Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Do I Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise? Full Guide

do kids need a passport to go on a cruise

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) expects all travelers, whether US citizens or foreigners, to present acceptable documentation denoting identity and citizenship on entry to the USA. It aims to tighten border security and make entry into the country more efficient for US citizens and legitimate international visitors. Unforeseen circumstances occur when you’re traveling, so it’s best to be prepared if you can. That includes having the relevant documentation for your children should the unexpected happen while you’re on a cruise.

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

do kids need a passport to go on a cruise

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. Then there are scenarios where severe weather or some other unforeseen situation could require the cruise ship you are traveling on to make an unexpected stop at a foreign port. In these cases, you may be required to stay on the ship if you do not have a valid passport to show port authorities. That said, you generally do not need to bring your physical passport as you exit the ship at a port of call. That is because you have already registered with the ship, and they will present this information to any customs agents on your behalf.

Accepted Identification for Canadian Citizens & Permanent Residents

Passport expediters are professionals who specialize in speeding up the passport application process. They help group travelers get their passports quickly and efficiently, making them a valuable resource for those traveling on short notice or those who wish to avoid the complexities of the passport process. A reliable passport courier can manage the logistical challenges and multiple appointments required for obtaining numerous passports on a tight schedule.

How to Get From the Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to the Miami Cruise Port

Holland America Line is lauded for catering to multi-generational groups making it an ideal cruise line for families. Check with the embassy or consular offices of the destination countries for more information. 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. Children younger than 16 need only to carry their birth certificates (original or copy); children 16 and older, as well as adults, each need to show both a birth certificate and a government-issued photo I.D.

Airline Reward Programs

It might seem like an extra step, but having a passport can make travel much smoother and provides additional security. Furthermore, in case of an unexpected change in your travel itinerary or a need to fly back to your home country from a foreign port due to an emergency, having a passport for each family member is invaluable. If you’re 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. Spend a day soaking up history in Boston, Massachusetts, and tour the Charles River aboard an amphibious duck vehicle. 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.

Family denied cruise boarding for incorrect birth certificate - Denver 7 Colorado News

Family denied cruise boarding for incorrect birth certificate.

Posted: Mon, 23 May 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

In most cases, you must also obtain permission letters from the legal guardians of each child under 17. Getting the letter notarized is a good idea, as this will help you avoid complications. Most cruise lines also provide letters of permission, which you can download, print, and fill out ahead of time.

Cobranded Cards

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. Keep in mind that cruise passport requirements can change based on shore excursions, too. For example, any time you cross a land or sea border into a foreign country, you’ll need a passport, whether it's riding Alaska's White Pass and Yukon Railway or taking day trips to smaller Caribbean islands. Additionally, it's a good idea to check entry requirements of all individual ports in your itinerary, as you might need a visa as well.

How old must an American child be before you can get them their own passport?

do kids need a passport to go on a cruise

Any international movement, whether planned or unexpected, will always be smoother if you have a passport on you. If you need a new copy of your birth certificate, you can request a new one from your local or state vital statistics department for a fee. Some cruise lines may also ask that the copy of your birth certificate be notarized, so check with your individual cruise line to make sure you have what you need.

List of Passports for Cruises FAQ

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. What it doesn’t cover is if you travel to a country that requires a passport (most Caribbean ports do not) or if you are not sailing on a loop, such as sailing from Miami and departing in Puerto Rico. Even if you plan to stick to a closed-loop cruise, we still recommend you invest in a passport or passport card before your cruise. Though you can cruise without a passport and still get home if you get stranded in port, the hassle of obtaining a temporary passport on top of making arrangements for last-minute travel is rarely worth it.

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. Despite being a US territory, birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, in Puerto Rico aren’t recognized by the US government as valid proof of citizenship.

Booking a cruise through and taking your kids on a cruise may be a memorable experience full of discovery, education, and family time. However, the requirements for children's passports can vary depending on their age, location, and the policy of the Cruise Line. You may ensure a seamless and joyful family vacation that will be remembered for years by being aware of the passport requirements, looking into alternative travel documents, and paying attention to practical advice.

Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Currently, routine passport processing is about 6 to 8 weeks, expedited processing takes about 2 to 3 weeks and rushed expedited processing is possible within 14 days. The cruise line operates in over 100 countries across all 7 continents, with voyages ranging from 2 to 15 nights. It is acclaimed for its meticulous attention to detail, playful character interactions, and creative dining experiences.

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.

Always check your cruise line’s specific travel document requirements for more information on whether a passport card is an acceptable form of identification for your specific cruise. If needed, U.S. citizens can find travel visa requirements in the ‘Notices’ section of their Travel Summary. Visas can be acquired directly from the embassy or consulate of the countries to be visited.

Regardless of the reason, many cruise lines require that a minor with only one accompanying adult must carry a valid passport. 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. Regardless of cruise type, Holland America strongly advises all guests to carry a passport book that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of their travel date. 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.

A valid U.S. passport book is mandatory even if you’re flying to or from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean from the United States. 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. To make things even more confusing, you can get off the ship in port in Vancouver, British Columbia during an Alaska cruise without a passport, but to cross over into the Canadian province by rail, you'll need one.

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