Cruises and Visas
Visa requirements can be complicated for cruises, especially if you're not familiar with visa applications or your cruise's route. You should be fully aware of the visa requirements for all the countries that you're visiting before travel, although most cruise companies should flag up any visa requirements and help you to apply for these.
What travel documents do I need to go on a cruise?
You should have a British Citizen passport that is valid for more than six months after the duration of your cruise. You should also have at least two blank pages in the back of your passport.
Some countries require that you take a photocopy of your passport as well as the original document. You'll need to apply for an ETSA or Electronic Authorisation to visit the USA or Canada, which is visa-free authorisation to enter a country for tourism purposes. Many cruise lines have visa partners who can make applications for you if there are any additional visas that you need for the countries that you are visiting.
You should also ensure that you've taken out proper cruise travel insurance for your trip to ensure that you're protected against unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, cancellations and passport loss.
Do you need an ETSA for a Caribbean cruise?
You don't need a visa or ETSA to go on a Caribbean cruise as you can enter visa-free. Instead, you'll only need your passport. However, if you're going to be in transit or setting off from a US port, you must apply for an ETSA for entry to the United States.
Knowing the correct visa requirements is important for an enjoyable and stress-free holiday. You should always contact your cruise provider if you're unsure of any of the requirements.
Related content.
If you found the tips and insights into cruising useful, then check out our other helpful articles on this topic.
- Using your phone on a cruise
- Cruising with dietary requirements
- Cheapest cruises
- Best Caribbean Cruises
- Cruise vaccinations
- Do I need a visa for cruising?
- Dealing with Seasickness
- Cruise ship FAQs
- Most luxurious cruise lines
- When is the best month to cruise?
- What should I pack for a cruise?
- How do I pay for things onboard?
- What travel documents do I need for cruising?
- How to stay safe on a cruise
- What not to bring on a cruise
- How to save money on a cruise
Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 828848.
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited
Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is provided by Taurus Insurance Services, an insurance intermediary licenced and authorised in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission under Permission Number 5566 and authorised to passport general insurance intermediary services into the UK and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK under registration number 444830.
The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting; register.fca.org.uk or by contacting the Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768.