Safety & Security

Your safety and security are our top priority. To protect you and park resources, all visitors and their belongings are subject to a security screening before boarding the ferry to the islands.

A second security screening facility for those holding crown or pedestal reservations is located at the entrance to the Statue of Liberty. Please note that the list of prohibited items differs depending on ticket type (see below).

We appreciate your patience and understanding of these procedures.

 

Pre-boarding Security Screening

The National Park Service operates two primary security screening facilities, in The Battery, New York City, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. All visitors boarding any Statue City Cruises ferry to Liberty Island and/or Ellis Island must pass through airport-like screening procedures before boarding ferries to the islands.

It is recommended that you include ample time and maintain a flexible schedule to include boarding the ferry and security screening. Wait time can be an hour or more, particularly during peak seasons, including summer, weekends, and holidays.
For boarding locations, refer to our directions page.

There are no locker storage areas at the screening facilities in either The Battery or Liberty State Park.

Prohibited Items On The Ferries

DO NOT carry any of the items mentioned below into the security screening area. Items that are surrendered will not be returned. If you are unsure about an item, please do not bring it. DO NOT leave items unattended at any time.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• ALL weapons, including firearms any dangerous items, and any "dual-use" items that could be dangerous. All of these items are strictly prohibited in the park and on the ferry system.
• Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), drones, and other, similar remote-controlled flying devices or vehicles.
• LARGE packages. Suitcases, carry-on luggage, and other, large parcels will not be permitted on the ferry systems or at Liberty and Ellis Islands.
• Face masks and/or costumes that are designed to conceal the identity of a person are prohibited.
• All permanent and erasable markers.
• Audio amplification devices designed to amplify sound such as speaker systems, personal wireless speakers, radios, megaphones, bull horns, and other similar devices.

Please visit our Security Standards & Prohibited Items page for the full list of items that are not allowed through primary screening.

 

Secondary Security Screening

Located at the Entrance to the Statue

A secondary security screening, similar to airport security procedures, is required for those entering the monument with Crown or Pedestal tickets. Locker facilities are available at the entrance to the monument. Lockers can be rented for 2 hours, and require a 25¢ deposit (quarters only). A change machine is on site. There is an ATM inside the gift shop.

THE LIST OF PROHIBITED ITEMS DIFFERS FOR A PEDESTAL OR A CROWN TICKET.

Pedestal Access prohibited items

Those with tickets to the pedestal, the stone base that the Statue of Liberty sits on top of, must secure the following items in a locker:

• ALL FOOD & DRINKS (except water in a clear plastic bottle)
• ALL BACKPACK-STYLE BAGS (including over-sized bags, drawstring bags, and backpack purses)
• Strollers
• Tripods
• Large non-folding umbrellas
• Laptops, tablet keyboards
• Pocket knives

Crown Access

Those with tickets to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty are ONLY PERMITTED to carry with them:

• Camera (camera bags not authorized)
• Mobile phone
• Water (in a clear plastic container)
• Any necessary medication

All other items must be stored in lockers.

 

HAVE A QUESTION?

If you have any questions regarding security procedures, please contact the park.

Thank you for your cooperation. Safety is everyone's responsibility.

If you SEE something, SAY something to a U.S. Park Police Officer or National Park Service Ranger.

 

Learn about our past projects!

Capital Improvement Projects

 

For boarding locations...

Get Directions!