Comments on: Do You Need a Passport To Go To The Bahamas?

By: Alison Kroulek

Alison Kroulek — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:17:09 +0000

Hi Ronica,

I’m not sure, actually. If it’s a closed-loop cruise from a US port, all you are legally required to have to get back into the US is a driver’s license and a birth certificate. You may need the passport if your itinerary involves staying some nights on the island rather than in the ship. Otherwise, cruise lines are allowed to set their own requirements above and beyond what the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires, so it may just be that Discovery doesn’t want to carry people without passports or passport cards. Either way, you need to follow the cruise line’s guidelines since they determine whether or not you get to board the ship. That’s why we always advise people to check with their cruise lines, just to be sure.

Enjoy your trip!

By: Ronica

Ronica — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:11:48 +0000

I copied and pasted the below passage from Discovery Cruise line, why are they stating that a passport is needed?

I am a U.S. Citizen, what travel documents do I need? Do I need a passport?
U.S. citizens aged 16 and above, are required to be in possession of a valid passport or passport card when traveling with Discovery to or from the Bahamas. Please note that passport application receipts will not be accepted for travel.
American citizens 15 years of age and under born in the U.S. require either a valid non-cancelled passport or an original state issued birth certificate (issued by the Department of Health & Vital Statistics). Please note that copies of birth certificates are not acceptable.
American citizens 15 years of age and under born outside the U.S. require either an American valid non-cancelled passport or an original naturalization certificate.

By: Alison Kroulek

Alison Kroulek — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:04:32 +0000

Hi Beverly,

Probably not. ID and a birth certificate (official copy with a raised, embossed or watermarked seal) is the minimum requirement for passengers on closed-loop Caribbean cruises, and it’s highly unlikely the ship will let her board without it. Could she get another copy of her birth certificate by going to the Department of Vital Records where she was born?

By: Beverly Brock

Beverly Brock — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:10:31 +0000

HELP!!! Me and some girlfriends are heading out for the Bahamas out of Charleston tommorow but one of my friends cannot find her birth certificate, just a certificate of birth and her passport is expired. Is there anyway she can still board even if she doesn’t get off the ship in port?

By: Alison Kroulek

Alison Kroulek — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:27:22 +0000

Hi Jackie,

If you’re a permanent resident, you’ll need your permanent resident card. Contact your cruise line and the Bahamian Embassy to see if you also need a passport. Have a great trip!

By: Jackie

Jackie — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:35:56 +0000

If you aren’t a citizen of the US but you have a valid drivers license and a birth certificate is that enough to be able to go on a cruise to the Bahamas?

By: Lece

Lece — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:38:16 +0000

Hi was wonder can i travel straight to miami with my expired passport and other documents of identfication to et my passport renewed?

By: Alison Kroulek

Alison Kroulek — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:44:38 +0000

Hi Rashi,

Contact the Embassy of the Bahamas to see what their requirements are. Here is their contact information:

2220 Massachusetts Avenue, North West
Washington
United States
Phone:
+1-202-3192660
+1-202-3192667

By: Rashi

Rashi — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:42:13 +0000

Hi,

I am an Indian citizen, living in US on valid long term US visa(L1 visa).
I am taking a closed loop cruise from Miami to Bahamas and back.
Please let me know if I need to have Bahamas Visa also.
Thanks so much!!!

Regards,
Rashi

By: Alison Kroulek

Alison Kroulek — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:38:29 +0000

Hi Lewis,

Contact the cruise line to see what she needs. Thanks, and have a great cruise!