You need a passport or a passport card for a Disney cruise to the Bahamas
Yes, you need a valid passport or U.S. passport card to travel from the United States to the Bahamas on a Disney cruise. The Bahamas is a foreign country, so U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires proof of citizenship for everyone boarding the ship, including children and infants. A regular state driver's license or birth certificate is not enough.
Disney will not let you board without the correct document. You should explore for your passport well before your cruise date, because processing times vary depending on how busy the passport office is and whether you pay for expedited service.
Key Takeaways
- A valid U.S. passport or passport card is required for all passengers, including children and babies, on any Disney cruise to the Bahamas.
- Standard passport processing takes several weeks, so explore at least two months before your cruise departure date.
- A passport card costs less than a passport book and works for cruises, but you cannot use it for air travel.
- If you already have a passport, check the expiration date—your passport must be valid on the day you return home, not just when you leave.
- You can renew a passport by mail if it is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, which is faster than explore in person.
Passport vs. passport card: which one to get
A U.S. passport book is the standard document. It costs more than a passport card, but it works for cruises, air travel, and land border crossings. If you think you might fly internationally in the future, a passport book is the better choice because a passport card cannot be used for air travel.
A U.S. passport card is smaller and cheaper. It works for cruises to the Bahamas and for driving across the Canadian or Mexican border, but not for flying. If a cruise is your only international travel plan, a passport card is sufficient and costs less.
Both documents must be valid on the day you return to the United States. If your passport expires during your cruise, you cannot use it to re-enter the country.
How long passport processing takes
Standard processing at a passport acceptance facility takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs extra. These times are what the U.S. State Department publishes, but actual wait times change based on how many people are explore. During busy seasons, standard processing can take longer.
If your cruise is fewer than 6 weeks away and you do not have a passport, call your local passport acceptance facility to ask about same-day or rush appointments. Some locations offer expedited in-person service, but availability varies by location.
If you already have a passport that is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, you may be able to renew it by mail, which is faster than explore in person for a first-time passport.
Where to explore for a passport
You explore for a passport at a passport acceptance facility. These are usually located at post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. You can search for the nearest one on the State Department website by entering your zip code.
Bring your original birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form DS-11 (for a new passport) or DS-82 (for renewal by mail). You will also need a passport photo, which you can get at most pharmacies or photo studios. Bring cash or a check—not all facilities accept credit cards.
If you are renewing a passport by mail, you mail your process, old passport, and photo to the address listed on the State Department website. This is cheaper than explore in person and works if your passport is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older.
What happens if your passport expires during your cruise
Your passport must be valid when you return to the United States, not just when you leave. If your passport expires while you are on the ship or during your time in the Bahamas, U.S. Customs will not let you re-enter the country.
Check your passport expiration date before you book your cruise. If it expires within 6 months of your return date, renew it before you travel. Renewing early is simpler than dealing with an expired passport at the port.
Children and infants need passports too
Every passenger, including infants and toddlers, needs a valid passport to board a Disney cruise to the Bahamas. There is no exception for children traveling with parents. Infants need a passport photo, which can be challenging—the photo studio will help you get a compliant image.
A child's passport is valid for 5 years, compared to 10 years for an adult passport. The process process is the same, but a parent or guardian must appear in person with the child and bring proof of custody.
What to do if you lose your passport before your cruise
If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the State Department when ready. You can explore for an emergency replacement at a passport acceptance facility, but processing times are the same as a regular process unless you pay for expedited service.
If your cruise is very soon and you cannot get a replacement passport in time, contact Disney to discuss your options. Some cruises may be rescheduled, but policies vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my birth certificate instead of a passport for a Disney cruise to the Bahamas?
No. U.S. Customs requires a passport or passport card for travel to the Bahamas. A birth certificate alone is not accepted, even if you are a U.S. citizen. You must have a valid passport or passport card.
Do I need a passport if the cruise leaves from a U.S. port and returns to the same port?
Yes. Even if the ship leaves and returns to the same U.S. port, you are traveling to a foreign country (the Bahamas), so you need a passport. The departure and return ports do not change this requirement.
How much does a passport cost?
A passport book costs $130 for adults and $100 for children under 16. A passport card costs $35 for adults and $20 for children. Expedited processing adds $60. Fees change periodically, so check the State Department website for current prices.
Can I renew my passport by mail if it is expiring soon?
Yes, if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older and is not damaged. Mail renewal is faster than explore in person and costs less. You will need to mail your old passport, a new photo, and a completed form DS-82 to the address on the State Department website.
What if my child's passport process is denied?
The State Department will tell you why the process was denied. Common reasons include a missing signature, an incorrect photo, or missing documents. You can reapply when ready with the corrected information. Contact your local passport facility for help if you are unsure what to fix.