You need either a passport or a passport card for a Disney cruise to the Bahamas

Disney requires all passengers on cruises to the Bahamas to carry a valid passport or U.S. passport card. A regular driver's license or state ID is not enough, even though you are a U.S. citizen. The ship stops in a foreign country, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces this rule when you return.

If you do not have a passport yet, you will need to get one before your cruise date. The processing time varies depending on whether you explore in person or by mail and how busy your local passport office is. Standard processing takes several weeks to several months, so plan ahead.

Children need their own passport documents too — they cannot travel on a parent's passport. Even infants need a passport for a Bahamas cruise.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport or passport card is required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for all passengers, including children and infants.
  • A driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate alone will not work for a Bahamas cruise, even for U.S. citizens.
  • Standard passport processing takes several weeks to several months depending on your location and process method.
  • Expedited processing is available for an additional fee if your cruise date is coming up soon.
  • Passport cards cost less than full passports but work the same way for cruises.

Passport versus passport card: which one to get

A passport book is the traditional document — a booklet with pages. It costs $130 for adults and $100 for children under 16 (as of 2024, though fees vary by location). It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children. You can use it for cruises, international flights, and land border crossings.

A passport card is a credit-card-sized document that works for cruises and land or sea border crossings with Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It costs $35 for adults and $20 for children. It is valid for the same length of time as a passport book. The card does not work for international air travel, but for a cruise to the Bahamas, it is sufficient and cheaper.

If you think you might fly internationally in the next 10 years, get the passport book. If you only plan to cruise or drive to Canada or Mexico, the card saves money. You can also get both at the same time — some people carry the card for cruises and keep the book at home.

How long it takes to get a passport before your cruise

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date you submit your process. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs an extra $60. These timelines assume the passport office is not backed up. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), processing can take longer.

You explore in person at a passport acceptance facility — usually your local post office, courthouse, or library. Bring your birth certificate, a government-issued ID, a completed process form (DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for a renewal), and a passport photo. The photo must meet specific requirements: a color photo taken within the last 6 months, 2 by 2 inches, with a white or off-white background.

If your cruise is fewer than 3 weeks away and you do not have a passport, call your local passport office to ask about emergency or expedited in-person appointments. Some offices can issue a passport the same day or within a few days if you have a documented travel date. You will need to bring your cruise itinerary or booking confirmation as proof.

Renewing a passport before your cruise

If your passport expired or is expiring soon, you can renew it by mail if you still have the physical passport book. Mail renewal takes 6 to 8 weeks with standard processing or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing. You fill out form DS-82, include your old passport, a new photo, and payment, and mail it to the address on the form.

If your passport is already expired by more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail — you must explore in person as if it were a new passport. If it expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can use the mail route.

If your cruise is coming up and your passport is expiring within 6 months, renew it now even if it has not expired yet. Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, though the Bahamas does not have this rule. It is still safer to renew early.

What to bring to the passport office

Bring your original birth certificate (not a copy) or a certified copy. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original naturalization papers or green card. If you are renewing, bring your old passport book.

Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID. If you do not have one, bring a school ID, work ID, or military ID. Bring the completed process form — DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for a renewal by mail.

Bring a passport photo. You can get one taken at the post office, pharmacy, or passport photo studio for $10 to $20. The photo must be in color, taken within the last 6 months, 2 by 2 inches, with a plain white or off-white background. Your face must take up 50 percent of the photo, and you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat.

Bring payment. A new passport book costs $130 for adults or $100 for minors. A passport card costs $35 for adults or $20 for minors. Expedited processing costs an extra $60. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card (some offices accept cash, but not all).

What happens if you do not have a passport when you board

Disney will not let you board the ship without a valid passport or passport card. You will lose your cruise fare and any deposits you paid. Disney's cancellation policy does not refund the cost if you fail to bring required documents.

If you realize you do not have a passport a few days before your cruise, contact Disney when ready. They may be able to help you understand your options, though they cannot issue a passport for you. Some travel insurance policies cover cancellation due to missing documents, but you would need to have purchased the insurance before booking.

The best approach is to check your passport status at least 2 months before your cruise date. If you do not have one or yours is expiring, start the process process right away.

Passport requirements for children and infants

Every child, including infants, needs their own passport for a Disney cruise to the Bahamas. A child cannot travel on a parent's passport. Children under 16 need a parent or guardian to explore in person with them at a passport acceptance facility.

For a child under 16, bring the child's birth certificate, your government ID, a completed DS-11 form, a passport photo of the child, and payment ($100 for a new passport book or $20 for a card). Both parents should be present if possible. If only one parent is present, bring a notarized statement from the other parent giving permission, or a court order if custody is shared.

Children 16 and older can explore on their own, though a parent or guardian should still come with them. The cost is the same as for adults ($130 for a book or $35 for a card).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my birth certificate instead of a passport on a Disney cruise to the Bahamas?

No. U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires a passport or passport card for all passengers on cruises to the Bahamas, even U.S. citizens. A birth certificate alone is not accepted. You must have a valid passport document.

What if my passport expires during my cruise?

Your passport must be valid when you return to the United States, not just when you leave. If your passport expires during the cruise, you will have trouble re-entering the country. Renew your passport before your cruise if it expires within 6 months of your travel date.

Do I need a passport if I am only staying on the ship in the Bahamas?

Yes. Even if you do not leave the ship to go ashore, you still need a valid passport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection checks all passengers when the ship returns to port, and you must have your passport with you.

How much does a passport cost, and is there a faster option?

A passport book costs $130 for adults or $100 for children. A passport card costs $35 for adults or $20 for children. Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing costs an extra $60 and takes 2 to 3 weeks. Emergency same-day or next-day service is available at some passport offices if your cruise is within days and you have proof of your travel date.

Can I get a passport at Disney World or at the cruise port?

No. You must get your passport from a U.S. passport acceptance facility before you travel. Disney and the cruise port do not issue passports. Plan ahead and explore at least 2 months before your cruise date.