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Do I Need A Visa For A Caribbean Cruise From Uk

A Caribbean cruise may take you to one of many destinations across the Caribbean including Bahamas and Mexico. Before you start packing your bags, you should be aware that some Caribbean cruise lines require a travel visa. As a matter of fact, it is harder to get a visa for a cruise than it is to get a passport.

Visa Requirements For Cruise Ship Passengers (UK Citizens)

27th April 2022

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Visa requirements for cruise holidays can be pretty complicated. You’ll probably be visiting several different countries during your cruise, and the visa rules for cruise passengers are sometimes different than for people who are arriving by land or transiting through airports.

This guide to the visa requirements for British passport holders will show you what visas you need for your cruise and how to obtain them.

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Visa requirements can change at any time. It’s recommended that you check the visa requirements for every country that you’ll enter during your cruise on the UK government website.

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Do UK cruise ship passengers need visas?

UK passport holders may require a visa when visiting certain destinations on a cruise ship. Even if you do not get off the ship, you may still need a visa to be allowed to embark. It’s important to check the visa requirements for each country carefully.

So, here’s an overview of the visa requirements for each country at the time of writing, as well as where you can go to get the latest information…

North America

USA Cruises

UK citizens travelling to or transiting through the United States for a cruise must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before arrival. As the United Kingdom is part of the USA’s Visa Waiver Program, a full visa isn’t needed, but UK passport holders must obtain an ESTA for entry into the US.

If you plan to be in the United States at all, even very briefly, then you need an ESTA. You will need an Esta for transiting through the United States to reach your cruise departure port even if you don’t leave the airport.

There’s a really useful video with more information about the ESTA here and more advice on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Alaska Cruises

As Alaska is part of the United States of America, UK citizens travelling to Alaska on a cruise must obtain an ESTA. The United Kingdom is part of the USA’s Visa Waiver Program, so a full visa isn’t needed, but UK passport holders must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before arrival.

Bahamas Cruises

British citizens do not need a visa to travel to the Bahamas. However, if your visit the United States at any point during your cruise holiday, including transiting through a US airport, then you must obtain an ESTA before travel.

Bermuda Cruises

British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Bermuda on a cruise. However, if you plan to visit the United States at any point then you must obtain an ESTA for entry into the US.

Canada Cruises

UK citizens flying into Canada must obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). However, if you arrive at a Canadian port by cruise ship then an eTA or visa is not usually required.

You can check the latest Canadian visa requirements on the Government of Canada website.

Caribbean Cruises

UK citizens don’t usually require a visa for a Caribbean cruise. However, if you fly via the US or visit any US ports of call during your cruise then you will require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

Cuba Cruises

British tourists entering Cuba must obtain a tourist card. This is a paper card that you must keep with your passport. US law prevents anyone from travelling directly from the United States to Cuba for tourism purposes.

You can apply for a Cuba visa online via your travel agent or contact the Cuban Embassy for more information.

Mexico Cruises

Citizens of the United Kingdom can enter Mexico without a visa. If travelling to Mexico on a cruise ship, you must only visit the surrounding area and must leave on the same ship to continue the journey.

Asia

Cambodia Cruises

UK citizens require a visa to cruise to Cambodia, even if staying on board the ship. Electronic visas obtained online are only valid to enter Cambodia by air or land.

You can check the latest visa requirements for Cambodia on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Co-operation website.

China Cruises

Anyone visiting China on a cruise must ensure that they have the right visa for China. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you may need a single or double entry visa. It’s important that you provide full details of your cruise itinerary when applying for a visa for China.

All visa applicants between the age of 14 and 70 must apply for a Chinese visa in person at a Visa application centre.

Hong Kong Cruises

UK passport holders do not usually need a visa to cruise to Hong Kong. However, if you intend to visit mainland China before or after your cruise then you will need to obtain a visa for China.