Do I need a passport to get to Alaska? | Visit Anchorage (2024)

FAQs

Do I need a passport to get to Alaska? | Visit Anchorage? ›

U.S. citizens flying between another state and Alaska do not need a passport. However, those driving through Canada or traveling on a ferry or cruise ship with stops in Canada are required to carry one. All non U.S. citizens will need a passport and possibly other documents to enter.

United States residents do not need a passport to go to Alaska.

Alaska is most certainly American, but it's more than 2,000 miles away from the nearest state, Washington. Getting there with a vehicle requires either driving through Canada or taking a ferry. Both options boast unrivaled scenery and an adventurous experience, but require a little planning.

One non-expired government-issued photo ID, such as:

Driver's license. State ID card. Military ID card.

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a state-issued REAL ID compliant license or identification card, or another acceptable form of ID (such as a passport), to fly within the United States.

Do you need a passport to go to Alaska? If a U.S. citizen, no. You will need a passport if your a citizen of another country. Visas are not required for travelers with citizenship in the U.S. If traveling by car or certain cruise lines, note you may need a valid passport to cross the Canadian border.

The Alaska Ferry runs 24 hours a day. It takes 36 hours from Bellingham, WA to reach the first stop at Ketchikan. Visitors often disembark in a variety of towns, stay a few nights on land, then continue on the ferry.

Beginning in July and stretching through to the end of August the summer is the nicest time of year to travel. July is the best month to visit, although it is also the busiest. Warm days and short nights make this a really nice time of year to visit and much of the state's iconic wildlife is very active.

Most visitors spend a week to 10 days traveling in Alaska, either splitting that time between a cruise and a corresponding cruise tour or spending it all on a land itinerary. Our most popular trip package, the Best of Denali & Kenai Fjords, is seven days long.

Is Alaska considered a domestic flight? ›

Flying to Alaska

Alaska, of course, is not an international destination for a U.S. citizen flying there from the “Lower 48;” however, those portions of the flight that overfly or land in Canada must comply with Canadian regulations.

On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. The Alaska Real ID is not mandatory for Alaskans with a non-commercial license.

Age requirements

For your child's safety, proof of age (such as a birth certificate or passport) may be requested upon check-in at the airport.

Do you need a Passport to drive to Alaska? Yes, you will need a Passport to drive to Alaska, as the majority of the Alaska Highway is in Canada (1182 miles of the total 1422 miles). A passport is required for all visitors to enter Canada by land, sea or air.

It's separated from the rest of the United States mainland by the Canadian province of British Columbia, and its only land border is with Canada, so you might wonder whether it's possible to drive all the way from the United States to Alaska. You can drive the 2,120 miles from the US border to Alaska in 39 hours.

Original or suitable quality copy of a Birth Certificate (Issued by a government agency: state/county/city) and a government issued photo ID if 16 years of age and older. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) - only acceptable at land and sea ports of entry.