Caribbean Passport Requirements

Table Of Content

• Royal Caribbean Cruises Passport Requirements for Cruises
• How Much Does a Passport Cost? What Does the Passport Card Cost?
• Caribbean Passport Requirements
• What about the passport card?
• New England and Canada
• More Royal Caribbean

In other words, new passport cards cost less than half of a new passport book. When it comes time to renew, cards cost $30 as opposed to $130 for passport books. Department of State for the most recent passport book and card costs. Passports are required for cruise travel to all International destinations not mentioned above, and for cruises that involve air travel that begins or ends outside of the U.S. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the last day of travel. On my first few cruises to the Caribbean I did not need a passport.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Passport Requirements for Cruises

Sea travelers should also check with their cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements. While international travel flexibility and cost are both important differences between a passport book and card, there are similarities. Either type of passport can be used on closed-loop sailings that call at foreign ports but depart and return to the U.S. Without either document, you’d need to provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and proof of identification (such as a driver's license). Regardless of your chosen cruise line, the key to a smooth and hassle-free voyage lies in understanding and compliance with the travel document requirements and U.S. passport policies of your chosen cruise line.

How Much Does a Passport Cost? What Does the Passport Card Cost?

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. For more information, check out the links to visitor-submitted questions below. Matt started Royal Caribbean Blog in 2010 as a place to share his passion for all things Royal Caribbean with readers. He oversees all the writers at Royal Caribbean Blog, and writes a great deal of content on a daily basis. He has become one of the foremost expert on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Their Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises, in particular, are renowned for their luxury.

Caribbean Passport Requirements

If you are visiting Cuba on a cruise, then a passport IS required for that cruise. You will also need to have a passport size photo taken and pay the required fees. While this type of passport can be issued within as little as a day, it could take up to a week to receive it.

What about the passport card?

I simply had a state issued photo ID (driver’s license) and a notarized copy of my birth certificate and I was allowed to go on a closed-loop cruise. Right now (December 2017) that is all you need to go on a closed-loop cruise, but almost every cruise line from Royal Caribbean to Carnival recommends you have a passport. This will make the processing time quicker and easier and if the rules ever do change again and you need to have a passport you will be all set. Traveling to the Caribbean on a cruise ship can be the perfect getaway, but along with any trip comes a few inconveniences along the way. One of the most common questions is whether or not you need a passport to go to the Caribbean.

List of Passports for Cruises FAQ

Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment. Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. 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. In the Eastern Caribbean, find dream destinations like Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos archipelago.

Passports are not required for U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from Hawaii or a U.S. territory, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It’s important to get all of your documents in order well in advance of your cruise. If you are going to be doing some air travel outside of the US, make sure that you have a passport or a WHTI-compliant document on hand. In the event of air travel, you will always need a passport or WHTI-compliant document. While a U.S. passport is not mandatory for sea travel, it is recommended since it is a more readily recognized form of positive proof of citizenship.

New England and Canada

So, if you have the option, pack your passport and enjoy your cruise. While the answer is no in many cases, it's a good idea to bring it along, just in case. While not related to an ID, it's also a good idea to consider purchasing travel or cruise-specific insurance before departing. However, it doesn't hurt to apply for one if you don't have one yet and have the time and funds. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research.

Events can occur during your cruise that prevent you from returning to the U.S. on your cruise ship. If your cruise is not closed-loop and you board, for example, in San Diego for a one-way Panama Canal cruise to Ft. Impact on your credit may vary, as credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

Also, if travelers need to fly to or from the U.S. unexpectedly during their cruise, they may face significant delays and complications without a valid passport book. If you find yourself without a passport but in need of one, you would need to contact and locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and request an emergency limited validity passport in order to fly home. The process requires explaining your urgent situation, completing an application, and showing your travel documents, photo identification and proof of citizenship. Be aware that requirements on closed-loop cruises can still change in certain countries, so be sure to check the entry requirements of the specific cruise ports on your itinerary. Some Caribbean nations still require passports or passport cards, like Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Photocopies of required documentation are not acceptable in any circumstance. If you're planning a cruise and have questions about where you can travel without a passport, here's everything you need to know before you go. Carnival Cruise Line, often hailed as “America’s Cruise Line,” is a leading figure in the world of cruising. Established in 1972, it has since evolved into the most favored cruise line globally.

Cruise lines recommend that every passenger have a passport when traveling, even on closed-loop cruises when one isn't strictly necessary. It's the best way to prove your identification and citizenship and is an essential item if you unexpectedly get stranded abroad. It's also less cumbersome than carrying the required documents and papers with you wherever you go. You might be wondering if you should get the passport card vs book. The passport card is an option the United States government provides that is a lower cost alternative to the passport book. 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.

Please note that these requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information on the Norwegian Cruise Line’s website before your trip. The need for a passport during cruise travel is primarily determined by the nature of the cruise— specifically, whether it’s a closed-loop or open-loop cruise. If you're headed to one or more Caribbean countries on the list below on a closed-loop cruise, you aren't required to have a passport as a U.S. citizen. Caribbean cruises to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico are a safe bet for those who don’t have a passport.

When a valid U.S. passport book is required, the validity of the passport book is recommended with either 3 months or 6 months (most common) of validity remaining beyond the last day of the cruise. If you have a medical emergency and you’re not traveling with a U.S. passport, you must contact the local U.S. The same applies if your ship has mechanical failure and you’re stuck in a foreign country.

Sailing away on a cruise is one of the most exciting and enjoyable vacations you can take. But before you head off to those blissful waters, there are some important passport requirements that every traveler must consider. The one exception to closed-loop cruises is if one of your port stops is in Cuba.

Guide to Cruise Passport Policies for U S. Travelers

Table Of Content

• Visas
• List of Passports for Cruises FAQ
• Best Things to Do in Rome in Only One Day
• Alaska

In Amber Cove, you can tour the Dominican outback, soak up the sun on Coconut Cove Beach, or ride the Waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua. On Grand Turk, enjoy swimming with stingrays, riding horses along the coast, or touring the island by ATV. Know that passport requirement for a cruise are largely the same as traveling on your own, with some key differences. By and large, if you can legally travel to Canada and Mexico by plane, you can do so on a cruise.

Visas

Otherwise, you must present and carry a notarized minor travel consent form that has been signed by the minor’s parents or legal guardians. Cruise line policies vary, but generally, children (under 18 years old) must be accompanied by an approved adult (21 years or older) within the same travel group. To verify age requirements and rules for minors, check the age policies of the cruise line you are traveling with.

List of Passports for Cruises FAQ

Let’s get into the details of the different types of cruises and the general travel requirements to help you better understand the travel documents you will need for your voyage. If you’re embarking on a closed-loop cruise, which starts and ends at the same U.S. port, U.S. citizens might not need a passport. However, for cruises that begin or end in foreign ports, a passport is typically required. We’ll also spotlight the most sought-after cruise lines among American travelers, delving into what sets each one apart, their distinctive offerings, and the travel documents you’ll need for a hassle-free voyage.

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A passport is not just a dependable means of identification, but it’s also crucial in case guests need to unexpectedly travel by air to or from the U.S. during their cruise. The absence of a passport could lead to significant issues and delays. Passport books should be valid for at least 3 months or 6 months after the end of the cruise, depending on the destination countries’ requirements. Disney Cruise Lines also suggests travelers carry a second government-issued photo ID while in port. Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all Americans traveling by air to the Caribbean, Mexico and Bermudaare required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

For example, a passenger missing a cruise departure due to a late inbound flight to Miami would need a passport to fly to meet the ship at the next port. U.S. citizens under 16 are exempt from the passport requirement for land and sea border crossings. Instead of a passport, children can use an original or certified copy of a U.S. state-issued birth certificate. However, when minors are traveling with only one adult, Holland America requires all passengers to have a valid passport book. For specific travel requirements, it is always best to check with the cruise line. In all cases, Disney Cruise Line recommends guests carry a valid passport book during their voyage.

A stop in the charming fishing village of Halifax, Nova Scotia offers beautiful gardens, more delicious seafood and double-decker bus tours. 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. You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast.

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Regarding Royal Caribbean Cruises to destinations in Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda, there is a notable exception to this US passport rule, pertaining to land and sea crossings for US Citizens. Always check with your Vacations To Go cruise counselor at the time of booking to verify the documentation requirements for your vacation. We are a privately owned organization that simplifies government-related passport information across all states.

Carnival Cruise Lines currently offers 13 cruise destinations for guests to choose from. Each cruise is packed with a wide array of entertainment choices, from stage shows and live music to deck parties and casinos, ensuring fun-filled days and nights. Always check with your cruise line and the countries on your itinerary to understand the specific requirements. If you don’t have a passport, you will also run into problems should you miss boarding your ship at the correct time and need to fly home or to the next port of call. If you are age 16 and up, and without a passport, you will also need to present a photo I.D. 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.

They’re known for their quality service, excellent food, elegant decor, and diverse entertainment. Their ships feature modern amenities like high-tech shows and extensive art collections. Holland America Line is lauded for catering to multi-generational groups making it an ideal cruise line for families. Princess Cruises provides a global experience, covering over 100 countries across all seven continents, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It offers a wide range of travel itineraries, from a week to over 3 months, visiting more than 380 ports and including over 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in their destinations.

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For closed-loop cruises, guests of all ages do not typically need a passport to travel. However, valid passports are required for open-loop cruises and international cruises that stop at ports outside the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Carnival Cruise Line strongly advises having a valid passport book while traveling. A passport book is not only the most reliable form of identification but if guests unexpectedly need to fly to or from the U.S. during their cruise, not having a passport book could cause big problems and delays. The cruise line you’re traveling with may also have its own documentation requirements, which can include a passport book or passport card regardless of the itinerary. Belize and Honduras, which are sometimes included on these itineraries, also waive their passport requirements for cruise ship passengers.

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If you are on a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends in the U.S. and visits Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, all you need to do is prove you are a U.S. citizen, and this applies to everyone in your party. Note that the birth certificate can’t be the cute one with the baby’s footprints issued by the hospital; it needs to be issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the child was born. Citizens of the countries listed above who do not possess machine-readable passports, and citizens of countries not listed above must present a valid passport and a valid United States visa upon entry into the U.S. For those whose travel plans include multiple entries into the U.S., such as a cruise that begins and ends in a U.S. port, a multiple-entry visa is required. Keep in mind that if your cruise is next week you will not be able to get your passport in time and you should just use your photo ID and birth certificate (as long as it’s a closed-loop cruise). However, there are some companies that will expedite passports in as little as 24 hours for a costly fee.

It is critical to understand the proper documentation needed for a cruise, as no refunds are provided for guests who fail to bring proper documentation. Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's Travel Documentation page for specifics. The WHTI aims to bolster border security while making entry into the U.S. more efficient for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers. It’s always advisable to check the specific requirements of your cruise line and the countries you’ll be visiting. For closed-loop cruises (those starting and ending at the same U.S. port), U.S. citizens can enter the U.S. with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. However, a passport may still be needed to enter the countries visited during the cruise.

To skip potential postal service delays, you could make an appointment with a local passport application acceptance center; however, this option may not get you a passport in 3 weeks. It is the individual guest’s responsibility to confirm travel visa requirements with the destination’s embassy or consulate. That said, some may require a passport if you want to disembark at ports in any Caribbean destination. And if you're starting and ending your cruise at different ports within the U.S. — or flying in to or out of a Caribbean country — you will need a passport.

People also ask if they can just get by with a birth certificate and photo ID.  This article will attempt to answer these questions but keep in mind that the rules and regulations of travel are always in flux. It's best to check the requirements not just for each island that you'll be sailing to, but also to additional destinations you may visit on a port call. Princess Cruises and Holland America require that at least one parent carry a passport, even if you're on a closed-loop sailing. Some lines always require a passport for all travelers, no matter the itinerary, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara, Windstar Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Seabourn. Even if you're on a closed-loop sailing, certain islands in the Caribbean – Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barts, Barbados and others -- require a passport for entry.

Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of the U.S. and Canada, who enter or re-enter the U.S. by air, land or sea. You might be surprised to know that certain U.S.-based cruises allow you to cruise without a passport. But just because some cruise passport requirements allow for “no passport cruises” doesn't mean you should sail without one. We break down closed-loop cruises, what happens in an emergency if you cruise without a passport, and what passport rules are for Alaska, the Bahamas and other popular cruise destinations. 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. 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.