Royal Caribbean follows the immigration laws of each destination. While closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same U.S. port may not require a passport for U.S. citizens, some islands require full passports regardless of the cruise format. This requirement is based on national border laws, not cruise line policy.
Below is a list of the major Caribbean islands where Royal Caribbean commonly sails that require passports for entry.
All visitors—including cruise passengers—must carry a valid passport to enter Barbados. The country does not accept birth certificates for cruise entry.
St. Lucia requires passports from all arriving guests, including closed-loop cruise travelers.
This dual-island nation mandates passports for all cruise visitors.
No alternative documents are accepted; a passport is required to explore the island.
Although Dutch St. Maarten sometimes accepts government-issued ID, Royal Caribbean requires a passport because many excursions cross the border into the French territory.
Aruba, as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, requires all cruise travelers to present a valid passport.
This Dutch Caribbean island enforces passport-only entry.
For closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens may use a government-issued ID and birth certificate, but Royal Caribbean strongly recommends passports because:
emergencies may require air travel
some private excursions may require additional documentation
Closed-loop itineraries allow entry with birth certificate + ID, but some immigration situations require full passports.
Many Royal Caribbean ports accept closed-loop cruise documents, but passports are still the safest option.
Since it is a U.S. territory, no passport is required for U.S. citizens on cruise itineraries that begin or end in the U.S.
U.S. citizens can visit these islands without passports, though passports are recommended for emergencies.
Every Caribbean island enforces its own immigration policies. Some follow European Union regulations, while others apply local laws or use hybrid systems connected to regional agreements. Because Royal Caribbean lands several thousand guests per day on these islands, strict immigration protocols are enforced to maintain border integrity.
A closed-loop cruise:
departs from a U.S. port
returns to the same U.S. port
visits neighboring countries
For these cruises, U.S. law permits birth certificates and government IDs. However, this is a U.S. regulation, not a Caribbean regulation. If a foreign country requires a passport for entry, Royal Caribbean must follow that rule.
Even on closed-loop cruises, a passport is essential if:
You miss the ship
You must return home by air
Medical needs require hospitalization in another country
Without a passport, emergency logistics become significantly more complicated and costly.
Because travelers can easily cross the border between Dutch and French territories during excursions, Royal Caribbean enforces full passport entry for all guests.
The country’s strict border laws require all non-residents to carry passports, even ship passengers.
The nation requires passports for arrival by sea or air, with no exceptions for cruise travelers.
While birth certificates are sometimes accepted for closed-loop cruisers, passports are still strongly recommended due to British immigration regulations.
As a constituent country of the Netherlands, Aruba requires full international documentation.
This island mandates passports, especially because many visitors engage in adventure activities requiring registration.
Although some closed-loop allowances exist, Royal Caribbean typically recommends passports for offshore excursions and safety.
Known for strict entry rules, Barbados accepts only passports for cruise visitors.
While some passengers enter with alternate ID on closed-loop cruises, the Belize government generally recommends a full passport for cruise visitors because certain excursions require immigration checks.
Passengers can occasionally enter with non-passport documents, but emergencies or air travel options require a passport.
Closed-loop allowances apply, but passports are recommended in case travel plans change.
U.S. citizens do not require a passport, but non-U.S. nationals must carry a valid one.
No passport needed for U.S. citizens, but it is still advised for medical or travel emergencies.
These are rarely visited, but if included on expedition cruises, passport rules depend on the itinerary.
Even when certain islands do not require a passport:
Weather changes may reroute you
Missed departures may require air travel
Medical issues may require hospital transfer
Customs officials can change procedures unexpectedly
Having a passport eliminates potential complications.
Many Caribbean destinations require:
6 months validity beyond your return date
A minimum of two blank pages
Biometric passport chips (for enhanced entry systems)
Always check your passport before finalizing cruise plans.
Carry digital and paper copies of:
passport ID page
cruise boarding pass
emergency contact information
This helps in identification situations or emergencies.
Choose itineraries visiting:
Bahamas
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands
Mexico (closed-loop)
Jamaica (closed-loop)**
DR (closed-loop)**
Avoid itineraries including:
Aruba
Bonaire
St. Lucia
Antigua
St. Kitts
Barbados
St. Maarten
These destinations will deny entry without a passport.
You can book any itinerary, including:
Extended Southern Caribbean cruises
Exotic multi-country routes
Long repositioning voyages
A passport expands your cruise options significantly.
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