All About Cruises - Passport changes

The U.S. government announced further changes to the current passport regulations for air travel only. CLIA realizes these ongoing changes to the passport regulations are confusing to many, and we will do our best to keep you abreast of the most current information.

Background
Since Jan. 23, 2007, a passport is required for all air travel within the Western Hemisphere and abroad for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda.

Changes effective November 1, 2008
U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.

Official proof of a U.S. passport application is required and can be obtained at http://travel.state.gov/

What this Means for Cruise Passengers
While U.S. residents are not yet required to obtain passports for cruise travel within the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico, they still must show proof of identity and proof of citizenship in order to board a cruise ship. Official proof of application for a passport alone does not meet cruise line requirements.

At the point of embarkation, cruise passengers must present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) along with proof of citizenship in the form of a:

Passport (official proof of application will not be accepted)
Original or certified copy of birth certificate
Naturalization papers (for U.S. Naturalized citizens)

It is advisable to remind your cruise vacation clients that they still need valid proof of citizenship to meet cruise line documentation requirements. To help you better understand the current requirements, please see the following broad categories of cruise traveler.

U.S. residents sailing from U.S. ports: At the point of embarkation, cruise passengers must present to the cruise line:

a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license); and
proof of citizenship in the form of a passport (official proof of application will not be accepted), original or certified copy of birth certificate; or Naturalization papers (for U.S. Naturalized citizens).

U.S. residents flying to board their ship in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico or Canada (such as Alaska cruises out of Vancouver or Hawaii cruises out of Ensenada): These passengers must follow both air and cruise travel document requirements.

In order to meet current air travel document requirements, passengers must possess:

a government-issued photo ID; and
a passport or official proof of passport application (until Sept. 30, 2007).

In addition, cruise passengers must present to the cruise line:

a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license); and
proof of citizenship in the form of a passport (official proof of application will not be accepted), original or certified copy of birth certificate; or Naturalization papers (for U.S. Naturalized citizens).

U.S. residents sailing from ports outside the Western Hemisphere (such as Europe): U.S. residents are required to hold a valid passport. Note: Some countries require that the passport be valid a full six months upon completion of travel.

Future Requirements for Cruise Passengers
The U.S. government has not yet issued a final deadline for implementation of passport deadlines for sea travel and land border crossings with the Western Hemisphere. It is advised that cruise passengers be prepared for the deadline as early as November 1, 2008.

As the government continues to revise the passport deadlines, CLIA will keep you informed. The best advice to pass along to your clients is to not delay, and apply for a passport today. We also wish to share the following tips to pass along to your clients.

Travel Documentation Tips for Cruise Passengers

Cruise line requirements for travel documentation vary. Call your travel agent or the cruise line to make sure you understand the travel documentation required for your cruise itinerary.
If you need to apply for a first-time passport or renewal, it’s best to take action far in advance of your travel dates. Delays in processing passport applications are currently averaging 3-6 weeks and are expected to continue. Expedited service is available.
Check your passport expiration date. Many countries require that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months upon completion of your stay in that country.

For more information, visit: http://travel.state.gov/