Do I need a passport to travel? Not for these destinations. In Ensenada, the Cinderella of the Pacific, you can ride horses along mountain trails, tour the wine country, shop for souvenirs and taste the local tequila. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Something that I guarantee you nobody in his group planned on! Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. All rights reserved. The big "what if". 2. One couple had planned a closed-loop cruise from Baltimore, and they mistakenly believed they only needed their drivers licenses to board. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. Guide to Cruise & Travel Documentation So, just answer me this, does RCCL, by policy, require that U.S. Citizens using a Passport as a cruise document, have at least 6 months validity beyond return to the U.S. For a cruise ship to qualify for a closed-loop status, it must start and end in the United States. And there is a big difference. If you can cruise with a birth certificate they are not going to turn away a valid passport on those itineraries. Passports are not required to visit the Northern Mariana Islands, aU.S. commonwealthmade up of 14 islands, includingSaipan,Tinian andRota. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. Different ports will have different requirements. 242. It says accepted. Card if traveling while on official orders, Traveler Program cards (SENTRI, NEXUS, and FAST). With the booking confirmation every passenger is being given the information required by the cruise line. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth Plenty of cruisers make these sailings without a passport and without any trouble using just their driving license and birth certificate. If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport. For closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: A boarding pass. A government photo I.D. if 16 years of age or older. In general, Caribbean islands only require photo ID from a U.S. citizen. Dont take chances that might ruin the vacation of a lifetime. However I find a definite answer whether or not passports are required. I've used my passport before for employment to satisfy both requirements in one document rather than the usual social security card and drivers license. What is written on the invoice that is personslized to every guest with the details of their booking and a link to yje guest contract certainly takes precedence over a blanket statement in a FAQ's section. The words "Birth Certificate" is used 10 times. Why won't they let someone on that doesn't have at least 6 months left on their Passport but let someone on with just a birth certificate and DL? You mean the contract that keeps getting longer and more complicated all for the purpose of reinforcing the notion that the customer has zero rights in any dispute with the cruise line? RCCL lists Columbia as one of them. From Caribbean destinations to closed-loop travel, here are the spots Americans can go without a passport. BTW, I just looked at my so-called "Invoices" and they aren't even that, it's a "Booking Confirmation". Your previous content has been restored. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. Not all embassies/consulates are located near the cruise ports and moreover, the time it takes for the entire process to occur is not quick. When you come ashore, followlocal laws and customs. The Caribbean makes a popular destination for travelers considering a tropical cruise. They may require different documentation for entry. If you are cruising with kids under age 16 on a closed-loop cruise, you'll need to bring a certified copy of their original birth certificate for identification. They do not need a photo ID. Having a passport on a cruise means not just an easier embarkation and disembarkation process, but it protects you against an unexpected situation that may occur during the course of a cruise, such as: Certainly many guests will cruise without a passport and likely not run into any issues. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by DOS, or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. But, that doesn't have anything to do with RCCL's policy which is stand-alone. Think logically. Your cruise Passport Most people are not very careful so they should send their renewal in a year. WebIf you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport. Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. For U.S. citizens, passports are not required for all cruises. Cruise Requirements for Passports You will enjoy it. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. Passport Requirements for Royal Caribbean Cruises. So, for instance, all of those round-trip cruises out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are closed-loop cruises. The Guam Visitors Bureau says U.S. citizens are required to showa U.S. passport, but photo ID and proof of citizenship may be accepted "on a case-by-case basis.". Sure, policies are ignored, or whatever, but am I going to bet thousands of dollars on it? After you pull into port in the Big Apple, make sure to see a Broadway show, visit the Empire State Building and take a stroll through Central Park. Passport Not Required. Remain vigilantand exercise normal precautions aboard a cruise ship and on shore, as you would whenever traveling abroad. Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. An example would be one that starts in Florida and ends in the Bahamas. Look no further: Youve decided you want a vacation, but theres a problem youre a U.S. citizen and you dont have a passport. They dont need to go to another location. Although there are some situations where passports are not strictly necessary, it is better to be safe than sorry. I would 100% take what is written on your booking invoice as policy as opposed to what is written in general terms in an FAQ section of the website. Bermudian citizens are required to present a valid passport. By 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! The only time youll need to show your birth certificate is during the boarding check-in process and when you leave the ship as you arrive back home. Although you do not need a passport to visit these destinations as a U.S. citizen, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for their cruise vacation for the following reasons: Cruises up North Americas East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec. That being said, there are certain types of cruises where youll be able to board with other types of documentation if you do not have either a passport book or passport card. And the ability to use a Birth Certificate and DL is an authorization given by the: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-74?language=en_US. Things You Need To Know About Passport Expiration For Minors, required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification, Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise With Tropical Buffet, Royal Caribbean Cruises Southern Caribbean. Are Passports Required for These Cruises? If you are returning to an international port or disembarking an international river cruise: Checktravel.state.govto find out aboutadditional challengessome travelers might face abroad, such asolder travelers,those with disabilities,women, andLGBTI travelers. Combine those details along with your drivers license number or ID number that can be very dangerous for identity theft. I'm sure they're accustomed to a birth certificate as well but my brain believes they're more accustomed to a passport. Some countries might refuse to dock your ship or allow passengers to disembark. The peace of mind of having the passport is worth far more than the effort to getting it. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! *A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID. LockA locked padlock Scarlson91 It is our preference to carry them anytime we are outside of USA, just in case. We always recommend carrying a passport book or a passport card while vacationing on a cruise. Securing a passport can be a hassle. Merchant Mariner documents if you are on official maritime business, U.S. Military I.D. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop cruise. 2. I can not and will not justify RCCL's policies. You will leave it in the safe. (Columbia is the one I know does require 6 months even for cruise passengers, don't book a cruise going to Columbia without meeting that requirement). A passport book can get you to so many more places internationally, and in the case of an emergency on a cruise, having a passport book allows you to make unexpected travel arrangements significantly easier. Even for non us citizens it is not required. Pasted as rich text. For those on the Visa Waiver Program, you can use the I-94W (your immigration stamp received when first entering the United States) when you re-enter at disembarkment. There is also a fine line in answering this question that goes beyond the word "need" and essentially talks about if you "should" get a passport. Display as a link instead, Cruises from mainstream lines sailing from Europe, the United States, and Australia do closed-loop cruises more frequently. But, RCCL doesn't cruise there, so no need to list it. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. Thanks for your response, but I already knew all this. Though someclosed-loop cruisesmay not require a U.S. passport, we recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port. That means spur-of-the-moment international trips without a passport can be impossible to pull off. Birth certificate + government-issued photo ID*. I dont have to worry about damaging the birth certificate which is only as durable as the paper its printed on. Web"U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. This includes payment for hotels, restaurants, taxis, souvenir shops, etc. WebMariner of the Seas is experimenting with a complimentary embarkation day lunch to help alleviate demand in Windjammer. Closed-loop cruises start and finish at the same United States port. Regardless, we always recommend traveling with a U.S. passport book, in case there are any inconveniences during your trip. Convenience. Having a passport on a cruise means not just an easier embarkation and disembarkation process, but it protects you against an unexpected situation that may occur during the course of a cruise, such as: Certainly many guests will cruise without a passport and likely not run into any issues. It was requred to be mailed to my street address as that was part of verifying residence for Real ID in those states. Closed Loop Cruise Took me exactly 56 minutes for the entire processin the DMV that Monday. And for the last time, I am not going to discuss/debate what Joe or Mary got away with. 7 of which pertain to sailings (closed loop sailings) that depart from a U.S. Home Port, three of which are about Puerto Rican Citizens and the date their Birth Certificates were issued. Leave one copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry one separately from your actual documents. Talk to the security personnel on board if you are thevictim of acrime. Dont Miss: Princess Cruise And Flight Packages. The only way youll board a ship without a passport is if your cruise does not require one. Your link has been automatically embedded. So, why list them.? It allows U.S. citizens to go on closed-loop cruises without needing a valid passport. Powered by Invision Community. On a closed-loop cruise, adults do not necessarily need a passport but you will need proof of identity in the form of a valid government-issued photo ID card AND proof of citizenship . closed loop If you arent a Lawful Permanent Resident or a U.S. citizen, you must provide appropriate documentation to prove your citizenship, including a passport. It is recommended that passports are taken with you on the cruise as you may need them at a foreign port of call. We DO NOT require passports for The Bahamas if flying from Canada. State-issued enhanced drivers licenses (EDLs) provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship, are issued in a secure process, and include technology that makes travel easier. For these cruises, you do not need a passport for re-entry into the United States. Typically, closed-loop cruises may leave from Miami, Florida, and travel to Bermuda before returning to the same port in Miami. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a If you look at Roysls site it says recommends and not requires. Do you need a passport for a cruise? | Royal Caribbean Blog You can always call them to provide specifics. WHTI does not affect U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, who are still required to present their permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status. According to PA's website, that means that I got the Real ID license. You should check the passport requirements for any port you are visiting, as sometimes there can be a port that requires a passport to visit even if you do not need a passport to return to the United States. Many first timer cruisers want to know if you need a passport to take a cruise, and the answer depends on a few factors. 5 things people that cruise a lot would tell first time cruisers if they could, Fly out of the United States to meet a ship at the next available port should they miss the scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port. The cruise ship takes care of the immigration process for passengers arriving in a foreign port. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. To qualify as a round-trip cruise departing from the U.S., the cruise ship needs to meet a specific criterion. However, I strongly recommend that all adults 16 and over have a passport. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Therefore, always make sure to know whether you need your passport or not before going on your cruise. I have had two Real ID licenses from two different states.I moved. From Caribbean destinations to closed-loop travel, here are the spots Americans can go without a passport. Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. Certain destinations, such as China and Russia, may require visas for arrival into the country by air or independent exploration ashore. International sailings (cruises that begin outside the United States), U.S. citizens require a valid Passport and the corresponding visa required for entry and exit from the country. It also includes: Passports can be used as your form of identification but the fact that they arent mandatory is why closed-loop cruises are popular. I've been to them all. New applicants can expect to spend $130 for a passport book, plus a $35 acceptance fee. Most closed loop cruises from the US do not visit any countries that require a passport, much less 6 month post travel validity, or is waived for cruise passengers. The good news was they were able to fly out the next day, but lost their Business Class seats that they had originally booked. Did you go to KoP? WebAcceptable proof of citizenship includes an original or certified copy of a government issued birth certificate (raised seal and signature) and a laminated government It also states that "some cruise lines" may have a 6 month requirement. For instance, if you board a cruise ship at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and after visiting at least one foreign port of call, such as Bermuda, or Cancun, and return to Fort Lauderdale, you have taken a closed loop cruise. TheWestern Hemisphere Travel Initiative(WHTI) requires you to travel with a valid passport (including infants). Additionally, there must be a destination to a foreign location to qualify as a closed-loop cruise. It's not. If you aren't on a close loop cruise, you have to have a passport and RCCL requires, by policy, that it must expire at least 6 months after you return to the U.S. So my question I'm not right 100% of the time and I've proved it. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Also, it is advisable to always travel with some form of identification. PASSPORT WebPassports are not required for closed loop cruises because you are leaving and entering from the same U.S. port, without really spending any time abroad. I found what I was looking for. Also required is the original copy of your Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are able to enter the United States with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx, pastel-colored British colonial architecture, Things to Do in Los Angeles: Before or After Your Cruise. WebHeres an example of a closed-loop cruise itinerary that starts and ends in a United States Cruise Port: A 4-night cruise departs from the Port of Miami in Florida. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end New In these cases, you might need to go ashore in a country which requires a passport and/or you would need a U.S passport book to fly home. Looking for more tips about passports? What if the ship diverts somewhere and everyone has to fly home? That's not the purpose of my post. I did that with the page that is linked to. If you leave on a cruise If you are traveling to the Bahamas on a closed-loop cruise, which is a cruise that starts and ends at the same U.S. port, you may travel with a state-issued ID and an original U.S. birth certificate. That works yet supposedly a valid passport has to not expire within the next six months?. 4. Have the right foreign visas for all stops on your cruise, if required, even if you do not plan to disembark in those locations. As Britains oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. Keep in mind that these requirements are for U.S. citizens only. Im hoping someone has traveled to these ports without a passport and can comment with their outcome. Needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ships departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons. You are assuming that what is written in their FAQ's is policy. The general wisdomfor US Citizens is an original raised seal birth certificate and government issued ID is adequate. BTW, there is no 6 month requirement given by the U.S. Government. But, the title of this thread includes and is limited to "Close Loop" cruises. Even though youll be sailing on a no-passport-required cruise, youre still required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification: Proof of Citizenship AND Government-issued photo ID. God forbid something should happen to you in the Bahamas and you cant get back on board of the ship you will need your passport to get off the island. If you choose not to bring your passport and take advantage of the benefits of a closed-loop cruise, there are some things that you need to be aware of. Recommended Reading: Cheapest Way To Cruise Alaska. Are you looking to cruise without a passport? Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. If you are cruising to the Bahamas from the U.S., the following documents are acceptable: passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card , or an enhanced drivers license. Cruise How many formal nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Corporate legalese v boots on the ground, real life, local best practices. booking a cruise visiting Complete Guide to Closed-Loop Cruises (and Open Jaw But some like to see all that is published on cruise line websites in black and white. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. The birth certificate contains details about you that could be used to steal your identity more readily than the passport. Passport Requirements Waited too long to get a passport? Travel delays or quarantines due to COVID-19 may result in unanticipated expenses for travelers. Upload or insert images from URL. Here are some examples: Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. For an easy round trip, you can begin and end in a number of U.S. cities including New York City, Galveston, Mobile, New Orleans and Tampa. My license has the gold star on it. 2023 www.jsonline.com. But it doesn't say that a passport with less than 6 months remaining will also be accepted does it? Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. Customs and Border Protection saysU.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises can enter or depart a country on the cruise with proof of citizenship, but some destination countries "may require" a passport. Remember that travel plans change and you may need to fly out of the United States to meet your ship at the next available port if you miss the scheduled embarkation. U.S. citizens who travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19. Maybe youve never had the time, money or desire to travel abroad previously, or perhaps your old passport has expired. The supervisors know what will and won't be accepted by CBP. Cruise lines with Canada and New England closed-loop sailings include Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, Holland America and small-ship operator American Cruise Lines. It is what it is. Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you arent flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S. Medications that are legally prescribed in the United States are not always legal abroad. Travelers who do not have a passport can apply for a NEXUS cardbut will be able to use it at land or marine crossings only, not airports. You cannot paste images directly. If you use a "Passport" it must meet the minimum requirements. You just get to come and go as you please. Believe me, this isn't the first time I've had this discussion on the very subject and it's been in a few cruise social media sites going back for more than a couple of years. Can I use a NYS EDL for a closed loop cruise? : Convenience is the main reason that people take closed-loop cruises. Routine wait times for a passport are anywhere from 10 to 13 weeks, according to the State Department. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. Are There any Cruise Requirements for Passports? | Royal . Do you tell him that the Contract "Recommends" A, but his retorts that the policy dictates "B"? Consider storing your travel documents and othervaluables in a secure spot, such as a room or ships safe. Is it on Majesty of the Seas? I don't know. Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states. Children under 19 can use these same documents only if they are traveling with a school, church group, sports team, or other organization with adult supervision. In case of emergency, or if you need to return by air, you must provide a passport to board. All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid passports and US visas. I hope the takeaway from all this is that its never too early to get your childs first passport. A passport is required for all international flights and for any cruise that embarks or disembarks in a foreign country. Also airports and cruise terminals are accustomed to processing a passport. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. A government photo I.D. You need a birth Certificate with a raised seal and a valid govt ID or license.
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