Secure .gov websites use HTTPS before it expires. As luck would have it, youve suddenly got a few open days in your schedule and a yearning to travel somewhere exotic. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz. Check with the destination countrys embassy or consulate about local laws regarding your prescribed medicines. and birth certificate is sufficient, however it says to check with each specific port. It is for travelers who are not going to leave the country by airplane, and plan to only leave the United States via land or sea. I think we all know that RCCL's, et al, have a hard time keeping up with their own hands. It provides simpler logistics for a cruise line by using the same port. Look no further: Youve decided you want a vacation, but theres a problem youre a U.S. citizen and you dont have a passport. U.S. citizens who choose to travel internationally should be aware that they may face unexpected challenges related to COVID-19 as they attempt to return to the United States. Maybe youve never had the time, money or desire to travel abroad previously, or perhaps your old passport has expired. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Apart from that, you should keep it secure in your cabin safe. Cruise Requirements for Passports What Is a Closed Loop Cruise? It also states that "some cruise lines" may have a 6 month requirement. A supervisor might accept a photo work ID, a picture of an old DL, even a Costco card with the passengers photo has been accepted. Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary byshipand destination. Convenience. So my question is: does Cozumel, Grand Cayman, or Jamaica require a passport even if Im on a closed loop cruise? This keeps popping up every now and then. 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 birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Come to find out once we got to the end someone in the group behind us slipped on the trail and went over the side of the trail and fell about 30 feet. But, if you aren't using a Birth Certificate and DL, your Passport must meet their minimum requirements. 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. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents are likely to be delayed at the border as CBP officers work to verify identity and citizenship. 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. 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. Further, passports are also required for cruises that begin and end in different locations . 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. Passport Not Required. Do you need a passport for a cruise? | Royal Caribbean Blog Keep in mind that that is all I'm trying to get across. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Powered by Invision Community. For U.S. citizens, passports are not required for all cruises. All rights reserved. Still need a passport to enter the US. Because as far as the State Department is concerned, adults are anyone 16 and up. A closed-loop cruise is a sort of loop-hole in the passport requirement for a cruise. RCCL lists Columbia as one of them. If you miss your ship at a port, you will need to find a way to catch up to the cruise or return home. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. For a cruise ship to qualify for a closed-loop status, it must start and end in the United States. In general, Caribbean islands only require photo ID from a U.S. citizen. Does the contract say how many bottles of wine you can bring aboard? Wanna Feel Good About The World? Pasted as rich text. With the booking confirmation every passenger is being given the information required by the cruise line. This will be challenging if you dont have your passport. Read Also: Royal Caribbean Cruises To Hawaii. Proof of identification, such as a drivers license or official picture ID. This includes being ready to cover additional lodging costs, flight ticket change fees, and any other additional expenses they may incur due to the unexpected extension. 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. To get ready for the application, use Passport Photo Onlineyoull be able to get perfect pictures for your children without leaving home. 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. Passport Do you know about when you'd like to sail? 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. If you read further down it mentions some cruises only require a birth certificate and photo ID. Documents - Do I need a passport for a cruise? - U.S. Passports do have an additional cost to them (especially for children), but we feel the advantages of having a passport far outweigh the cost and work required to get one. Once again, forgive me for providing a good deed (and you know what they say about good deeds), again. For these cruises, you do not need a passport for re-entry into the United States. Learn more about U.S. citizens passport validation cruise requirements. Even for non us citizens it is not required. Thanks for the help! I am only posting RCCL's written policy. Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. WebRoyal Caribbean International - Identification Document What is a post-cruise address? For U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), you must have your photo ID plus your Permanent Resident Card (I-551/Green Card). You unexpectedly need to depart the ship from a foreign port prior to the end of sailing, a passport would be required to leave or re-enter the U.S. by air. You might be wondering if you should get the passport card vs book. The cruise ship will have procedures in place for handling a crime onboard. Traveling past that date for over 30 days is not permitted. Dont Miss: Cruise To Key West From Tampa. Upload or insert images from URL. Are Passports Required for These Cruises? For U.S. citizens, you can enjoy traveling without a passport requirement. Cruises that dont begin and end in the same port are not considered closed-loop cruises. 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 notneeda passport. Ensure shore excursions and purchases comply withU.S. regulations. Im hoping someone has traveled to these ports without a passport and can comment with their outcome. What if I get hurt on excursion? This is taken directly off of Royal Caribbean's invoice for a cruise that was booked today. An original copy of your government-issued birth certificate or naturalization certificate and a government-issued photo ID, 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. It's interesting how different states handle it differently. citizens must ensure that their passport is valid for at least 6 months after their cruise. 1. Whatever the reason, you still have choices. Below, weve compiled a list of seven places to visit without a passport, from scenic Alaska to the beachy Caribbean. Passport Ensure cabin safety and make sure thedoor and balcony are properly lockedat all times. If under 16, a U.S. citizen can present their birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or consular birth report abroad. Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that dont require passports. If you use a "Passport" it must meet the minimum requirements. In this case, you would need a U.S. passport to fly home upon clearance from your doctor. Embarking and deparking from Galveston, Texas. 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 government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government issued driver's This is often the case for Mediterranean cruises that visit, but dont embark or debark in, Egypt. Lawful permanent residents must continue to present a valid Permanent Resident Card. For U.S. citizens, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D. I made an error. This includes payment for hotels, restaurants, taxis, souvenir shops, etc. By And I don't think I'm wrong here. 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. Ships cannot depart Fort Lauderdale and return to Miami, even though both ports are in Florida. BTW, I just looked at my so-called "Invoices" and they aren't even that, it's a "Booking Confirmation". 4. Go on a Cruise. 2. One option is to take a closed-loop cruise -- a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port. Keep in mind that these requirements are for U.S. citizens only. So, I'm not interested in playing word games (Acceptable). Waited too long to get a passport? The birth certificate contains details about you that could be used to steal your identity more readily than the passport. 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? It's interesting how different states handle it differently. That should make you think instead of having a one track mind on this subject. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection indicates that citizens can enter the U.S. using a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate. 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. Passport Laws for Caribbean Cruises | USA Today I would think what is written on the invoice would trump what it says on the website. U.S. citizens traveling on closed-loop cruises to either Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean can travel with the following documentation: First, how old is the child in question? 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. Dont Miss: Royal Caribbean New Years Cruise. Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. We discuss what is a closed-loop cruise and why they are so popular. And for the last time, I am not going to discuss/debate what Joe or Mary got away with. https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx, pastel-colored British colonial architecture, Things to Do in Los Angeles: Before or After Your Cruise. Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship. Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's Travel Documentation page for specifics. U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. What is a closed loop cruise can simply be phrased as any cruise ship debarking from and returning to the same point. For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents. Royal Caribbean Cruise Without Passport Your cruise We will be traveling with Royal Caribbean in May. Leave one copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry one separately from your actual documents. If your children dont yet have passports, the time has come to pay the fees, fill out the forms, and get their pictures taken. But, that doesn't have anything to do with RCCL's policy which is stand-alone. Passports are required for all cruise travel to all other International destinations. We advise checking with a travel agent, the U.S. Department of State website, or a cruise line representative before embarkation. Is a contract a policy? Non-U.S. Citizens will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. 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. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. By What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)? It can be costly and embarrassing. First time cruiser and Im stressing about required travel documentation. Royal Caribbean emphasizes that Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth are not acceptable. I did that with the page that is linked to. On my browser it has a "find" feature. We always recommend carrying a passport book or a passport card while vacationing on a cruise. When you get off and on the ship in ports of call, youll just need to have your ID and your cabin keycard. If you leave on a cruise 1. The card is ok to fly within the US as a Real ID. However, I strongly recommend that all adults 16 and over have a passport. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Canadian citizens travelling by air to the United States must present one of the following documents: This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, including children, travelling by air to or even just transiting through the United States. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. The, 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, a. issued by U.S. There are many perks for passengers and cruise lines that offer closed-loop cruises. Closed-loop cruises start and finish at the same United States port. 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. If you're concerned about the cost of the passport, see if the places you're travelling to accept the passport card instead of the book. Plenty of cruisers make these sailings without a passport and without any trouble using just their driving license and birth certificate. Official websites use .gov A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port is considered a closed loop. 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. February 16, 2019 in Royal Caribbean Discussion. Routine wait times are 10 to 13 weeks, and that doesnt include mailing times, according to the State Department. Closed Loop Cruise If they did not have the appropriate paperwork with them it would have been more of a pain than if they did. A local's beach guide to Puerto Rico:Which beaches to visit, what to know in San Juan, Culebra and more. The left has no idea what the right is doing. We are cruising to Cozumel, George Town (Grand Cayman), and Falmouth, Jamaica in April 2019 aboard Liberty of the Seas. You are right, I do look at policies/procedures/laws/rules in black and white until something else comes along to gray it up a little with facts. If you need to obtain a passport quickly, please contact VisaCentral at 844-834-5702 and reference account 75006 for discounted VisaCentral service fees. Children under 16 can also travel to the Bahamas on a cruise with an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. Consider a cruise. Consular Information Frequently Asked Questions, Insurance Providers for Overseas Coverage, Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia Travel Options Out of Russia, FIFA Womens World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Cruises that depart from and then return to the same U.S. port and visit only Canada, Mexico, and/or the islands of the Caribbean are called closed-loop cruises. As Britains oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. If any of you came to me with a valid US passport that was still valid by the end of your closed loop cruise I would embark you. 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. By While we do recommend having a passport just in case, these are the top cruise destinations you can visit without one. 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. Spend a day soaking up history in Boston, Massachusetts, and tour the Charles River aboard an amphibious duck vehicle. Most cruises beginning and ending in the same location are considered "closed-loop," meaning they begin and end at the same port in the United States and travel within the Western Hemisphere. 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 was requred to be mailed to my street address as that was part of verifying residence for Real ID in those states. We flew and sailed last month and my wife's passport expires in 5 months. You must remain on the ship if you dont have your passport. You cant cruise just anywhere on a closed-loop sailing, but the choices are more interesting than you might expect. This case is closed unless something comes up to add material discussion. I totally and completely disagree. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. Looking for more tips about passports? 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. Ive read several posts on different sites stating the call centers for cruise lines are not very educated and give wrong information, so in all honesty I would trust someone who has actually traveled to these ports vs. calling and talking to a rep. You won't need your passport at these ports. A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. 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. The last 3 have nothing to do with this. Passport card. Mexican citizens, including children, are required to present a passport with visa, or a Border Crossing Card. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 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. I'm not Joe or Mary but an actual person here on CC, so please read my comment above. I have zero memory these days for details like this. Passport Requirements for Royal Caribbean Cruises. Depart from the Californian cities of San Francisco, San Diego or Long Beach for a quick but memorable cruise to the Baja Peninsula in northern Mexico. Join. Caribbean, Alaskan, and Mexican cruises are extremely popular. What their procedures are in case ofemergency. What if I dont have the required documents when I travel to or return to the United States? Many countries outside of North America do require a passport and visas are even required where they apply. I haven't seen the word "recommended" in the policy! Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. New 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. Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment. I just looked and they have changed the language in their policy from what it was in January. 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. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. 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. It is recommended that passports are taken with you on the cruise as you may need them at a foreign port of call. . Not all cruises have the same passport requirements. The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. The Bahamas. Whether RCI will let you board with whatever documants depends on the itinerary. If you need a passport, and you don t have one to show, you will not be allowed to board. Okay, so be it. "If you are a U.S. citizen a passport is not required, but it still serves as the best identification when traveling,"the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's website says. 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 has already been taken care of, including stops at foreign locations. Bring enough cash to cover your stay. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. Do Kids Need a Passport to Go 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. For closed loop cruises, generally speaking it states a valid I.D. Different ports will have different requirements. Additionally, there must be a destination to a foreign location to qualify as a closed-loop cruise. I actually had a relative be denied at the airline ticket counter because their passport had less than 6 months left on it (they were trying to fly to England at Christmas). Dont let your lack of a passport stop you. Sure, policies are ignored, or whatever, but am I going to bet thousands of dollars on it? If the supervisor is confident that everything about what is being presented in this situation, then they will accept it. Luckily, not all destinations require U.S. tourists to carry the document. Its the passengers responsibility to check with the appropriate government agencies and their cruise line to determine what documentation is required. I will likely want to cruise again. Talk to the security personnel on board if you are thevictim of acrime. Complete Guide to Closed-Loop Cruises (and Open Jaw 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. Your link has been automatically embedded. It almost comes to a "what if" scenario at times but lets just say that "what if" is what the wife and I specialize in at our jobs so we always try to prepare for the worst case scenario. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Theyprovide travelers with a low-cost, convenient alternative for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. What types ofmedical servicesyour ship can provide, such as basic or urgent care, hospitalization, dialysis, etc.