Caribbean Cruise Customs & Entry for Passengers
Arriving by cruise ship is different from flying in. For most day calls the cruise line clears the whole ship at once, so you walk ashore with a cruise card and photo ID rather than filling out entry forms. Here is exactly how it works, what changes at home ports, and what you can bring back, based on official sources.
- Based on official government sources
- No signup to read
- Plain-English guidance
Last reviewed June 2026 · Compiled from official sources.
The short answer for cruise passengers
For a day call, the cruise line files a bulk declaration and clears the ship with local authorities before you dock, so you usually go ashore with just your cruise card and photo ID, no online entry form needed. The full process applies at your home port, where you board or disembark. Whatever you buy ashore counts toward your own country's customs allowance when you finally return home.
Day visitor vs home port
The single biggest factor in how customs and immigration treat you is whether a port is a quick day call or the place your cruise starts or ends.
Day visitor (port of call)
- Ship is cleared as a group before you dock
- No online immigration or customs form for you
- Walk ashore with cruise card and photo ID
- Passport usually stays in the cabin safe
- Rarely any passport stamp
Home port (board or disembark)
- Full immigration and customs, like an air traveler
- Country's online entry form may be required
- Passport almost always needed
- Personal customs declaration on the way out
- Stamps and biometric checks can apply
Key facts for cruise passengers
What you carry ashore
For a day call, most lines have you go ashore with your ship cruise card plus a government photo ID. Your passport usually stays safe in your cabin, though some ports prefer you carry it.
Online entry forms
Day visitors generally do not file the online immigration or customs forms that air travelers use. The cruise line typically handles a bulk clearance for the whole ship on your behalf.
How clearance works
The ship submits a passenger manifest to local authorities before docking. Officers clear the vessel, then passengers walk ashore once the ship is given the all-clear.
Home ports differ
If you board or end your cruise in a country, you clear full immigration and customs there as an air traveler would, including any required entry form.
Buying ashore
Goods you buy in port travel back on the ship with you and count toward your home-country allowance when you finally return, not toward the island you visited.
Passport stamps
Day visitors rarely get a passport stamp, since the line clears the ship as a group. Carry your passport anyway as backup ID and for any port that asks for it.
How it works step by step
The order to keep in mind, from a quick day ashore to clearing your own country's customs on the way home.
- 1
Check whether your stop is a day call or a home port
A day call is a port you visit for a few hours before sailing on. A home port is where your cruise starts or ends. The rules differ, so confirm which applies before you plan your day ashore.
- 2
Let the ship clear the port first
Before docking, the cruise line files the passenger manifest with local immigration and customs. Officers clear the vessel as a group, so you do not normally fill out island entry forms for a day visit.
- 3
Carry your cruise card and a photo ID ashore
For a day call, take your ship cruise card and a government-issued photo ID. Keep your passport in your cabin safe unless the cruise line or that specific port tells you to bring it.
- 4
Shop and declare honestly on the ship
Anything you buy ashore comes back aboard with you. Keep receipts and note bigger purchases, because they count toward your home-country allowance, not the island you bought them in.
- 5
Mind agriculture and prohibited items
Do not carry fresh fruit, plants, seeds, meat, or live shells back aboard or home. These are restricted to protect agriculture, and they can be confiscated or fined on return.
- 6
Complete your home-country declaration on return
When your cruise ends back home, you clear your own country's customs. Declare everything you bought abroad and stay within your personal exemption to avoid duty and penalties.
What you can bring home
Everything you buy ashore counts toward your home country's personal exemption when your cruise ends. Allowances change, so treat these as a guide and confirm the current figures with the official source.
United States
Returning US residents commonly have an $800 personal exemption on goods bought abroad. A higher $1,600 exemption applies when your trip includes the US Virgin Islands. Amounts above your exemption may be subject to duty. Confirm current figures and the alcohol and tobacco sub-limits with CBP.
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUnited Kingdom
Returning UK residents have allowances for alcohol and tobacco plus a value limit for other goods, commonly around £390 for items such as souvenirs and gifts. Limits change, so check the official GOV.UK duty-free guidance before you sail.
GOV.UK duty-free goodsCanada
Canadian residents away 48 hours or more can typically claim goods worth up to CAN$800, which may include alcohol and tobacco within set limits. Shorter trips have lower or no exemptions. All goods acquired abroad count toward the limit, so confirm the current rules with the CBSA.
Travel.gc.ca returning to CanadaCustoms guides by destination
If your cruise starts, ends, or has a long stay at one of these, the full entry rules may apply. Check the destination guide for details.
Make the most of your time in port
With only a few hours ashore, a pre-booked transfer or a private driver beats queueing at the pier. Lock in a fixed price with a licensed local operator and get back to the ship on time.
Cruise customs & entry FAQs
Official sources
Last reviewed June 2026Cruise lines clear the ship with local authorities, but customs rules on your return are set by your home country. Always confirm current figures before you sail. Primary sources for returning travelers: