Most Alaska cruises do require a passport because nearly all foreign-flagged ships stop in both the United States and Canada. Many itineraries embark or disembark in Vancouver, and some longer or repositioning sailings may begin or end in Mexico or another foreign country. As a result, all passengers must carry valid proof of citizenship and required travel documentation before boarding.
The only exception is for U.S. citizens sailing roundtrip from the same U.S. port (Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles) on a closed-loop itinerary. In these cases, a passport is not technically required, but all cruise lines and AlaskaCruises.com strongly recommend traveling with a valid passport due to the possibility of emergency disembarkation or unexpected itinerary changes.
Travelers are responsible for understanding and securing all required documentation, including passports, photo ID, proof of citizenship, visas, permits, and vaccinations when applicable. Guests who arrive at embarkation without proper documentation will be denied boarding without refund. AlaskaCruises.com, WMPH Vacations, and the cruise line are not responsible for any expenses related to denied boarding.
Alaska cruise vacations that begin and end in the United States (Closed Loop Itineraries)
U.S. citizens sailing on closed-loop Alaska cruises are not currently required to travel with a passport. If no passport is available, travelers must present one of the following: an original certified birth certificate or a naturalization certificate plus a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license. U.S. Passport Cards are also accepted for closed-loop itineraries.
A passport is strongly recommended because emergency medical disembarkation or unexpected travel changes may require entering Canada or returning to the U.S. by air. A passport booklet - not a passport card - is required for all international flights.
Children 16 years of age and younger may travel with an original certified birth certificate on closed-loop itineraries. However, a passport is recommended for all minors in case of unexpected foreign-port disembarkation.
Alaska cruises that begin or end in Canada or another foreign port:
U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport booklet for any cruise that starts or finishes in Canada or any other foreign port. A passport is also required if flying into or out of Canada before or after the cruise. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.
All non-U.S. and non-Canadian citizens are required to travel with a valid passport for Alaska cruise itineraries. Depending on nationality and itinerary, a U.S. visa (such as a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa) may also be required. Some nationalities may need additional permits or visas for Canada.
Visa rules vary significantly by nationality and may change without notice. Neither AlaskaCruises.com, WMPH Vacations, nor the cruise line can provide complete visa guidance for every country. Guests should contact their embassy or consulate to verify entry requirements for the United States, Canada, and all other destinations on their itinerary. Travelers may also consult Zier Visa Service (http://www.zvs.com).
U.S. Permanent Residents must carry both a valid passport from their country of citizenship and a current Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). A Green Card alone is not sufficient documentation for an international cruise.
Most Alaska cruise itineraries include at least one Canadian port of call (such as Vancouver or Victoria). Foreign nationals from many countries are required to obtain a Canadian visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering Canada - even for brief port stops.
Failure to obtain the required Canadian visa or eTA will result in denied boarding with no refund. Travelers should verify Canadian entry requirements with their embassy or consulate well before departure. Assistance is also available through Zier Visa Service (http://www.zvs.com).
All passengers are responsible for securing the correct travel documentation for their vacation.