Documentation Needed to Cruise

Do I Need a Passport to Cruise?

This question tops my list of frequently asked questions by prospective cruisers.

The image to the right was a Carnival Triumph itinerary in 2013.  The ship had mechanical issues and passengers had to disembark in Mexico.  If you were on Carnival Triumph that week and had to get home from Progresso, Mexico by air - could you? 

Do you have a valid U.S. Passport? 


If you are unsure of the answer to the first question, then you should read on. If your answer to the second question is no, you too should read the rest of this article. Getting home to the United States could depend on this information and your actions in response.

Don't Leave Home Without It

We recommend that all guests carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your travel.

Having a passport will enable you to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event you miss your scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if you need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.  

Rules that went into force in 2009 mandate that  U.S. citizens entering the country by land, sea, or air must establish both identity and citizenship and therefore must possess one of the following: passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

Travel by Land or Sea (for U.S. and Canadian Citizens):

Travel document requirements vary based on cruise itinerary and whether international flights are required. For voyages that are scheduled to end outside the U.S., a passport that is valid for six months beyond the completion date of your travel is required. Passports or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant documents are required for cruises to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal. U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 16 and above may present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant documents:

• Passport (recommended travel document) (valid for travel by air, land and sea)
• Passport Card (valid for land and sea border crossings only)
• State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (valid for land and sea border crossings only)
• Other documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security

The other travel documents include: Lawful Permanent Resident Cards; certain Native American tribe member cards; North American trusted traveler program cards, such as NEXUS (Northern Border program), SENTRI (Southern Border program), or FAST (Free and Secure Trade program); military ID with official travel orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner Documents; or enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs).

U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport but will need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver’s license.  It is still highly recommended that you travel with a valid passport.

See the Department of Homeland Security's Know Before You Go for more information on the changing travel requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: it is the passenger's sole responsibility to obtain and have available the proper travel documents that are necessary for your travel, including all costs related to obtaining proper documentation and costs to obtain entry to countries you visit and re-entry to your destination country. You’ve planned for this trip and want to be sure you aren’t denied boarding, nor do you want  problems when entering or exiting any country during your trip.

Entry Requirements of Foreign Countries

So far we have focused on getting on your cruise and getting back home to the United States.  Each foreign country has their own entry requirements.   Passports are still the best option there, but additional documentation, such as Visas, are often needed.  You place of residency dictates the documentation required as well.

• Consult Entry Requirements for the Destination(s)  - see Foreign Entry Requirements 
• View the “Entry/Exit Requirements” section of the State Department’s U.S. Visa Wizard for each country you plan to visit.
• See all Travel Alerts & Warnings

If a visa is required by the country you will visit, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before proceeding abroad.  Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application, especially if you are applying by mail.

We have an entire page devoted to these topics and more.  Please click on the International Travel tab.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

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Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat 

Disclaimer:   Information provided on this page is provided as guidance to the official government information which is contained on referenced websites.  

Links are accurate at time of publication and are subject to change.     Consult the home page of the appropriate governmental agency if the link cannot be found.

Documentation Needed to Cruise

Do I Need a Passport to Cruise?

This question tops my list of frequently asked questions by prospective cruisers.

The image to the right was a Carnival Triumph itinerary in 2013.  The ship had mechanical issues and passengers had to disembark in Mexico.  If you were on Carnival Triumph that week and had to get home from Progresso, Mexico by air - could you? 

Do you have a valid U.S. Passport? 


If you are unsure of the answer to the first question, then you should read on. If your answer to the second question is no, you too should read the rest of this article. Getting home to the United States could depend on this information and your actions in response.

Don't Leave Home Without It

We recommend that all guests carry a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your travel.

Having a passport will enable you to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event you miss your scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if you need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.  

Rules that went into force in 2009 mandate that  U.S. citizens entering the country by land, sea, or air must establish both identity and citizenship and therefore must possess one of the following: passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

Travel by Land or Sea (for U.S. and Canadian Citizens):

Travel document requirements vary based on cruise itinerary and whether international flights are required. For voyages that are scheduled to end outside the U.S., a passport that is valid for six months beyond the completion date of your travel is required. Passports or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant documents are required for cruises to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal. U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 16 and above may present one of the following valid WHTI-compliant documents:

• Passport (recommended travel document) (valid for travel by air, land and sea)
• Passport Card (valid for land and sea border crossings only)
• State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (valid for land and sea border crossings only)
• Other documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security

The other travel documents include: Lawful Permanent Resident Cards; certain Native American tribe member cards; North American trusted traveler program cards, such as NEXUS (Northern Border program), SENTRI (Southern Border program), or FAST (Free and Secure Trade program); military ID with official travel orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner Documents; or enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs).

U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport but will need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver’s license.  It is still highly recommended that you travel with a valid passport.

See the Department of Homeland Security's Know Before You Go for more information on the changing travel requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: it is the passenger's sole responsibility to obtain and have available the proper travel documents that are necessary for your travel, including all costs related to obtaining proper documentation and costs to obtain entry to countries you visit and re-entry to your destination country. You’ve planned for this trip and want to be sure you aren’t denied boarding, nor do you want  problems when entering or exiting any country during your trip.

Entry Requirements of Foreign Countries

So far we have focused on getting on your cruise and getting back home to the United States.  Each foreign country has their own entry requirements.   Passports are still the best option there, but additional documentation, such as Visas, are often needed.  You place of residency dictates the documentation required as well.

• Consult Entry Requirements for the Destination(s)  - see Foreign Entry Requirements 
• View the “Entry/Exit Requirements” section of the State Department’s U.S. Visa Wizard for each country you plan to visit.
• See all Travel Alerts & Warnings

If a visa is required by the country you will visit, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before proceeding abroad.  Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application, especially if you are applying by mail.

We have an entire page devoted to these topics and more.  Please click on the International Travel tab.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

A Cruise Can Take You There (click for mini-series)

Follow Us On

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

Where have you explored? 

#FoodTravelChat

Join us every Wednesday evening at 8pm EST for lively conversation about food travel brought to you by @FoodTravelist It's a tasty world & we're dishing it up!

Disclaimer:   Information provided on this page is provided as guidance to the official government information which is contained on referenced websites.  

Links are accurate at time of publication and are subject to change.     Consult the home page of the appropriate governmental agency if the link cannot be found.

Illinois - You Are Grounded

10 ... 9... 8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...

Real ID Deadline Approaching

As 2016 begins, the clock is running out for the State of Illinois to comply with "Real ID" law requirements for state issued drivers licenses. Back in 2005, a federal law was enacted requiring states to comply with various security measures to state ID and drivers license issuance procedures. Illinois applied for an extension, which runs out January 10, 2016.

The Department of Homeland Security could give notice (of at least 120 days) to the public that it would no longer accept the Illinois IDs. If that were done, Illinois could be "grounded" unless alternate procedures, which might include using a U.S. Passport for security screening, were put in place at airports across the country. Of course passports have always been accepted, but not everyone has a valid passport or typically carries them for domestic trips.

Thanks to the Identity Project for sharing the following:
"Don't be misled by TSA threats: You don't have to show *any* ID to fly, & that won't change: http://bit.ly/1PtPHxc"

UPDATED: Jan. 9, 2016

The Department of Homeland Security has given another reprieve to states, such as Illinois, that haven't met the REALID requirements.   The facts on #REALID: You can use your driver’s license from ANY state/territory to fly until Jan 2018. More at http://go.usa.gov/cRptx

On January 22, 2018,  unless granted another extension, residents of Illinois (and any other non-compliant states) will be back in this same situation where they'll need to use an alternate form of identification other than a state Drivers License.   (Note: technically NO ID is required to fly as mentioned above).

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Now Until January 2018 - Residents of ANY state can use a driver's license or other approved form of identification accepted by TSA See the full list on the TSA website

• Effective January 22, 2018, if you have a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state that does not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act, unless that state has been granted an extension, you must present an alternative form of identification acceptable to TSA in order to board a commercial domestic flight.

• Starting October 1, 2020, every air traveler will need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel.

Please continue to consult the DHS website to monitor changes in requirements for your state.   

We always recommend our guests travel with passports, even on closed-looped cruises, where they aren't technically required.   If you have a passport for those international vacations, it wouldn't be an issue should they also be required for domestic travel.

Apply for a Passport

Apply for a U.S. Passport

Besides Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Washington are states that haven't yet adopted the Real ID specifications.  DHS has not announced when it might no longer accept those IDs.

If you are planning on traveling by air in 2016 or later, we would recommend obtaining a U.S. passport now before there's a mad rush to obtain one or be grounded (or perhaps subject to additional screening procedures).
 
Federal Building Entrance

One thing for certain, the law also applies to entrance to certain Federal buildings, so after January 10th Illinois IDs will not be valid for entrance to those buildings. This is another reason for obtaining a passport.

More information act can be obtained at the following link:

Real ID Public FAQs | Homeland Security

Explore Under the Sea in St. Thomas

St. Thomas U.S.V.I.

Exquisite Above 

or Under the Sea

This image captured by us on one of our past trips to St. Thomas was taken from the world famous Mountain Top.   From there you can see all of the surrounding area and really get the true sense of how blue the waters really are.

St. Thomas is truly a Caribbean paradise which is featured on many Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries.  On our most recent visit, during our Carnival Conquest cruise, we decided to explore under the sea, without even getting wet.

Coral World

Coral World (click for more pictures)

After a short cab ride from the pier, we arrived at Coral World St. Thomas.  It is the second marine park developed by Coral World International and incorporates the following attractions: Marine Museum, Shark, Stingray and Turtle Pools, Touch Pools, and naturally - The Underwater Observatory.   Now you know how we could explore under the sea without getting wet.

The park has been damaged by several hurricanes in the past.  The Underwater Observatory was undergoing some renovation when we were there this February.  

The cruise lines offer this as one of their excursions or you can take a cab there on your own.  The prices are pretty comparable but the difference is with a group you are set to a schedule while when on your own you can set your own pace and possibly include one of the optional activities, such as the SNUBA® adventure pictured here.

SNUBA® gives you complete freedom of movement and ease of breathing under water as the air tanks are located at the surface being carried on a raft.

After a short orientation a certified SNUBA guide will lead you and a group of no more than 4 people on your adventure to the shores of Coki Point where a beautiful coral reef thrives with a wide variety of sea life.

Planning on Visiting USVI?

If you are flying directly to St. Thomas you won't need a passport if you are a U.S. Citizen. Of course, if you plan to also visit other islands that aren't U.S. Territories, or if you are on a cruise, you will still need your passport.

There are plenty of things to do from dining, shopping, relaxing on a beach, to exploring the wonderful world under the sea as we have discussed here. Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism page to learn more about the islands and what they have to offer.

Click for Mini-Series Articles / Images

Tip: There are several attractions near the ship's pier in St. Thomas.  You can venture off on your own if you prefer.

We'll continue with San Juan  and more about the ship in our next installments.   If you are just joining us, we have several articles in this mini-series already.   You can either page backwards or check our main article (click image).

Could You be Stranded on Your Cruise

Q: Do I Really Need a Passport ? 

Q: Why Should I Purchase Travel Insurance? 

A: Hurricane Irene Strands Passengers

We are frequently asked if it is necessary to have a passport book to cruise.  Please read on ...

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.  

WHTI went into effect June 1, 2009 for land and sea travel into the U.S. WHTI document requirements for air travel went into effect in 2007.

Technically U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport but will need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver’s license.  (More information)  It is still highly recommended that you travel with a valid passport.  The following true story is just one reason why we make this recommendation.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean Strand 450 Passengers in San Juan

Last Sunday, Port Authorities in San Juan ordered two cruise vessels to depart early to avoid Hurricane Irene.  Traffic in/out of the port was limited starting at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Carnival Victory (ordered to leave at 6 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.)

300 passengers had not boarded when the ship was ordered to leave. Carnival reached out to all guests who were unable to meet the ship and either spoke to them directly, talked to emergency contacts listed by the passengers, or reached out to passengers' travel agents.  In some cases, they had to leave voice mails.


The cruise line offered complimentary hotel rooms for two nights in San Juan to all 300 passengers, regardless of whether they booked air through the line. The 300 impacted passengers were also offered a free flight to Barbados to meet the ship. The flight required that they have a passport.  About half of the passengers took the hotel and air offer.

Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas  (ordered to leave at 5:30 p.m instead of 8:30 pm)

145 passengers were left stranded at the pier when the ship sailed 3 hours early.  Hotel accommodations and flights to Aruba to meet the ship were provided to the 15 Serenade of the Seas passengers who had booked the air/sea package through Royal Caribbean. 

The balance of cruise-only passengers were, upon arrival at the cruise terminal, "advised of hotel availability in San Juan," said the line. The expense of both the potential hotel stay and airfare to reach the ship was the passengers' responsibility -- or covered by their travel insurance, depending on the policy -- because the early departure was a weather-related incident.


According to Royal Caribbean, there wasn't time to alert the passengers of the early exit. "Since this decision was made by the Port of San Juan on Sunday while the ship was docked alongside, there was no way to notify our guests of this change in departure time," the line said in the statement. RCI did, however, have port agents at the pier assisting guests who did not arrive in time to meet the ship. 


Royal Caribbean is not providing compensation for passengers who missed the sailing, because the early departure was a weather-related event. Any passenger who missed the Carnival Victory cruise will be refunded in the form of a future cruise credit. 

UPDATE - RCI Changes Mind - Compensates Passengers
In a statement, the line said it is "compensating these passengers because we understand that this was an unusual situation, and we want to provide our guests with another opportunity to sail with Royal Caribbean International in the near future."

Those passengers who did fly from San Juan to Serenade of the Seas mid-cruise will, as we reported this week, receive a 30 percent future cruise credit.  

No Passport = No Vacation 
No Travel Insurance = Out of Pocket Expense 

Hopefully you now understand why two pre-cruise travel expenses could make the difference between salvaging a vacation or returning home with disappointment and potential financial loss.

We often hear  "we intend to go on this trip no matter what", so we don't need insurance.   Mother Nature was in control for the past two weekends.  No matter how much you wanted to go on your cruise, you might find yourself trying to catch up to a ship that departed without you.   To do so, you'd need a passport.   You could also incur additional expenses along the way, which could either come out of your pocket, or be reimbursed by the travel insurance company.

Be sure to cover your entire trip cost.  This includes any shore excursions which you might book independently.   Hurricane Irene has scrambled itineraries for more than a week now.   Some independent providers will charge you for being a "no show".   Don't forget those pre or post-cruise hotel stays as well as flights.   Every item that could be canceled could cost you money if it isn't covered.

You should book and pay for travel insurance at the time of cruise booking.   In some cases, there may be additional benefits to doing so, such as pre-existing health condition waivers.  Perhaps you are healthy and that doesn't apply to you.  Another reason to do so is that once an event has begun (Hurricane Irene in this case) coverages are limited to policies that were in force prior to the event.

Be sure to read travel policies for any limitations.   There are many other reasons to have a passport and purchase travel insurance.   Don't forget about the folks you leave at home.   What happens if something happens to them and you need to leave your cruise early.   Would you be able to do so, or could you be stranded at a foreign airport?

Travel Worry Free with Travel Guard's Travel Companion - Don't forget your Passport

Disclaimer:  We are not insurance agents and make no claims about coverages or limitations. We offer this advice as a service to our readers. Always check directly with the insurance company regarding any specific circumstances that need clarification. Click on the "Protect your vacation" image above to learn more about travel insurance.

New Passport Fees Begin July 13th

U.S. State Department 

Announced the New

Passport & Visa Fees

New passport fees for the U.S. Passport Book, the U.S. Passport Card, and other passport services will be in effect on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. There is still time to get a passport or renew your existing one before the new prices take effect.

We strongly advise all cruise line passengers carry a valid passport on all cruises, even if the destination ports allow for other forms of identification.    There is always the possibility of unexpected air travel which has higher requirements than for a closed-loop cruise for example.    See our International Travel tab for passport and visa information as well as Tips for Traveling Abroad and Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts.

New Passport Fees

Adults: First-Time (Age 16 and older) increase to $110 (from $75) plus a $25 processing fee
Adults: Renewal (Applying with DS-82) increase to $110 (from $75) with no processing fee
Minors (Under age 16)  increase to $80  (from $60) plus a $25 processing fee
Passport cards also increase by $10 for both Adults and Minors


For a complete list of fees, including extra services (such as additional pages) see the following:
New Passport Fees - Effective July 13           Current Passport Fees

There are two components that you must consider when determining the proper documentation required for an upcoming trip:    the requirements to re-enter the United States and the entry requirements of the countries being visited on your cruise or other vacation.

Important Note:    Passports must be valid for 6 months from the end of your trip, so be sure to check expiration dates and allow sufficient time for processing renewals.

Passport Day March 27th

Planning travel outside the United States?

First, plan to get your passport. 

U.S. Department of State will  be open on a Saturday to get you started. 

On Saturday, March 27 only, you will not need an appointment to apply for a U.S. passport at a regional passport agency. You will be able to apply for either routine processing or pay an additional $60 for expedited processing.  All passport agencies will be open and accepting passport book and passport card applications from 10 am to 3 pm .   Press Release

Passport-themed events for adults and children will take place at regional passport agencies and thousands of passport acceptance facilities around the country. If you’ve been waiting to apply for your U.S. passport, this is the time. Apply on Passport Day in the USA 2010!    Passport Day Locations

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and the Caribbean (17 nations) fall under the WHTI.

WHTI-compliant documents described are acceptable for entry or re-entry into the United States. You may be required to present additional or different travel documents when entering foreign countries, including countries in the Western Hemisphere.   Before you travel, make sure you know the entry requirements of the country you plan to visit. See Country Specific Information for more information on the country you are traveling to.

Related Blog Posts

New Passport Rules Starting June 1st - Are You Ready (March 2009)

Reminder New Passport Rules Effective June 1st (May 2009)

Important Information - Land and Sea Travel (January 2008)


My Advice - Travel with Valid Passport

If you read all the rules and regulations, you may find that for your particular travel plans, you can "get away" without a passport.  For example, a closed-loop cruise does not require a passport for sea transportation.   However, should you find yourself needing to return home by air,  you could now be faced with a problem since air travel has a different set of rules.

Also note that passports must be valid for 6 Months after the end of your trip (in most cases).

Reminder New Passport Rules Effective June 1st

There has been much attention given to the new travel requirements going into effect on June 1, 2009, and I would like to revisit this topic. In my previous post, New Passport Rules Starting June 1st - Are You Ready, I summarized the new rules, the list of 19 affected countries, and provided links to various government resources that would help you decide what documents are required in your particular circumstance. I'll repeat the links here for your convenience.

In this post, I want to call out a couple of the caveats that I referred to in my previous post. I suggest you read both posts and visit the websites if you are not certain what requirements pertain to your circumstance.

Closed-Loop Cruises
While the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires valid passports for land and sea travel, a final ruling was issued allowing leniency for “closed-loop” cruises, i.e., sailings that both originate and terminate in the same U.S. port.

U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport but will need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver’s license. Children will also be required to carry a birth certificate and a photo ID if over the age of 15.

Although a passport is not required for “closed loop” cruises, we strongly recommend all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel), a passport card or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). Having these documents will enable them to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event they miss their scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if they need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.

If a cruise begins and ends in different U.S. ports or begins and ends in a foreign port, a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is required if you are traveling on any Europe cruise.

Rules for Children
U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

Here are the links to useful websites once again:

State Department - overview of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - see Travel page
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – see Crossing U.S. Borders page
Canada Border Services Agency - for travel to/from Canada

Plan For Unexpected
I cannot emphasize enough that you need to take both land and sea requirements into consideration when deciding what document you need to satisfy the new WHTI rules. In my previous post and above, I've already cited a couple of very common situations where the unexpected can find you traveling by plane instead of by sea. In emergency situations like these, the last thing you want is to be denied boarding due to the lack of proper documentation.

You may be denied boarding if you do not have the proper identification. I suspect that there will be some delays in boarding as the rules take effect, but after they have been in effect for awhile, this should speed the boarding process at airlines and cruise ports across the world.

Finally, don't forget to complete your online cruise check-in, providing the passport numbers. This will help the cruise line comply with government manifest requirements and also speed the boarding process.

New Passport Rules Starting June 1st - Are You Ready

For some time now, cruise lines, airlines, and travel professionals have been warning that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) would impose new rules on travel to foreign countries, even our closest neighbors including Bermuda, most Caribbean countries as well as Mexico and Canada.

62 DAYS AND COUNTING

The new rules that become effective on June 1st will affect travel from 19 countries in all (see list below), many of which are destinations that millions of Americans have been traveling to and from for years without carrying valid passports. Shortly, new rules mandate that "most" U.S. citizens entering the country by land, sea, or air must establish both identity and citizenship and therefore must possess one of the following: passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

The other travel documents include: Lawful Permanent Resident Cards; certain Native American tribe member cards; North American trusted traveler program cards, such as NEXUS (Northern Border program), SENTRI (Southern Border program), or FAST (Free and Secure Trade program); military ID with official travel orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner Documents; or enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs).

WHEN IS A VALID DOCUMENT NOT VALID

Certain of the above documents have restrictions on their use. For example the wallet-size passport card, which is more convenient and cheaper than the passport book, cannot be used for international air travel. This new travel document can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. Another less known fact is that a U.S. Passport must be valid for up to 6 months after your trip. You’ll need to consult every country that you visit to determine the specific entry / exit requirements for passport expiration.

There are many caveats contained within the new rules, so it is best to consult the following websites to learn more about your specific circumstance. The final responsibility for proper documentation rests with the traveler not the cruise line, airline, cruise specialist, or any other travel professional. You’ve planned for this trip and want to be sure you aren’t denied boarding nor do you want problems when entering or exiting any country during your trip.

State Department - overview of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - see Travel page
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – see Crossing U.S. Borders page
Canada Border Services Agency - for travel to/from Canada

MY RECOMMENDATION

As a cruise specialist, I have been recommending that all passengers have a valid passport, even when travel with other documents (such as a driver’s license and certified birth certificate would suffice). The rationale behind that recommendation was simple, at least in my mind. Whether you are traveling by air, by sea, by car, or by foot: Once you leave the United States, it doesn’t matter how you left, what matters is that you have the proper identification to get back in. Countries that you visit on your trip will also require you to follow their entry and exit requirements. A passport is the only document that is universally recognized and accepted for entrance, albeit there may be other requirements, such as visas.

Another less obvious reason for my recommendation is based on the unexpected. What happens if you need to interrupt your vacation for any reason? Would you be able to leave each and every country on your itinerary and re-enter the United States with the documentation in your possession?

Keep in mind that your mode of travel could change from cruise ship to airplane. The WHTI rules have been implemented in stages, so depending on the date of travel; you could have a different answer to my question.

WHERE CHANGE IS TAKING PLACE
According to the State Department, here's a complete list of the 19 countries affected by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative:
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica (except for business travel), Mexico, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos

DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE LEAVING HOME

The time to check your documents for expiration date, entry / exit requirements for all countries on your itinerary, required vaccinations, visa requirements, travel advisories, and other country specific information is either before you book your trip or shortly after that. This hopefully gives you adequate time to obtain any documents or vaccinations you might need. Plan early to have a worry-free trip. If you expect the unexpected, you’ll be prepared for any problem that you might face during your trip. We’ve had to interrupt our trip in the past and we have seen many medical emergencies while on cruises, so they do happen. The last thing you want when there is an emergency is complications.

Finally, I recommend that all my clients purchase travel insurance. You may think you are healthy and nothing will happen; the weather may be perfect and not prevent you from arriving on time to your destination; you may not lose your job right after you book your trip; and you will also win the largest jackpot in history next week. Well, maybe the last one is stretching things.

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Important Information - Land and Sea Travel

My advice - Get a Passport

1) Proof of Citizenship
Beginning January 31, 2008, all adult (age 19 and above) travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry.

This change is in addition to the following which is already in effect:

2) Passport Requirements
All travelers including citizens of the United States, Canada, and Bermuda are now required to present a valid passport when entering the United States at any airport as of January 23, 2007. This includes children of any age.

For more information about this change, see the Dept. of Homeland Security press release on this topic and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI): The Basics.

"Do I need a Passport to go on a cruise?" is probably the most frequently asked question by clients looking at a cruise vacation. My advice is that I'd highly recommend that they obtain a passport (even if less restricitve rules are in effect - such as the first bullet above).

Here are some examples of why you should have a passport:

a) You are traveling on a cruise after Jan. 23, 2008, and have valid proof of citizenship (other than a passport) as outlined in the first bullet above. You, or a member of your family becomes ill and you need to fly home. Your proof of citizenship (such as drivers license and birth certificate) is now insufficient, since the more restrictive airline rules take effect.

b) You miss an airline connection, or don't get back to the ship in time and you need to fly to the next port of call to join / rejoin the cruise. Unless the next port of call is a US territory, you will most likely need a passport to enter the country. (there are some exceptions to this, so if you are a gambler, you could roll the dice and hope you won't need a passport).

c) A no brainer situation is one where you are traveling to a country or countries that have passport (and possibly visa) requirement for entry and exit. Check with your travel agent or the country's embassy if you are unclear of the requirements.

Other Resources:

U.S. Dept of State - Passports (information about requirements and how to obtain a passport)

Passport and Visa Services (passport & visa expeditors)

U.S. Embassies (Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (advice about any health advisories here and abroad)
Traveler's Health (CDC Travel specific topics)

Flight Related DVT (Flight-related Deep Vein Thrombosis -Economy Class Syndrome)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA website - latest regulations and resources)



KNOW BEFORE YOU GO is my suggestion to you. Consult with your travel agent, cruise line, and air carrier to be sure you understand all the rules that govern your trip (including unforseen circumstances such as the examples above).