Booking a Costco Travel package to Mexico’s beaches, a European capital or a Caribbean cruise is often the easiest part of an international trip. The harder work is making sure you have the right documents at the right time so you are allowed to board and actually enter your destination country.

Entry rules have tightened in recent years, and Costco Travel follows the same legal requirements as airlines, cruise lines and border authorities worldwide. Those requirements are part of Costco Travel international bookings, even when enforcement happens outside Costco’s control.

Costco Membership, Identity and Who Can Travel

Costco Travel is a members-only service, meaning every booking must be tied to a valid Costco membership. For U.S. residents, that is typically a Gold Star, Business or Executive membership in good standing.

The member whose account is used to book does not have to be one of the travelers, but all rewards generated by the trip, such as Costco Shop Cards or Executive 2 percent rewards, accrue only to that primary member.

When you make a reservation, Costco Travel requires the full legal name and date of birth for each traveler, exactly as they appear on the passport that will be used for the trip.

Its booking requirements emphasize that name corrections can trigger airline or cruise fees, so it is important to match spellings, middle names and suffixes carefully at the time of purchase. For some packages, such as certain Spain rail-inclusive itineraries, passport numbers are needed at booking as well.

Membership alone, however, is never a substitute for government-issued identification. Costco cards are store membership credentials, not legal IDs. They do not meet Real ID standards, cannot be used to board flights and are not acceptable at immigration counters.

Recent public reminders from U.S. security officials have specifically stressed that retail membership cards, even those with a star on them, do not qualify as Real ID or any other federal travel credential. Travelers still need proper government-issued identification that meets domestic security rules and international entry requirements.

Passports, Validity Rules and Name Matching

For Costco Travel customers taking international trips, a valid passport is non-negotiable. Costco’s own guidance states that passports are required for international travel and that you will not be permitted to depart without necessary documentation.

That applies to air-inclusive vacation packages, cruises that visit foreign ports and hotel-only arrangements where you arrange your own transportation across borders.

The most important detail is passport validity. Costco Travel’s booking and help center materials underscore that many destinations require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.

If you plan to return home on July 1, some countries will require that your passport be valid through at least January 1 of the following year. Travelers who show up with a passport expiring sooner, or with insufficient blank pages, may be denied boarding by the airline or cruise line even before they reach immigration in the destination country.

Name consistency is another point where details matter. Airlines and cruise lines require that the name on your ticket or cruise contract match the name on your passport. Costco Travel repeats this rule in its booking requirements.

If you recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce or other reasons, be sure your passport reflects the current legal name you plan to use for travel, or update your reservation accordingly long before departure. Small discrepancies such as missing hyphens or middle names can sometimes be corrected but may involve service fees and reissue costs.

Real ID, Domestic Flights and Why a Costco Card Is Not Enough

While Costco Travel focuses on vacation packages, most international trips for U.S. residents begin with a domestic flight to a gateway airport. For that first leg, travelers must comply with U.S. Transportation Security Administration rules on acceptable identification.

As of May 7, 2025, enforcement of the Real ID Act has taken full effect across the United States, requiring flyers 18 and older to show a Real ID compliant driver’s license or another form of accepted ID to pass security for domestic flights.

Real ID compliant licenses and state IDs are issued by motor vehicle agencies and are typically marked with a star, star-in-a-circle, or similar symbol. Some states issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses that also meet federal standards for certain border crossings.

Alternatives include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, certain Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards and other specified federal credentials. The key point is that these are all government-issued identification documents that meet security benchmarks established by law.

In contrast, a Costco membership card, even one featuring a gold star, is a private retail card and does not meet any federal security standard. Security agencies have gone so far as to publicly clarify that Costco cards do not count as Real ID and cannot be used to board flights.

Travelers who arrive at the security checkpoint with only a standard, non-compliant driver’s license and a warehouse club card will face additional screening at best and may be refused passage at worst. Costco Travel trips are subject to these same rules because they rely on the same commercial airlines and domestic airports as any other itinerary.

Visas, Electronic Authorizations and Country-Specific Rules

Beyond passports, many destinations impose their own entry requirements in the form of visas, electronic travel authorizations, arrival forms or special permits. Costco Travel explicitly advises its customers to check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country to determine whether a visa is required.

That obligation rests with the traveler. Costco can share general guidance but does not issue visas or guarantee you meet a country’s immigration rules.

Some countries grant visa-free entry to U.S. citizens for tourism, typically for stays ranging from 30 to 180 days. Others require a visa that must be applied for in advance, usually via an online portal or at a consulate. Increasingly, countries are introducing digital preclearance systems even for travelers who would previously have been visa-exempt.

In Europe, an electronic scheme called ETIAS is expected to apply to visitors from many visa-waiver countries for short stays, adding a modest fee and pre-approval step to the process. Similar systems already exist in other regions, and rules can change with little notice.

When you book a Costco Travel package, you should consider the itinerary in light of these requirements. A multi-country tour might involve crossing multiple borders, each with its own rules. A cruise that starts and ends in one country may still stop in ports that require a visa or electronic authorization.

For example, some countries treat cruise passengers differently from air arrivals, while others do not. It is crucial to verify whether you need a standard tourist visa, a cruise-specific visa exemption, or a transit visa if you are only passing through an airport for a few hours between flights.

Special Considerations for Cruises and Closed-Loop Sailings

Costco Travel sells a significant number of cruise vacations, and the documentation rules for cruises can be more nuanced than for straightforward round-trip flights. Cruise lines establish minimum documentation requirements that comply with the laws of the countries they visit, and Costco Travel echoes those rules in its cruise booking guidance.

Acceptable documents for boarding can include passports, permanent resident cards, driver’s licenses paired with birth certificates, or other government-issued credentials, depending on itinerary.

One frequent source of confusion is the so-called closed-loop cruise, which begins and ends at the same U.S. port while visiting nearby foreign destinations. Under certain conditions, U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises may be able to embark and disembark with a government-issued photo ID plus an original or certified copy of a birth certificate instead of a passport.

However, rules are not identical across all cruise lines or destinations, and they can be tightened during periods of heightened security. Costco Travel therefore still strongly recommends a valid passport for all cruises, especially those that might require unexpected air travel home in an emergency.

Another factor is restrictions tied to nationality or sanctions. Cruise lines may impose special rules or limitations on citizens or residents of certain countries, especially where sanctions or travel bans are in effect.

Costco’s cruise documentation guidance notes that some itineraries have restrictions for citizens of specific sanctioned countries and that affected travelers may need to supply additional proof of residency or face limitations on booking.

If you hold dual citizenship, permanent residency in the United States or long-term visas, it is wise to confirm with both the cruise line and relevant consulates which passport you should travel on and what additional documents you may need.

Children, Families and Multi-Generational Costco Trips

Family vacations are a mainstay of Costco Travel, but traveling with children introduces extra layers of documentation and consent. While passport rules for minors mirror those for adults in many respects, there are additional considerations when children travel with only one parent, with relatives or with group leaders.

Costco Travel’s terms point out that special travel documents are often required for children traveling with or without their parents. Airlines and cruise lines increasingly enforce these requirements at check-in to prevent disputes or child abduction concerns.

In practical terms, U.S. children on international Costco trips typically need their own passports, not just inclusion on a parent’s document. Many destinations require that minors have passports with the same six-month validity buffer as adults.

When a child is traveling with only one parent, border officers in some countries may ask to see a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent or proof of custody arrangements. If the child is traveling with grandparents or another adult, similar consent documentation may be requested. These rules can be particularly strict in Latin America, parts of Europe and certain island nations.

Families should budget extra time for documentation when planning Costco trips with infants, toddlers and teenagers. Children’s passports often have shorter validity periods than adult passports, meaning they need to be renewed more frequently.

Young travelers also may require additional vaccination records or health certificates when visiting destinations with specific public health regulations. Because Costco Travel packages are often time-sensitive and subject to change fees, confirming that all children’s documents are up to date long before making a nonrefundable booking is the safest approach.

Health, Vaccination Records and Travel Medicine Support

Entry requirements are not limited to identity documents. Many countries impose health-related conditions, particularly proof of vaccination or negative test results for certain diseases.

Costco Travel materials refer to these as possible inoculation requirements, and they vary widely by destination. Some nations require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers arriving from or transiting through affected regions. Others have reinstated or revised health declarations and vaccine rules in response to global outbreaks.

To help travelers navigate these rules, Costco offers access to a travel medicine consultation program administered through a third-party provider and many Costco pharmacies.

This service allows travelers in participating U.S. states to receive a specialized evaluation by a travel medicine physician, who reviews the itinerary and personal medical history before recommending appropriate vaccines and medications. Common recommendations can include protection against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, malaria prophylaxis or altitude sickness treatments, depending on where you are headed and the nature of your trip.

Even if your destination does not require vaccines for entry, health considerations can still affect your ability to board cruise ships or long-haul flights. Many cruise lines, in particular, have their own health questionnaires and may require medical clearance in certain circumstances, such as late-stage pregnancy, recent major surgery or particular chronic conditions.

Costco Travel bookings are subject to those operator-specific rules. Having up-to-date vaccination records and discussing your travel plans with a medical professional well ahead of time can prevent last-minute surprises at embarkation.

Practical Steps to Stay Compliant on Costco International Trips

Given the overlapping layers of requirements from Costco Travel, carriers, and border authorities, a methodical approach is essential. Start by confirming that every traveler’s passport is valid for at least six months beyond the trip’s end date and has sufficient blank pages.

If renewals are needed, initiate them before putting down deposits on nonrefundable packages whenever possible. When booking, provide names exactly as they appear on passports and double-check birth dates for each traveler.

Next, identify the countries on your itinerary and check their official embassy or consular resources for visa, electronic preclearance and health requirements that apply to your citizenship.

This is especially important for multi-stop Costco packages, cruises with several foreign ports and itineraries that include overland segments such as rail or regional flights. If a visa or electronic authorization is required, apply early and monitor processing times. Keep printed and digital copies of approvals with your travel documents.

For trips that involve domestic connections within the U.S., verify that every adult traveler has a Real ID compliant license or other acceptable TSA ID, and remember that a Costco card is not on that list. If you are relying on a passport for both domestic and international segments, pack it in an easily accessible yet secure place, as you may need to show it more than once.

Finally, for families and travelers with medical considerations, build extra time into your planning for child consent letters, vaccination appointments and any needed physician letters, ensuring they match the details on your passports and tickets.

The Takeaway

Costco Travel simplifies the process of buying an international vacation, but it cannot simplify the laws that govern who can cross borders and under what conditions. A valid Costco membership opens the door to attractive package deals, yet the true key to a smooth journey is a set of properly prepared travel documents that satisfy domestic security checks, carrier rules and destination immigration authorities.

If you approach your Costco international trip with the same attention to detail that Costco applies to its bundled offers, you will be well positioned to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Treat your passport as the central anchor of your documentation, build outward from there with visas, health records and child consent papers as needed, and remember that no retail card, however familiar, can replace an official travel credential. With careful planning, your membership’s travel benefits can translate into stress-free departures and confident arrivals around the world.

FAQ

Q1: Do I need a passport for every Costco international trip, even cruises?
Yes. Costco Travel and most cruise lines strongly recommend that all travelers carry a valid passport for any international itinerary, including cruises. Some closed-loop U.S. cruises may accept alternative documents, but a passport is the most reliable form of ID if plans change or an emergency flight home becomes necessary.

Q2: How long does my passport need to be valid for a Costco Travel package?
Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Costco Travel echoes this standard, warning that failure to meet it can result in denial of boarding or entry. Always check your passport’s expiration well before booking and renew early if needed.

Q3: Can I use my Costco membership card as identification at the airport?
No. A Costco card is a store membership card, not a government-issued ID. It does not qualify as Real ID and cannot be used to board flights or pass through airport security. You must present an accepted form of identification, such as a Real ID compliant driver’s license, a passport or another TSA-approved document.

Q4: What documents does Costco Travel need when I book an international trip?
At booking, Costco Travel requires your membership number, a valid form of payment and the full legal name and date of birth of each traveler exactly as they appear on their passports. For some itineraries, such as certain European rail-inclusive packages, passport numbers are also required. Accurate information helps avoid costly name correction fees later.

Q5: Who is responsible for getting visas for a Costco Travel vacation?
The traveler is responsible. Costco Travel advises customers to check with the embassy or consulate of each destination to determine whether a visa or electronic authorization is required. Costco does not issue visas and cannot guarantee that you meet a country’s entry rules, so you must apply for and secure any necessary visas in advance.

Q6: Are there special rules for children on Costco international trips?
Yes. Children usually need their own passports, and many countries require additional documentation when minors travel with only one parent or with other adults. This can include notarized consent letters or proof of custody. Airlines and cruise lines may request these documents at check-in, so families should prepare them well ahead of departure.

Q7: What health or vaccination documents might I need for a Costco trip abroad?
Some destinations require proof of specific vaccinations, such as yellow fever, or other health documents. Others may have health questionnaires or testing rules. Costco supports travelers by offering access to a travel medicine consultation program in participating states, but it remains your responsibility to meet any health-related entry requirements set by your destination and carriers.

Q8: I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I still travel on Costco packages?
Yes, but your entry requirements may differ from those of U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens must consult the consulates of the countries they plan to visit and verify both visa obligations and reentry rules for returning to the United States. Costco Travel can book your trip, but it cannot override immigration rules related to your specific nationality or residence status.

Q9: What happens if my name on the ticket does not match my passport exactly?
Carriers may refuse boarding or require the ticket to be reissued, often with added fees. Costco Travel stresses that names on reservations must match passport names exactly, including middle names and suffixes. If you notice an error, contact Costco Travel promptly to correct it, as waiting until check-in can be costly and risky.

Q10: Do I need a Real ID if I am using a passport for my Costco trip?
If you carry a valid passport, you can use it as your primary identification for both domestic and international segments of your journey, which means a Real ID compliant license is not strictly necessary for that trip. However, Real ID requirements apply to anyone relying on state-issued licenses for domestic flights, so it is still wise to ensure your license meets the standard for future travel where you may not carry a passport.