Do you always need a passport card or passport booklet to cruise. This includes foreign ports of call during the cruise. Although cruise passport requirements vary depending on where youll be sailing, you will usually need either a passport card or a passport book. Do you need a passport to take a cruise from the u. The department of state is issuing the passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. Learn more about the passport requirements for travelers on all cruise ships.
In the event that you are traveling to canada to start your journey, you totally should. Gold country is a us state, so you neednt bother with an international id to enter. Cruise travel outlet is seeking individuals who love to. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via cruise. Required travel document and information for cruise vacations. Your drivers license or state id card is sufficient for domestic air travel. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book.
Also you can not use the passport card to fly into the us. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. Can the passport card be used on a cruise to and from florida. But again, your best and safest route is to spend the money to get a passport before you travel. While less expensive than a passport book, the passport card is only accepted at land border crossings and sea ports when arriving from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. We are traveling with a 4 and 2yearold on a disney cruise. Cruises using a us passport card on a cruise anyone know for sure if a passport card may be used for a cruise. Some ports, including martinique and guadeloupe, will not allow cruisers to get off the ship and enter the country without a passport. You never know when you might need to get off the ship because of an. First of all, for those of you who are going on a cruise that starts and ends in the united states, you may not need a passport. Isnt the passport card restricted in some countries. The passport book only covers land border crossings or seaport entry. Caribbean nations that require cruise passengers to have a passport include.
Passport cards cruisemates cruise community and forums. So if someone gets sick on a cruise and only has the passport card, they cant fly them home. Expedited passport card how to expedite a child passport. Air travel passports are required for air travel to or from canada, mexico, central and south america, the caribbean, the bahamas and bermuda. You cannot use a passport card to go to any other country. Such preauthorised funds cannot be used whilst onboard or until those funds are released by the cruise company. While the passport card is permissible for a cruise, you may want to reconsider getting the card over the book. Passport card vs passport book sep 16 cruise forum. Using a passport book is the easiest, especially if due to unforeseen circumstances you do need to fly home, but if you dont have a passport book, it isnt like they arent going to let you in. If youre heading on a cruise this season, dont forget about passport requirements. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. More specifically, it can be used when entering the u. The passport card is only for land and sea travel, which means there is no way travelers can use the passport card to board a plane. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air.
The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. For more information on applying for a new passport book or card, a renewal or other passport questions, please contact covingtons helpful business travel advisors. The passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. I applied to renew my passport this past summer, and i had the option of applying for a just a passport book, or b both a passport book and also a passport card, which can be used in certain intercountry travel situations cant remember what situations either, but doesnt really matter as it is irrelevant to my question. If you need a us passport quickly for your cruise, passports and visas. Apr 21, 2016 a passport card only applies to land or sea travel to certain locations internationally, which is noted on the back of the card. S citizens that want to travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. A closedloop cruise to this part of the map often means flying to honolulu, which you can do passport free, but airfare can be pricey. You need a passport for cruises to and from foreign ports. So if someone gets sick on a cruise and only has the passport card, they cant. Rightno passport needed as i would guess you stopped at a foreign port en route to nyc. Passport card is a travel document that can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry. The passports for cruises faq page provides american citizens with answers to the most frequently asked questions about passport requirements related to cruising.
What is the difference between a passport book and. Us citizens on a closedloop cruise, one that begins and ends at the same us port, can use a drivers license or governmentissued id card and a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or certificate of citizenship. We have never went on a cruise before and are more then. The passport card is good for land border crossing between the us, canada, and mexico and sea cruise border crossings in the caribbean and bermuda. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Prior to that date if you are only traveling to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda you only need documentation as indicated in the closed loop rules below. Unlike foreign air travel or bordercrossing road trips, cruise vacations come with a distinct set of passport rules for u. In addition to being mandatory for air travel, it can offer peace of mind for emergencies. To apply directly online, please visit covingtons cibt visas partner portal and automatically get a 20% discount.
A passport card fits in your wallet, making it a more convenient form of id to carry on certain trips. Can the passport card be used on a cruise to and from. For instance, if there is a medical or family emergency, you will not be able to fly out of the country to return home. Norwegian cruise lines pride of america and uncruises safari.
You can use the passport card to reenter the united states at sea ports of entry from mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean. But if something happened while you were on the cruise and you had to fly back or something, that you needed the passport book. We fly from maryland to florida where we board our ship and sail to the bahamas. The passport card is the size of a drivers license and is used for convenience as it is smaller and cheaper than the passport book. All cruises to cuba require a passport book no passport cards or other.
Passport requirements for cruises in the western hemisphere. You did not indicate where your cruise is going to so i would check the locations in which the passport card is good for as from what i read they are only good for 34 places. Passport book vs passport card passport blog simple. However, if you get a passport card, it cannot be used for travel by air. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Your cash passport can be used at atms, pay merchants, or pay your final bill onboard most cruise ships. For these sailings, passengers can board by showing an official government birth certificate and for anyone 16 or older a governmentissued photo id. If you are thinking about applying for or renewing a u. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport cardbook for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. Passport requirements for us citizens for popular types of cruises cruising is an incredible getaway. Passport book that is valid at least 6 months after your cruise. I lost my passport card, and i would like to apply for a new one to make use of the expedited rfid lanes at the mexican border.
Currently, all citizens of the united states need a one or the other for international travel, even to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport card book for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19, we have extremely limited u. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. Sep 30, 2015 the passport book only covers land border crossings or seaport entry. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states.
Such preauthorised funds cannot be used whilst onboard or until those. Department of homeland security regulations for cruises departing from u. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. Passengers with plans to travel by cruise ship should contact their. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. We are a nationally recognized us passport and visa service by the washington post, new york times and usa today. It was introduced on july 18th, 2008 and over 7 million passport cards have been issued since then. A passport book is valid for any international travel by air, sea or land. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. We were told that either would work, but that the passport card is only good for travel by land in the united states canada, mexico and for a cruise. A passport book functions in all ways a passport card is used and there is no need to obtain a passport card if you already have a passport book. If youre taking a closedloop cruise without a passport youll need proof of citizenship and, if you are over age 16, a governmentissued photo id. Before booking your next cruise itinerary, familiarize yourself with a few simple documentation requirements so you. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us.
Passport book vs passport card cruise critic community. Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of u. For instance, if you are leaving from the port of miami and you go. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u.
While norwegian does its level best to facilitate the process for its clientele, passengers are subject to u. As of 2009, if you are booking a roundtrip, or closedloop, cruise to a foreign destination, you do not need a u. Tips on making copies of your passport before your cruise. In any case, if your journey schedule makes them leave from vancouver or going to some other canadian port, you should have a valid passport book or card. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin safe, and simply carry a photocopy of it when walking around in port, in case of an emergency. Find out if you need a passport to go on a cruise celebrity cruises. However the three above are the only ones i could find that has a direct reference to needing a passport on their website. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the united states federal government in the size of a credit card. But before you go, here are 5 things you need to know about cubas passport requirements, cuban travel visas and how to travel to cuba legally as an american citizen. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel.
This could be an issue if you had to fly home from a cruise. Mar 09, 2009 the card will have the same validity period as a passport book. Be sure to refer to royal caribbeans travel documentation page for. These are cruises that depart from and return to the same u. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. However, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason e.
If you plan to travel to another country other than what was mention before, you will need a passport book. You cannot use a passport card for air travel outside the us. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Note that it cannot be used for international air travel. Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19. Norwegian cruise line strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for. View more information about online check in for cruises.
Aug 18, 2016 one is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. Discover if a passport is required to go on a cruise, when to obtain one, where to get it and how quickly you can acquire your travel document. If you dont make it back to your cruise ship on time after visiting a port, or if a family. Passport requirements for cruises get the latest information about a passport or travel visa for your cruise. On a cruise that begins and ends in the us, us citizens can travel with a drivers license and a birth certificate, no passport book or card required. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. If your ship had to end the cruise at a foreign port due to a mechanical issue or if you had an emergency need to fly home, a passport book would have been required for reentry into the us from a foreign port. Online check in dont be left at the pier all guests must check in online.
It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16. There are many more cruise lines for which you do not require a passport if taking a closed loop cruise. Feb 12, 2019 the passport card is the size of a drivers license and is used for convenience as it is smaller and cheaper than the passport book. On june 1, 2009 all cruise passengers will be required to possess a passport unless on a closed loop cruise see below. Youll use the same form that you would use to apply for a. No passport cards, birth certificates or other form of proof of us citizenship will.
Department of state recommends the passport book as it is more versatile. Please understand that norwegian cruise line will strictly enforce this requirement to be. I was just wondering if the card will suit our purpose. Jun 03, 2014 for more information on applying for a new passport book or card, a renewal or other passport questions, please contact covingtons helpful business travel advisors.
At the end of the month, jetblue will make history with the first noncharter direct commercial flights from the us to cuba in almost 50 years. For example, a cancun cruise that embarks from and returns to miami is an international cruise, but the port remains the same, so you do not need. Review the travel documents required by royal caribbean to board our ship as a u. From the minute you board all you need to do is go to your muster station and then only ponder where and when youll have your next feast, and you can appreciate evening excitement just strides far from your room. From what i have read we may not need one but it is recommended to have one anyway. For instance, if there is a medical or family emergency, you will not be able to fly out of the country to.
A passport card is only good for land crossings from usmexico, uscanada and closed loop cruises. Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. However, cruise ships often charge a security bond by preauthorising your card to cover incidentals, similar to hotels. Apr 15, 2019 if youre heading on a cruise this season, dont forget about passport requirements. Mar 22, 2010 you should take your photo id with you but you will not need your passport.
The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Passport requirements cruise to the edge march 27 april 1, 2020. Like a passport book, you must complete form ds11but select passport card option instead. If you miss your cruise ship and need to fly to the next port to catch up, or have a medical or other emergency during your cruise that would require you to fly back to the us from a foreign port, a passport card will not be sufficient. Online check in before you board cruise travel outlet.
Government issued photo id, like a drivers license or an identity card. Our cruise leaves long beach, ca and heading for ensenada mexico then back to long beach. The passport card is commonly requested by travelers that are planning to go on a cruise. Royal caribbeans private island, labadee, though part of haiti, does not require a passport. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via. While you might not need your passport for the other ports or the cruise in general, you could find yourself needing one even on closedloop voyages in order to visit these ports. A passport card will not allow you to travel internationally by air. Using a us passport card on a cruise flyertalk forums. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. If your cruise departs from a different country or returns in a different port you do need a passport for passengers over the age of 16.
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