you will be allowed to board your cruise ship. The only exception is if you are a US Citizen and you are sailing on a US-flagged ship that does not visit Canada or sailing roundtrip from Seattle or San Francisco only, then technically a passport is not required.? However, we highly recommend passports in these situations as well.
It is the responsibility of each passenger to be aware of the proper documentation required for travel regardless of Cruise Line and destination, including but not limited to valid passport, photo identification, proof of citizenship, visas and inoculations if applicable. If you do not provide the required documentation at time of embarkation, you will be denied boarding without recourse for refund. Should boarding be denied, your cruise is non-refundable. You will be solely responsible for all expenses. The Cruise Line, AlaskaCruises.com and WMPH Vacations are not responsible for refunding any moneys paid and/or reimbursing you for any out-of-pocket expenses that may be incurred.
Alaska cruise vacations that begin and end in the United States (Closed Loop Itineraries)
If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins and ends in the same US port (Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles) you are not currently required to travel with a passport to Alaska. All cruise lines and WMPH Vacations highly recommend you carry a valid passport. U.S. Citizens who do not have a valid passport must provide the following proof of citizenship: Naturalization certificate or an original certified birth certificate from the state/province of their birth (a hospital certificate will not suffice) together with a current and valid government issued photo identification, such as a driver's license. U.S. citizens may also present a U.S. Passport Card. Neither oral nor written declarations of citizenship will be accepted.
Although recommended, photo identification is not required for those 16 years and younger at the time of post.
Even if your cruise does not involve air travel outside the U.S., should you be required to unexpectedly depart a vessel in a foreign port prior to the end of the sailing, a passport would be required to re-enter the U.S. by air. As such, all cruise lines and WMPH Vacations continue to strongly recommend that all passengers are in possession of a passport.
Alaska cruise vacations that begin or end in Canada or another Foreign Port and Alaska Vacations that do not begin and end in the same port of call:
If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins or ends in Canada or another foreign port, you are required to carry a valid passport. If you fly into or from Canada for your Alaska Cruise, you will be required to present a passport when departing from or returning to the U.S. by air.
A valid passport is required for all non-US and non-Canadian citizens for all Alaska itineraries and a multiple reentry visa (B-2 Visitor's Visa) may be required for foreign cruise passengers sailing from the United States. You also may be required to have sailing permits and/or visas to enter some countries including Canada.
There are 191 countries in the world and each one has different visa arrangements with travel to USA & Alaska, Canada and the other 190 countries. Additionally, since security conditions are always changing, neither the cruise line nor WMPH Vacations is able to provide complete information on current visa requirements for all nationalities for travel to the United States, Canada or other countries. If you are not a U.S. citizen and wish to travel to Alaska and Canada, we highly recommend you contact with your embassy or consulate for more information and to learn the entry requirements of the countries on your itinerary. You may also contact Zier visa Service (http://www.zvs.com) Again, All travelers are responsible to learn of the documentation requirements for your vacations.
U.S. Resident Aliens are required to present, in addition to a valid passport, a current and valid Alien Resident Card.
The Canadian government requires foreign citizens from most countries other than the U.S. to obtain a visa for entry into Canada. This law affects all cruises that make a port of call in Canada including most cruises to and from Alaska and the Pacific Coast. Failure to present the required visa will result in denied boarding with no refund. To learn if Canada requires a visa for citizens of your country, we highly recommend you contact with your embassy or consulate for more information and to learn the entry requirements of the countries on your itinerary. You may also contact Zier visa Service (http://www.zvs.com) Again, All travelers are responsible to learn of the documentation requirements for your vacations.