Do You Need a Passport to Go to Alaska? [2026 Guide]
ID requirements for flying and driving to Alaska, plus travel tips for 2026
Where
No, you do not need a passport to fly to Alaska from another US state. Alaska is the 49th US state, and flights from the lower 48 are domestic. You only need a valid TSA‑approved photo ID such as a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or state ID.
You do need a passport book or passport card if you drive to Alaska through Canada or take most cruises that start, end, or stop in Canadian ports. The Alaska Highway passes through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory, and Canadian border officials require proper travel documents for entry and re‑entry.
From May 7, 2025, REAL ID enforcement means adults 18+ must present a REAL ID–compliant license or another acceptable TSA ID (like a passport book or card) to fly anywhere within the US, including Alaska.
Document Requirements at a Glance
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport Book | No (flying) / Yes (driving through Canada) | Required only if transiting Canada or on most cruises via Canada |
| US Passport Card | No (flying) / Yes (land border) | Accepted at Canadian land borders and some cruises |
| REAL ID | Yes (from May 2025) | Required for domestic flights after enforcement |
| Driver's License | Yes (pre‑REAL ID) | Must be REAL ID‑compliant after enforcement date |
| Birth Certificate | No | Only for minors without photo ID on some cruises |
| Visa | No | Alaska is a US state for US citizens |
Flying vs Driving to Alaska
| Method | Passport Needed? | Travel Time | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying from US mainland | No (REAL ID or TSA‑approved ID) | ~3.5 hrs from Seattle, 5–7 hrs from West Coast | $300–$600 round trip |
| Driving through Canada | Yes (passport book or card) | 40+ hours driving from Seattle | Gas + lodging for 4–5 days |
| Cruise from Seattle or Vancouver | Depends on route | 7–14 days | $800–$3,000+ per person |
| Alaska Marine Highway Ferry | No (from Bellingham, WA) | 3–4 days | From ~$350 one way |
Most travelers fly to Alaska. Direct flights operate from Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and other major hubs. Alaska Airlines is the dominant carrier with the most routes and frequencies.
What ID Do You Need to Fly to Alaska?
Since flights to Alaska from the US mainland are domestic, the same TSA rules apply as for any other US flight. After REAL ID enforcement on May 7, 2025, adults 18 and older must present one of these IDs:
- REAL ID‑compliant driver's license or state ID
- US passport book or passport card (accepted but not required)
- US military ID (DoD CAC or Uniformed Services ID)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
There are no customs or immigration checks when flying directly between US states and Alaska.
Driving to Alaska Through Canada
If you drive the Alaska Highway through Canada, you must have a valid US passport book or passport card to enter Canada and to re‑enter the United States.
- Distance Seattle–Anchorage: ~2,300 miles
- Driving time: 40–45 hours, usually 4–5 days with overnight stops
- Route: Through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory
At the Canadian border, officials may ask about:
- Purpose and length of your trip
- Where you’ll stay
- Whether you are carrying firearms, alcohol, or tobacco
Canada has strict firearms rules. Handguns are generally prohibited; long guns require advance declaration and paperwork.
The Alaska Highway is paved but can have rough patches, frost heaves, and construction zones. Gas stations can be 100+ miles apart in remote sections—fill up whenever you can.
Quick Travel Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Passport Required (flying from US) | No |
| Passport Required (driving through Canada) | Yes |
| Visa Required (US citizens) | No |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Time Zone | Alaska Standard Time (AKST, UTC‑9) |
| Flight Time from Seattle | ~3 hr 30 min |
| Flight Time from Los Angeles | ~5 hr 30 min |
| Flight Time from NYC | 7+ hours (usually 1 stop) |
| Average Flight Cost | $300–$600 round trip |
| Best Time to Visit (summer) | June–August |
| Northern Lights Season | September–March |
Alaska Cruise Passport Rules
Closed‑loop cruises (depart and return to the same US port like Seattle):
US citizens technically do not need a passport under WHTI rules. A birth certificate plus government‑issued photo ID or a passport card may suffice. However, a passport book is strongly recommended in case you need to disembark in a Canadian port or fly home unexpectedly.
One‑way or open‑jaw cruises involving Vancouver, Canada:
You generally need a passport book to enter Canada and to handle any flight changes or emergencies.
Cruises stopping in Canadian ports (Victoria, Prince Rupert, etc.):
Even if closed‑loop rules apply, a passport book avoids complications with shore excursions, medical issues, or last‑minute itinerary changes.
Bottom line: bring a passport book on any Alaska cruise for maximum flexibility.
Traveling with Children to Alaska
- Flying: TSA does not require ID for minors under 18 on domestic flights when traveling with an adult who has acceptable ID. Children do not need a passport to fly to Alaska if the trip stays within the US.
- Driving via Canada: Every child needs their own passport book or passport card to cross the Canadian border. Canada may ask for a notarized consent letter if a child is traveling with only one parent or another adult.
- Cruises: Cruise lines may have additional documentation rules for minors, especially on itineraries involving Canada. Always confirm with your cruise operator.
Travel Tips for Alaska
Alaska is 2.5 times the size of Texas. Distances are huge, so focus on specific regions instead of trying to see everything in one trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
No. Flights from the US mainland to Alaska are domestic, so US citizens do not need a passport. You only need a TSA‑approved ID such as a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license, state ID, passport book, or passport card.
Yes, if you drive the Alaska Highway through Canada, you must have a valid US passport book or passport card to enter Canada and to re‑enter the United States at the Alaska border.
Yes. After May 7, 2025, adults 18 and older must present a REAL ID–compliant license or another acceptable TSA ID (such as a passport book or card) to fly anywhere within the US, including Alaska.
For domestic flights, TSA does not require ID for minors under 18 when traveling with an adult who has acceptable ID. Children do not need a passport to fly to Alaska unless the itinerary includes Canada or another foreign country.
Closed‑loop cruises that start and end at the same US port may not require a passport for US citizens, but a passport book is strongly recommended. If your cruise starts, ends, or stops in Canada (such as Vancouver or Victoria), a passport book is generally required.
No. When you fly directly between US states and Alaska, there are no customs or immigration checks because the trip is entirely within the United States.
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