What Is the Documentation Required for a Non-U.S. Citizen? Mechanical Issue Forces Disney Ship to Skip Port, Adjust Itinerary, First Cruise Ship Arrives for Busy Montreal Season, Another Overbooked Oasis-Class Royal Caribbean Ship, Many options since they are the most popular type of cruise, Park close to the port and retrieve your vehicle at the same location, No advantage if you are not a U.S. citizen since youll need a passport to get to the port, U.S. Social Security Cards and Voter Registration cannot be used as a form of citizenship. For additional passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov. It was an amazing adventure, on the forrest portion we were climbing up a trail and all of a sudden we heard some screaming coming from the group about a tenth of a mile behind us. Always bring your passportin case of an emergency, such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port in an emergency, even if your cruise says you wont need it. Make colorcopiesof your passport photo page, foreign visas, and itinerary. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. A passport is not required. The card is ok to fly within the US as a Real ID. I'm not right 100% of the time and I've proved it. So if you're sailing it will get you onto a closed loop cruise but if you are outside the US, even if in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, you can't use it fly back to the US. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. . Although there are some situations where passports are not strictly necessary, it is better to be safe than sorry. If youre trying to fly to an international cruise port without a passport, you wont get past airline check-in. Canadian and U.S. children under 16 must only present birth certificates (notarized, original, or certified copy), Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, Certificates of Naturalization, or proof of citizenship. It says accepted. Passport cards cannot be used on cruises from international homeports. It was alot of fun! Pasted as rich text. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop cruise. If you need to obtain a passport quickly, please contact VisaCentral at 844-834-5702 and reference account 75006 for discounted VisaCentral service fees. Check before leaving. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Birth certificate may be enough for the ship but will not help you in another country and will add a frustration to an already frustrating situation. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory and popular Caribbean destination, is about as easy to fly to as any state if you have a state-issued ID. If youve heard about an international cruise where a passport isnt required, thats most likely a closed-loop A closed-loop cruise is one that starts and finishes at the same U.S. port and only sails to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or the Bahamas.1. The Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) allows you to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The good news was they were able to fly out the next day, but lost their Business Class seats that they had originally booked. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. These types of cruises are becoming more common with cruise lines. There are many perks for passengers and cruise lines that offer closed-loop cruises. Children may need just a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, but not a passport or photo ID. ", Small island, big opportunities:This idyllic Caribbean hideaway isn't just for the rich and famous. Closed-loop cruises start and finish at the same United States port. If you miss your ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet your ship. Here are some examples: Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. 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. In Alaska, also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, you can see spectacular, icy glaciers by boat or seaplane, watch for whales and try your hand at dog sledding. Dont take chances that might ruin the vacation of a lifetime. It does not say required. Birth certificate + government-issued photo ID*. 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.". Ensure cabin safety and make sure thedoor and balcony are properly lockedat all times. 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. You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. So, why list them.? No. 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. Do we need a passport or will a certified birth certificate and photo id work. Are you looking to cruise without a passport? 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. No kidding. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Citizens of the United States dont require passports on closed-loop cruises departing from American ports. What if I get hurt on excursion? What their procedures are in case ofemergency. While the passport card may protect you against certain scenarios and is superior to not having a passport at all, getting a passport book not only provides more coverage (such as flying internationally), but it allows you to travel beyond simply cruises. Powered by Invision Community. For closed-loop cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide: Starting and ending in Seattle or San Francisco, an Alaskan cruise takes you to charming waterfront cities and villages like Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. If you show up at the terminal with only 5 months left on your passport and you just happen to get one of those by-the-book guys who's been very well trained and he tells you that your passport, by policy, isn't acceptable, what's your argument? Most people are not very careful so they should send their renewal in a year. We are cruising to Cozumel, George Town (Grand Cayman), and Falmouth, Jamaica in April 2019 aboard Liberty of the Seas. If youre looking for cruises that dont require a passport, take a round trip sail to Bermuda from New York City, Baltimore, Charleston or one of two Florida ports of call. The important thing here not having a photo ID is so rare that the supervisors have some leeway to try to make what the unfortunate passenger has, work. 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. Royal Caribbean Cruises Passport Requirements for Cruises I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. They can end one voyage and begin boarding the next a few hours later. What Is a Closed Loop Cruise? A closed loop cruise is a cruise that begins and ends in the same U.S. port. It is discussed somewhere in the government's websites and it just states that some countries require 3 or 6 months. For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D. Anl emergency could force you to end the cruise in a foreign port of call, and a passport will make getting home much easier. Cruise Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. 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. Its best to check the specific entry requirements for each foreign port youll be visiting before leaving your passport at home. Some countries do require 6 months so they are covering themselves. before it expires. This will be our first cruise, Your cruise carrier website should list all the required documentation. If the supervisor is confident that everything about what is being presented in this situation, then they will accept it. you board a cruise ship in San Diego, California, sail through the Panama Canal (stopping at a foreign port during the cruise), and end the cruise in Miami, Florida, you have not taken a closed loop cruise. We've already, Have you ever thought you wish you knew then what you know now? Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. We discuss what is a closed-loop cruise and why they are so popular. You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. In terms of the "absolute requirements" not the "its convenient" stuff, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/cruise-ship-passengers.html, https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/united-states-citizen-travel-documentation. One couple had planned a closed-loop cruise from Baltimore, and they mistakenly believed they only needed their drivers licenses to board. By Travel delays or quarantines due to COVID-19 may result in unanticipated expenses for travelers. An 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, aConsular Report of Birth Abroadissues byDepartment of State,(DOS) and/orCertificate of Naturalizationissued by U.S. Medications that are legally prescribed in the United States are not always legal abroad. Regardless of what the minimum requirements are for travel, we highly recommend everyone get a passport. closed loop Simply put, having a passport makes traveling significantly easier and simpler. Dont Miss: Princess Cruise And Flight Packages. This is important to know before boarding. If you are flying internationally you still need a passport. This is the most popular summer travel destination:According to Google Flights, Unlimited cruises:Margaritaville at Sea launches Ultimate Paradise Pass. New Staff at the cruise terminal will check your travel documents before they assign you a key card and send you up the gangway to the ship. I'm only showing what RCCL's policy is. If they did not have the appropriate paperwork with them it would have been more of a pain than if they did. With soft-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and pastel-colored British colonial architecture, the Bahamian capital of Nassau makes a popular port of call for cruisers. If you look at Roysls site it says recommends and not requires. WebAcceptable proof of citizenship includes an original or certified copy of a government issued birth certificate (raised seal and signature) and a laminated government And I'm talking about RCCL's policy, not any other company unless it is RCCL, or country. I don't know. 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? 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. Like what you see? That does not mean it is required on every cruise. I dont have to worry about damaging the birth certificate which is only as durable as the paper its printed on. Passport Requirements for Royal Caribbean Cruises. Corporate legalese v boots on the ground, real life, local best practices. We are required to take them off in Cuba but that is the only one for us so far. Located just southeast of Miami in the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas offers an ideal island getaway. Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. At the time I was looking it definitely stated recommended as we knew that my wife's passport expired. American citizens do, however, need: Keep in mind that, while you may not need a passport to embark on a closed-loop cruise and return home, you might need it to enter certain countries along the way. Passport Passports for Closed Loop Cruise It is our preference to carry them anytime we are outside of USA, just in case. The concern without having a passport is if an emergency occurs, only an official passport will allow you to easily and quickly fly from a foreign port to another port and/or back home. Experience lighthouses, lobster bakes and craggy sea cliffs in Portland, Maine, and enjoy a trip to Saint John, a beautiful city on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. A stop in the charming fishing village of Halifax, Nova Scotia offers beautiful gardens, more delicious seafood and double-decker bus tours. Click Share This Page button to display social media links. 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. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. United States maritime law states that non-U.S. flagged ships must make at least one stop at a foreign port. Also, your cruise company may require you to have a passport, even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not. Why? As Britains oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. Passports for Canadian Citizens travelling to the US only need to be valid for the length of their stay. It has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. The goal is to strengthen border security while facilitating entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers, making the process more efficient and convenient. Below, weve compiled a list of seven places to visit without a passport, from scenic Alaska to the beachy Caribbean. I have had two Real ID licenses from two different states.I moved. Do I need a passport to travel? Not for these destinations. 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. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. I don't think so. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Drivers License, or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST). Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Again, keep in mind, we are talking about close loop cruises, I can tell you that Cuba is one of them too. Passport Requirements 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. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise -- a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. New applicants can expect to spend $130 for a passport book, plus a $35 acceptance fee. 5. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. We would need something to convince us that the person standing in front of us is truly who they say (and their BC) says they are. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Thanks for your response, but I already knew all this. Youll be glad you did. So, for instance, all of those round-trip cruises out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are closed-loop cruises. Pink-sand beaches, beautiful blue waters and colorful coral reefs deliver the perfect recipe for sunning, swimming, sailing and snorkeling. 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. 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. We checked with a few lines for you. If you use a "Passport" it must meet the minimum requirements. *A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID. If you are lucky the person who is inspecting your passport at embarkation will not pay attention to the expiration date, lately they are more concerned with the COVID cards. What is a closed loop cruise can simply be phrased as any cruise ship debarking from and returning to the same point. What about an Canadian? Yes, some countries do not allow you in their country with less than 6 months remaining, some are just 3 on your passport. But, the policy is the policy. The only way youll board a ship without a passport is if your cruise does not require one. Talk to the security personnel on board if you are thevictim of acrime. If not, just leave blank, How to make the most of your time on a Royal Caribbean cruise, First time cruisers: comparing Royal Caribbean's Oasis class to Voyager class. The birth certificate contains details about you that could be used to steal your identity more readily than the passport. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Boarding closed loop tomorrow with ID+birth certificate, but lost ID today! An example would be one that starts in Florida and ends in the Bahamas. 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. It also states that "some cruise lines" may have a 6 month requirement. 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. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status. Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. 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. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Closed-loop cruises make financial sense for cruise lines as well as passengers. I always advise people to call the cruise line and confirm documentation with them. Here are some popular destinations you can visit without a passport. Passport card. Additionally,the State Departmentsaystravelers under 16 do not need a passport to enter Canada; they need only proof of U.S. citizenship. No where in the new contract is there any language about passports. 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. So my question is: does Cozumel, Grand Cayman, or Jamaica require a passport even if Im on a closed loop cruise? Upload or insert images from URL. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Whatever the reason, you still have choices. Did you go to KoP? WebMexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Documents - Do I need a passport for a cruise? - U.S. BTW, I just looked at my so-called "Invoices" and they aren't even that, it's a "Booking Confirmation". 1. If you can cruise with a birth certificate they are not going to turn away a valid passport on those itineraries. Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. If youre looking for a different kind of cruise, explore parts of New England and Canada with New York City as an exciting starting and ending point. Not having a passport means you will need to travel to a U.S. embassy or consulate in a foreign country to apply for a temporary visa to re-enter the country. This rule states that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. U.S. citizens who travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19. To get ready for the application, use Passport Photo Onlineyoull be able to get perfect pictures for your children without leaving home. You never can plan an illness or an injury and never know when you may need the appropriate documentation. WebRoyal Caribbean International - Identification Document What is a post-cruise address? You will enjoy it. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest. Okay, the horse is dead enough, again. Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's Travel Documentation page for specifics. If you are a U.S. citizen and cruising out of the United States (meaning your cruise begins and ends in the United States), then you do not need a passport. Thanks for the help! If thats not useful try. However I find a definite answer whether or not passports are required. You need a birth Certificate with a raised seal and a valid govt ID or license. So for the purposes of this article, a child is someone no older than 15 . 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 A NEXUS application processing fee costs $50 for a five-year membership, and children under 18 can apply with no fee. The birth certificate must be the original or a certified copy with the raised seal. "In those instances, the cruise lines would require passengers to have a valid passport to board even if it is not a U.S. requirement,"the agency's website reads. The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. Western Caribbean locales in Mexico like Yucatn and Cozumel deliver exciting attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to flamingo lagoons, and activities like swimming with dolphins, dune buggy rides, sailing, snorkeling, diving and zip lining. 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. 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. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.