Cruise Documents

The following links provide important information to help you plan for your cruise. Please call Windstar Guest Services for questions and assistance.

Passage Contract

EU Conditions of Carriage

UK Conditions of Carriage

Special Request Form

International Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights

Setting Sail Booklet

Passport & Visa Requirements

PASSPORTS

Ensure you have the necessary passport and visa for your travel. Boarding may be denied, and fines levied for improper documentation, which is the guest's responsibility.

Windstar Cruises requires all guests to travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.

Closed Loop Cruises: U.S. citizens on cruises starting and ending in the same U.S. port need proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License or passport. Windstar policy requires all guests to travel with a valid passport.

For more information, visit travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments for passport requirements. Expired passports are not acceptable.
 

VISAS

Some countries may require a visa in addition to your passport. Ensure you have all necessary travel documents before arriving at the ship to avoid boarding denial and loss of refund.

Check your itinerary and verify travel requirements. Consult a visa service or consulate at least 6 weeks prior to your cruise. U.S. citizens should check with the State Department; non-U.S. citizens should check with their consulate. For a seamless experience, we recommend purchasing a tour kit from CIBT for all your visa and travel requirement needs.

*For additional countries, please visit: https://cibtvisas.com/business-global-splashs?windstar

When to Obtain a Visa: Obtain your visa early to avoid delays. Visa processing times vary by destination and season. Different ports of call in the same country do not constitute a separate entry unless the ship visits a different country in between.

Visa Service Providers: Visa service providers help you gather necessary documents, guide you through the process, and manage logistics with foreign Entry/Exit Bureaus. If you choose to use a visa service provider, inform them that you are traveling with Windstar Cruises by sea, as visa requirements may differ from air travel. We recommend working with CIBT. Please note, their services incur additional costs not collected through Windstar Cruises.

Contact your travel professional, State Department, or local visa service for assistance.

Visa Waiver Programs: U.S.-bound travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain an Electronic Security for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding. Visit U.S. Customs & Border Patrol to apply.

Schengen Zone: Starting in 2026, visa-exempt travelers to Schengen countries must obtain a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Visit travel-europe.europa.eu for details.

Russian Federation: American and Canadian citizens need a visa unless traveling with an escorted cruise group. For independent exploration of St. Petersburg, obtain a visa before departure. Check with your State Department or travel professional if unsure.

For more information about Windstar's passport and visa policies, please see our General Information page here.