Depends on destination and your nationality. Many tropical destinations offer visa-on-arrival; others require pre-arranged e-visas plus park entry permits. Always check current rules before booking.
Visa requirements vary by destination and your nationality
Always verify with your country's official foreign-affairs guidance and the destination country's official immigration website before you book — rules change, and tour operators are not legally responsible for ensuring your travel documents are correct.
Egypt
Visa-on-arrival for most nationalities including EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia. Cost is $25 USD (paid in cash on arrival at the airport). Some Red Sea boats have a special agreement for divers transiting only between airport and Hurghada/Sharm marina — check with the operator.
Indonesia
30-day free visa-on-arrival for most nationalities (renewable once for a fee). Komodo, Raja Ampat and Banda Sea trips are domestic transits within Indonesia, no additional visa required. Bring proof of onward travel.
Maldives
30-day free visa-on-arrival for almost all nationalities. Bring proof of onward travel and accommodation (your liveaboard booking confirmation suffices).
Caribbean
Most islands offer visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia. Cuba requires a tourist card ($25 USD, often included in flight bookings). Bahamas, Cayman, Honduras Bay Islands, Belize all visa-free for most nationalities up to 30–90 days.
Mexico
Tourist visa-on-arrival, 180 days free for most nationalities. The Sea of Cortez is direct entry; Socorro requires the same.
Galápagos
Two documents needed: Ecuador entry stamp (free for most nationalities up to 90 days) plus the Galápagos Transit Card (INGALA card, $20 USD, must be obtained at Quito or Guayaquil airport before flying to the islands). Plus a $200 Galápagos National Park fee paid in cash at the airport on arrival in the islands.
Costa Rica (for Cocos Island trips)
90-day visa-free entry for most nationalities.
Philippines
30-day free visa-on-arrival for most nationalities. Tubbataha trips depart from Puerto Princesa.
Saudi Arabia (Red Sea)
E-visa available online for many nationalities, 90-day cover, $80–$150 USD. Required before travel.
What to check
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip end date. Many countries require at least 2 blank passport pages for entry stamps. Cruise visa exemptions sometimes apply but require specific arrangement; never assume.
Carry copies
Keep digital photos of your passport main page and entry stamps on your phone. Email copies to yourself. The boat will hold your passport during the trip on most international itineraries — make sure you've checked everything before handing it over.
Related questions
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