Is Any Documentation Required to Travel to Alaska from the US?

Planning a trip to Alaska is filled with excitement. You can let your mind wander to thoughts of mighty glaciers, majestic mountains, iconic wildlife, and the mouthwatering food on our Anchorage guided tours. But as you book your flights or browse cruises, you may pause on a simple question: Is any documentation required to travel to Alaska from the US? After all, the Great Land feels like a world away.

The good news is that traveling here from ‘the Lower 48’ is easier than you might think. Quick fun fact: When Alaskans say ‘the Lower 48,’ we’re referring to the 48 contiguous U.S. states, excluding Hawaii. But we’re not excluding Hawaii here! Any answer about the documentation required to travel to Alaska depends on how you plan to get here, be it by plane, by car through Canada, or by cruise ship.

Let’s clear up the rules so you know exactly what to pack with your hiking boots and camera. If you think of any questions as we go, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for the answers you need.

A commercial airplane takes off from a runway with snow-capped mountains and green trees in the background, capturing the excitement of US to Alaska travel and its unique Alaska travel requirements. — ^{Visit Anchorage offers high-resolution images and professional-quality stock video footage containing scenic shots, outdoor activities, etc. Photos are cleared for editorial, publicity, and destination promotion purposes only.}

Requirements for Flying Directly From the US Mainland to Alaska

If you’re flying from anywhere else in the US to Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau, think of your trip as a domestic flight. That means no passport requirements for Alaska for US citizens — just the same ID you’d use for a flight to Chicago or Seattle.

But there’s one key point to keep in mind. As of May 7, 2025, the federal government fully enforced the REAL ID Act. This means your driver’s license or state‑issued ID must be REAL ID-compliant to board a domestic flight. Look for the little star in the upper corner of your license to confirm. If your state hasn’t issued a compliant ID yet, a valid passport works just as well and saves you any airport stress.

So, the bottom line is that for most travelers, meeting the REAL ID Alaska travel requirement will be enough. You won’t need a passport unless you prefer to use one as your form of identification.

A group of people engaged in an outdoor conversation at a local market during a guided Anchorage food tour.

Requirements for Driving or Taking a Ferry to Alaska via Canada

Of course, not every visitor flies in. If your adventure takes you along the Alaska Highway or through the Inside Passage ferry routes, you’ll be crossing an international border. Needless to say, that changes things! So, what documents do you need when driving to Alaska via Canada?

For a smooth and successful border experience, you’ll need:

A valid passport or passport card
Or an Enhanced Driver’s License (issued by certain states)
In some cases, a certified birth certificate paired with a government photo ID

When driving, you must also be prepared to show proof of vehicle registration, insurance, or rental papers. Border officials may also ask about your travel plans and what you are bringing into the country, especially fruits, meat, and other plant and animal products, alcohol, and firearms. Thinking of bringing your dog along for the ride? Your pooch must have documents showing proof of rabies vaccinations.

Looking for road trip inspiration when you’re in Alaska? Don’t miss our picks for the best Anchorage scenic day drives!

A large cruise ship sails on the water at dusk, while an airplane flies overhead against a cloudy sky—reminding travelers to check Alaska travel documentation before setting off on their adventure. — _{Visit Anchorage offers high-resolution images and professional-quality stock video footage containing scenic shots, outdoor activities, etc. Photos are cleared for editorial, publicity, and destination promotion purposes only.}

Requirements When Cruising to Alaska

For many travelers, an Alaska cruise is a dream come true. But here’s where documentation gets a little tricky. If you’re taking a closed‑loop cruise — one that departs and returns to the same US port, like Seattle — US citizens may not technically need a passport. Instead, you can board with a certified birth certificate and a government photo ID. Children under 16 can travel with just a birth certificate.

But before you skip packing your passport, know this: many cruises to Alaska start and stop in Canadian ports. In fact, the majority of Alaska cruises start in Vancouver. In this case, a passport is mandatory.

Most cruise lines now strongly encourage passengers to bring a passport even when not required. If you miss the ship in port or face a medical emergency that requires flying home, you’ll need one. In short, the safest move for US citizens on Alaska cruises is to carry a passport.

We know you will appreciate all the local insights you can find during your trip planning process, so be sure to read our blog 10 Alaska Travel Tips to Enhance Your Adventure when you have finished here.

A group of people stand outside the Anchorage Visitor Information Center listening to a guide. The building has a rustic log exterior with a roof covered in greenery. Flowers line the walkway.

Requirements for Non‑U.S. Citizens from Visa‑Waiver Countries

Visitors coming from abroad have a few more boxes to tick. Citizens of countries like the UK, EU nations, Australia, Japan, and South Korea fall under the US Visa Waiver Program. That means you’ll need two essentials:

A valid passport, typically with a minimum remaining validity of six months
An approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before you fly or board a cruise

If your cruise or road trip includes Canada, you may also need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or even a Canadian visitor visa, depending on your nationality. Always double‑check both US and Canadian requirements before you travel.

So, for ESTA Alaska visitors from abroad, the message is simple: plan ahead, apply early, and carry your documentation with you at all times.

A woman in a red dress pets a large, fluffy dog on a sidewalk in a commercial area with shops and buildings in the background.

Local Tips for Traveling to Alaska

After years of meeting travelers from all over the world, we’ve learned one golden rule: when in doubt, bring the passport. It covers every “what if,” from canceled flights to last‑minute detours through Canada. Keep digital copies stored securely in case of loss, and carry your physical ID in a safe but accessible spot.

And don’t forget: airlines, cruise companies, and even border officials can change policies without much notice. The responsibility to have the right paperwork always rests with the traveler. Before you leave, confirm with your airline, cruise line, or ferry operator that you’ve got what you need.

Are you thinking of making Anchorage the base for your Alaskan escape? If you’re still undecided, read our blog Is Anchorage Worth Visiting? and find out why the place we call home is the perfect gateway to discovering our state.

People walk along a sidewalk bordered by vibrant flowers, passing shops and signs on a lively street.

Book Your Anchorage Guided Tours with Us!

So, do you need a passport for Alaska? The answer depends on how you get here. Fly direct from the mainland? A REAL ID will do. Driving or cruising with a Canadian stop? Pack that passport. And if you’re visiting from overseas, don’t forget your ESTA.

With your documentation sorted, you can focus on what really matters: exploring awe-inspiring landscapes, sampling local cuisine, and soaking up the magic of Alaska. If you’d like a true taste of Anchorage beyond the guidebooks, browse our Anchorage guided tours and find out how you can discover the best our city has to offer.

Do you have any pre-booking questions? Please just contact us for all the information you need.