Do I Need a Passport to Travel?

If you are traveling within the U.S. on a domestic flight, a passport is not needed. However, beginning May 7, 2025, you must have a Real ID to board. A passport can also be used.

If you are traveling outside the U.S. on an international flight, you must have a passport that is valid at least six months after your scheduled date of return.

For U.S. to U.S. cruises, a passport isn’t always mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. For cruises that begin and end in the same US port, a valid birth certificate and government-issued photo ID are often sufficient. However, if the cruise departs or returns to a different US port, or if it visits foreign ports, a passport is generally required. 

I will not book cruises for those without a passport as serious problems occur if you have to fly home (missed ship, medical emergency) as you cannot fly home without a passport.

Need to Obtain or Renew a Passport?