A cruise isn't a single destination — it's several countries on one itinerary. That's why the paperwork works differently than for a regular flight: beyond your passport and boarding documents, you may need visas for every port of call — even ports where you step ashore for just a couple of hours on an excursion.
As a rule you'll need three things: a valid passport with enough time left before it expires, your cruise boarding documents (usually issued during advance online check-in), and visas for ports of call where the itinerary requires them. The exact list depends on your citizenship and route, so always confirm with the cruise line and the relevant embassies. You'll find your cruise and bookings in your account.
01 / PassportA passport with time to spare
Your passport is the main cruise document. Most cruise lines and ports require it to stay valid for some time after the trip ends — often by several months. The exact minimum depends on the route, so always confirm the required validity buffer with the cruise line and with the embassies of the countries your ship visits.
02 / BoardingBoarding documents and online check-in
Cruise check-in is usually done online and in advance: you enter passport details, contacts and sometimes insurance information, then receive your cruise boarding documents (cruise ticket / boarding pass). Print them or keep them in the line's app, and present them at the port desk along with your passport.
Find your booking
Open the cruise in your account and note the cruise line's booking reference — you'll need it for online check-in.
Complete online check-in
On the cruise line's website or app, enter each guest's passport details and an emergency contact ahead of time.
Save the boarding documents
Download and print the cruise boarding documents, or save them offline in the app — connectivity at the port can be patchy.
Pack your shore set
Bring your original passport, boarding documents and any visa confirmations — you may need them when going ashore at ports of call.
03 / VisasVisas for ports of call
Visas are the least obvious part of a cruise. For some ports a visa is required even if you go ashore only for an excursion, and occasionally even if you stay on board. Visa rules depend on the itinerary and your citizenship, so there's no one-size-fits-all list — always check it with the cruise line and the embassies of the countries on your route.
04 / ChecklistWhat to bring
- A passport for every guest, with enough validity left.
- Cruise boarding documents — printed or saved offline.
- Visa confirmations for the ports that require them on your route.
- An insurance policy — some lines ask for one at check-in.
- Documents for any children travelling with you, plus any required travel-consent forms.
05 / FAQFrequently asked questions
Do I need a visa if I never leave the ship in a port?
Usually no visa is needed in that case, but some countries are an exception. Confirm the rule for your specific itinerary with the cruise line and the embassy.
When are the cruise boarding documents issued?
Usually during online check-in, which opens ahead of departure. Once you've filled in your details, you download the boarding documents and present them with your passport at the port desk.
How long does my passport need to be valid?
Most lines require a validity buffer after the trip ends, often several months. The exact minimum depends on the route — check with the cruise line and the embassies.
Who can help me with the documents for my booking?
Open your account, message the @sales_travel_bot bot, or call support on 8 800 1000-646. Even so, confirm visa requirements with the cruise line and the embassies.