One of the most common questions among many potential first-time cruisers is a simple one: do you need a passport to take a cruise? While you might think passport requirements for cruises would be clearcut, the answer actually depends on the cruise. Are there actually sailings where you can cruise without a passport? The short answer is yes. While less expensive than a Passport book, the Passport Card is only accepted at land border crossings and sea ports when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
For these sailings, passengers can board by showing an official government birth certificate and — for anyone 16 or older — a government-issued photo ID. You can get more information on required documents for a closed-loop cruise from U. Customs and Border Protection. Just remember, on this type of cruise you may not be able to enter some ports without a passport, such as Martinique. Contact your cruise line to see if the ports on your itinerary require a passport.
Though a passport may not be required, traveling without one does involve certain risks. For example, if you do find yourself in a situation such as missing your ship at your port of call, a passport will be crucial in getting back on track. Only an official passport will allow you to catch a flight in a foreign country. A Passport Card will not allow you to travel internationally by air.
If you miss your cruise ship and need to fly to the next port to catch up, or have a medical or other emergency during your cruise that would require you to fly back to the US from a foreign port, a Passport Card will not be sufficient. Bottom line, cruise with a passport. If you need to renew your passport or just need to get one and you have a long time before your cruise departs, get the process started now. Find out more information on applying for a passport at USA.
You can get a passport quickly if you use the expedited service. My kids entered St. Martin in with just a birth certificate. It was not a problem at all. However, my husband and I had passports. Not sure if that made a difference. I've heard yes and no.
Do my children need passports? I even spoke with carnival cruise and they even said a valid id and birth certificate should be fine. First time cruise coming soon! I have cruised with and without my passport. All cruises so far have been closed-loop anyway, but if I intend to get off the ship I bring my passport.
State Dept. Americans do not need to cruise with a passport on select sailings out of U. First, you do not need a passport for any U. A closed-loop sailing is a cruise that travels roundtrip from the same U. These itineraries are very common — think Caribbean and Bahamas cruises roundtrip from Florida or Texas, Mexico cruises out of L. Note: Closed-loop cruises do not require a passport for reentry to the United States.
However, some ports of call on your itinerary, such as Martinique and Guadeloupe, may require passports for entry onto their shores. Double-check the ports on your itinerary for any additional requirements. You would still need to adhere to the documentation requirements for your cruise. You need to show a government-issued photo I. However, just because you can go on a cruise without a passport does not mean you should. You'll be better prepared in case of an emergency debarkation due to a health crisis or mechanical issue with your cruise ship if you're in possession of a passport, which you'll need to fly home from a foreign port.
During the current pandemic, we would argue that it's more important than ever to cruise with a passport. A passport card is different than a passport book , the multi-page booklets that customs officials stamp as you enter a country. However, your passport may officially expire earlier than you think. Infrequent travelers, take note: Many countries require that your passport be valid for six months after the date you arrive in that country.
Staff at the cruise terminal will check your travel documents before they assign you a key card or RFID bracelet and send you up the gangway to the ship. Certain destinations, such as China and Russia, may require visas for arrival into the country by air or independent exploration ashore.
The rules are different for Nile River cruises that start and end in Egypt. Your passport got you onto the ship, but can you get off the cruise ship without a passport or do you need to take it with you on shore excursions? In general, you are not required to bring your passport with you when you go ashore for the day, either for a tour or to explore on your own. Certain ports are exceptions, such as St. Government mandate. If a Non-Parent Adult is a Legal Guardian, the adult must present a certified certificate of Guardianship with respect to the child.
Customs and Border Protection. Department of Homeland Security. Applying for a Passport. Passport Requirements. Remember, you are leaving the country! You unexpectedly need to depart the ship from a foreign port prior to the end of a sailing. Should this occur, a passport would be required to leave or re-enter the U.
Citizens are required to carry ONE of the three sets of document options below: U. Passport must be valid through the dates of travel of the cruise as well as not expired and valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel. If you are traveling using a birth certificate and you have had a name change i. Citizen under the age of 16 does not require a Government issued photo ID, however, must provide proof of citizenship.
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