Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise? What to Know

The largest of all U.S. states, Alaska also boasts the country’s longest coastline, tallest peaks, deepest forests and biggest bears. But enjoying all of Alaska’s super-sized superlatives first calls for an understanding of the smaller details, including its passport and visa requirements. 

 

Fortunately, thinking small comes naturally to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, the leaders in small-ship expeditionary travel. Spending season after season exploring Alaska’s tiny inlets and secret corners, the expedition team has learned that when it comes to ensuring a great time in The Great Land, no detail is too minor. 

 

Below, you’ll find expert advice on all the finer points so you can then move on to bigger-picture items like the best time to visit Alaska, how many days to spend there, can’t-miss cruise ports and how to photograph Alaska’s legendary wilderness (voyages aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet feature certified photo instructors who help guests capture the best of the region). 

 

 

Do You Need a Passport to Go to Alaska?  

 

No, U.S. citizens flying or cruising between another state and Alaska do not need a passport. However, if your cruise starts or stops at another country or you’re driving through Canada, you’ll need your passport for those border controls. 

 

Alaska Passport Requirements – U.S. Citizens

 

U.S. citizens flying or cruising change to directly between one of the 48 contiguous U.S. states or Hawaii—and whose itinerary solely visits U.S. destinations—do not need a passport. 

 

Non-passport-carrying U.S. citizens aboard ships sailing to Alaska from other U.S. states, however, are still required to carry proof of citizenship such as a certified birth certificate. U.S. travelers will also need a current state-issued driver’s license or similar government-issued photo identification.  

 

Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. citizens will need a REAL-ID compliant driver’s license to board domestic flights within the United States, including to and from Alaska. Check this list for other acceptable identifications that can work in lieu of REAL-ID.  

 

Nevertheless, traveling with a valid U.S. passport is highly recommended. Should unexpected events cause your Alaskan cruise to conclude in an unplanned foreign port, a U.S. passport would be required for return flights to the United States.

 

 

Alaska Cruise Vacations That Begin and End in the US (Closed-Loop Itineraries)

 

Although passports are recommended in the event of unforeseen events, they are not required for Alaskan cruises that solely stop in U.S. ports, including closed-loop sailings that sail round trip from the same U.S. destination.  

 

Look for voyages that depart and/or return, for example, from ports such as San Francisco, Seattle and Anchorage.

 

Alaska Cruises That Begin or End in Canada or A Foreign Port (Open-Jaw or One-Way)

 

U.S. citizens sailing on Alaskan cruises that commence or conclude in foreign ports—for example, Vancouver or Victoria in the Canadian province of British Columbia—need to carry current U.S. passports.

 

This includes open-jaw cruises (those that begin and end in different ports) and one-way voyages that require flights into a foreign country or return flights back to the U.S. 

 

Alaska Passport Requirements – Non-U.S. Citizens

 

Non-U.S. citizens (including citizens of Canada) will need current passports from their country of citizenship to board an Alaskan cruise and/or for flights into the U.S. and back home. 

 

Alaska Passport Requirements on Foreign-Flagged Cruise Ships

 

Keep in mind that all foreign-flagged (in this case, non-U.S.-flagged) cruise ships sailing in Alaska stop in both U.S. and Canadian ports. Voyages departing from Seattle, for instance, often call in on Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, en route to Alaska. 

 

Passports on such ships, therefore, are required for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens alike. The same holds true for repositioning cruises that conclude in a different country such as Mexico.  

 

Note too that several cruise lines require their passengers to carry passports for all voyages. Checking with your cruise line well ahead of your sailing is advised.

 

 

Do You Need a Visa to Go to Alaska? 

 

Most non-U.S. citizens from countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program can visit Alaska and other U.S. states for short trips (90 days or less) without a visa. Such travelers, however, must first obtain Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before boarding their flight or cruise to the U.S.  

 

Travelers from non-participating countries (aside from, generally, citizens of Canada and Bermuda) will need to secure a visitor visa (B-2) ahead of their trip. 

 

For a complete list of countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, along with current details concerning U.S. travel visas, visit the U.S. State Department’s Travel Resources page.  

 

Canadian Visa Requirements for Travel to Alaska – U.S. Citizens

 

Canadian visas are not required for U.S. citizens visiting Canada for fewer than 180 days. Additional tourism details and current advisories can be found on the U.S. State Department’s Canada travel page. 

 

Canadian Visa Requirements for Travel to Alaska – Non-U.S. Citizens 

 

Most non-U.S. citizens will need a travel visa for visits to Canada, including Alaskan cruises that commence, conclude or have stops in the country.  

 

Visit the Government of Canada’s travel resources page to apply for a travel visa and determine which other documents you will need.    

 

Will My Cell Phone Work in Alaska?

 

As a U.S. state, Alaska qualifies as domestic coverage for major U.S. carriers (AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, for example).  

 

Remember, though, that while travelers can generally count on decent signals in ports and populated areas, Alaska is, after all, The Last Frontier. As such, service can be spotty and even non-existent in remote areas.  

 

What’s more, roaming rates typically apply at sea, so be sure to review your plan ahead of your cruise to avoid any surprise bills.   

 

To avoid potential roaming charges and, particularly for non-U.S. citizens, maintain phone service and connectivity throughout your Alaska travels, consider purchasing a digital SIM card at an eSIM store. Airalo customers, for instance, can download digital data packs from 200-plus countries and then stay connected wherever they travel.

 

 

Should I Bring Cash to Alaska or Will My Credit Cards Work?

 

Credit cards will work in Alaska and are nice to have for larger purchases and essential Alaskan souvenirs such as smoked salmon, ulu knives and Indigenous beaded jewelry. Having cash on hand, as well, will facilitate tipping for tour guides and ship staff when needed.

 

One last “small” detail before we close: However minor in size, mosquitoes can be an issue in Alaska, depending on what part of the state and what time of year you’re exploring. As you plan your Alaska packing list, be sure to include insect repellant so, once you arrive, you can keep your focus on the bigger, more important details like Alaska’s larger-than-life wildlife and wilderness areas.