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Documentation Required for Cruise Travel...
| ...Your Source for 75% OFF Ocean Cruises |
| Great Rates Travel Service |
The cruise lines have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY regarding missing or unacceptable citizenship
documents. Please make sure you have all of the necessary documentation to travel. IF YOU DO NOT, YOU MAY
BE DENIED BOARDING. Guests who fail to provide the cruise line with proper proof of citizenship and photo ID will be
denied boarding and will not receive a refund. The easiest way to avoid any problems, or to be denied
boarding if the government quickly tightens it's requirements, is to obtain a valid passport now.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER... The information below is for reference purposes only and is subject to change at any
time without notice. You are advised to contact the Department of Homeland Security for the latest requirements and
if necessary the appropriate consulate, U.S. Embassy or U.S. Immigration office to inquire further about travel
documents. Do not rely solely on the information provided below, as it could change. Failure to have the proper
documentation could result in denied boarding. If you are denied boarding you will not get a refund. For the most
current policies, or for passport applications, locations to have passport photos taken, or locations to
submit your application (such as post offices), see: www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778 for details.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR CRUISE TRAVEL -
NEW PASSPORT/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS For US Citizens, Effective June 1, 2009...
1. Per the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), ALL US CITIZENS TRAVELLING ON CRUISES
THAT BEGIN OR END AT A PORT OUTSIDE OF THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES ARE REQUIRED TO
PRESENT A PASSPORT IN ORDER TO BOARD (INCLUDING Cruises beginning or ending in ALASKA, HAWAII
and EUROPE).
2. EXCEPTION FOR CLOSED-LOOP CRUISES SAILING ROUNDTRIP FROM U.S. PORTS...
While the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires valid passports for land and sea
travel, a final ruling was issued allowing leniency for "closed-loop" cruises, i.e., sailings that both
originate and terminate in the same U.S. port...
U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises (beginning and ending at the same U.S. port) are not required
to have a passport but will still need proof of citizenship (such as an original or certified copy of your
birth certificate, naturalizations certificate, or Passport) and a government-issued photo ID with the
passenger's name and date of birth (such as a driver’s license). A Passport meets both requirements. A
voter registration card or Social Security card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. You can view the
complete list of acceptable documents by clicking here or read more at: www.cbp.gov. Passengers may also need
to provide a bridge document such as a marriage certificate, linking the name on the birth certificate to
the name on the photo ID, if they the do not match.
Children are also required to carry proof of citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, naturalization
certificate, or passport; and if over 15, a photo ID may be required as well (see additional information at the
bottom of this page regarding photo identification for children).
If a cruise begins and ends in different U.S. ports or begins and ends in a foreign port, a valid US
Passport, Passport Card, or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is
also required if you are traveling on any Europe cruises.
For more information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents, or to obtain a passport application,
visit www.travel.state.gov.
ALL guests need proof of citizenship in order to travel, and failure to present a valid document at check-
in will result in denied boarding with no refund. We encourage you to invest in a passport as the
preferred document of choice for proof of citizenship.
If you FLY or DRIVE to and/or from a cruise port OUTSIDE the United States...
All citizens, regardless of age (including infants) are required to show a passport to re-enter the United States
BY AIR from Canada, Mexico, Panama, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the rest of the World. Passports must be valid
for at least 6 months after sailing. Passengers who's Alaska cruise itinerary includes a port call to a Canadian city, or
begins or ends in a Canadian port/city are required to have a valid Passport. You are responsible for having the
proper documentation with you when you travel. In addition Visa's may be required to enter certain countries while on
a cruise. Check with the cruise line for the exact documentation requirements for your cruise or cruisetour, well before
leaving the country. Failure to have the proper documentation (Passport, Visa, Health Vaccination Certificates etc.)
as required may result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise.
Our Recommendation...
We strongly recommend that all guests travel with a valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's
license (EDL) whenever you are leaving the United States by any means. This greatly assists guests who may
need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled
cruise embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the
U.S. before their cruise ends, possibly due to a medical, family, personal or business emergency, or due to missing
the ship's departure from a port of call, etc. To make sure you are prepared at your departure port, visit www.
travel.state.gov for the latest and exact passport requirements.
Note that Your exact legal name (first, middle and last) must be shown on cruise tickets/documents, and
this must match the name shown on your passport or drivers license.
For details on how to obtain a Passport: Visit http://travel.state.gov, or call the U.S. National Passport
Information Center: (877) 4USA-PPT; TDD/TTY: (888) 874-7793.
Non-U.S. Citizens...
Citizens of countries other than the United States and Canada (Aliens) are required to present both a valid passport
and an unexpired U.S. multiple re-entry visa (B-2 Visitor’s Visa) or a visa waiver. Resident aliens need both a
passport and an alien resident card. Guests will need to contact the consulates of the islands/countries they will be
visiting, to inquire about necessary travel documentation. Immigrations determines the proper documents which
guests must have available in order to sail. For cruises that visit or transit in Canada, citizens of some countries may
require a Visa. Guests must check with the Canadian Consulate for documentation requirements. This includes
cruises to Canada (from New York) and Alaska cruises.
Parental Consent for Minors...
Minors (under the age of 18) traveling without parents or grandparents, (perhaps going with a friend and his/her
parents) should possess a parental/guardian consent letter that authorizes the minor to travel, assigns temporary
guardianship to the adult travelling with minor, and that further authorizes medical treatment in case of an emergency
(a notarized statement is preferred, but not required by the cruise line*). If only one parent is going on the trip, it is
recommended that the other parent sign a release form.* If neither parent is going, then BOTH parents should sign.*
In most cases, your travel agent can provide you with the cruise line document for parent signature. (*Note that most
cruise lines do not require a minor sailing with only one parent to have a document signed or notarized by the second
parent, but it is recommended in case you should miss the ship or are detained in a foreign port... For example,
Mexico may require a notarized affidavit signed by ANY parent not accompanying the minor. Furthermore, Canadian
Entry Requirements stipulate that minors under the age of 18 traveling into Canada without both parents must have in
their possession a notarized letter of consent that includes the actual dates of travel and signatures of both parents,
as authorization to do so.)
Your Responsibility
Without exception, it is the responsibility of the individual traveler to obtain passports, birth certificates, visas and
other documents required for entry into a foreign country, and for embarkation and re-entry into the United States.
You will not get a refund if you are denied boarding for lack of proper documentation. Foreign citizens especially
should contact the embassy or consulate of any country to be visited and request a copy of its entry requirements.
(Note that requirements are often different for cruise travelers who are not staying overnight in the country.)
Great Rates Travel can not be held responsible for any loss, damage, inconvenience, delay, additional costs or any
other irregularity caused by the traveler not obtaining proper documentation.
*Photo ID's May Be Required by some cruise lines for Children ages 16+
Most cruise lines require a Photo ID for all passengers 16 years of age and up. A government-issued
photo ID is recommended. Your local driver's license office can provide official Photo Identification Cards for
persons who do not have drivers license IDs. A school photo ID or other ID card showing passenger's legal name
and photograph may also be acceptable (check with the cruise line or your travel agent to confirm the documentation
needs for your particular cruise). You can also order a Travel Photo ID at the following website: www.childsmartid.
com/travelIDs.html
documents. Please make sure you have all of the necessary documentation to travel. IF YOU DO NOT, YOU MAY
BE DENIED BOARDING. Guests who fail to provide the cruise line with proper proof of citizenship and photo ID will be
denied boarding and will not receive a refund. The easiest way to avoid any problems, or to be denied
boarding if the government quickly tightens it's requirements, is to obtain a valid passport now.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER... The information below is for reference purposes only and is subject to change at any
time without notice. You are advised to contact the Department of Homeland Security for the latest requirements and
if necessary the appropriate consulate, U.S. Embassy or U.S. Immigration office to inquire further about travel
documents. Do not rely solely on the information provided below, as it could change. Failure to have the proper
documentation could result in denied boarding. If you are denied boarding you will not get a refund. For the most
current policies, or for passport applications, locations to have passport photos taken, or locations to
submit your application (such as post offices), see: www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778 for details.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR CRUISE TRAVEL -
NEW PASSPORT/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS For US Citizens, Effective June 1, 2009...
1. Per the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), ALL US CITIZENS TRAVELLING ON CRUISES
THAT BEGIN OR END AT A PORT OUTSIDE OF THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES ARE REQUIRED TO
PRESENT A PASSPORT IN ORDER TO BOARD (INCLUDING Cruises beginning or ending in ALASKA, HAWAII
and EUROPE).
2. EXCEPTION FOR CLOSED-LOOP CRUISES SAILING ROUNDTRIP FROM U.S. PORTS...
While the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires valid passports for land and sea
travel, a final ruling was issued allowing leniency for "closed-loop" cruises, i.e., sailings that both
originate and terminate in the same U.S. port...
U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises (beginning and ending at the same U.S. port) are not required
to have a passport but will still need proof of citizenship (such as an original or certified copy of your
birth certificate, naturalizations certificate, or Passport) and a government-issued photo ID with the
passenger's name and date of birth (such as a driver’s license). A Passport meets both requirements. A
voter registration card or Social Security card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. You can view the
complete list of acceptable documents by clicking here or read more at: www.cbp.gov. Passengers may also need
to provide a bridge document such as a marriage certificate, linking the name on the birth certificate to
the name on the photo ID, if they the do not match.
Children are also required to carry proof of citizenship, such as a certified birth certificate, naturalization
certificate, or passport; and if over 15, a photo ID may be required as well (see additional information at the
bottom of this page regarding photo identification for children).
If a cruise begins and ends in different U.S. ports or begins and ends in a foreign port, a valid US
Passport, Passport Card, or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is
also required if you are traveling on any Europe cruises.
For more information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents, or to obtain a passport application,
visit www.travel.state.gov.
ALL guests need proof of citizenship in order to travel, and failure to present a valid document at check-
in will result in denied boarding with no refund. We encourage you to invest in a passport as the
preferred document of choice for proof of citizenship.
If you FLY or DRIVE to and/or from a cruise port OUTSIDE the United States...
All citizens, regardless of age (including infants) are required to show a passport to re-enter the United States
BY AIR from Canada, Mexico, Panama, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the rest of the World. Passports must be valid
for at least 6 months after sailing. Passengers who's Alaska cruise itinerary includes a port call to a Canadian city, or
begins or ends in a Canadian port/city are required to have a valid Passport. You are responsible for having the
proper documentation with you when you travel. In addition Visa's may be required to enter certain countries while on
a cruise. Check with the cruise line for the exact documentation requirements for your cruise or cruisetour, well before
leaving the country. Failure to have the proper documentation (Passport, Visa, Health Vaccination Certificates etc.)
as required may result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise.
Our Recommendation...
We strongly recommend that all guests travel with a valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's
license (EDL) whenever you are leaving the United States by any means. This greatly assists guests who may
need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled
cruise embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the
U.S. before their cruise ends, possibly due to a medical, family, personal or business emergency, or due to missing
the ship's departure from a port of call, etc. To make sure you are prepared at your departure port, visit www.
travel.state.gov for the latest and exact passport requirements.
Note that Your exact legal name (first, middle and last) must be shown on cruise tickets/documents, and
this must match the name shown on your passport or drivers license.
For details on how to obtain a Passport: Visit http://travel.state.gov, or call the U.S. National Passport
Information Center: (877) 4USA-PPT; TDD/TTY: (888) 874-7793.
Non-U.S. Citizens...
Citizens of countries other than the United States and Canada (Aliens) are required to present both a valid passport
and an unexpired U.S. multiple re-entry visa (B-2 Visitor’s Visa) or a visa waiver. Resident aliens need both a
passport and an alien resident card. Guests will need to contact the consulates of the islands/countries they will be
visiting, to inquire about necessary travel documentation. Immigrations determines the proper documents which
guests must have available in order to sail. For cruises that visit or transit in Canada, citizens of some countries may
require a Visa. Guests must check with the Canadian Consulate for documentation requirements. This includes
cruises to Canada (from New York) and Alaska cruises.
Parental Consent for Minors...
Minors (under the age of 18) traveling without parents or grandparents, (perhaps going with a friend and his/her
parents) should possess a parental/guardian consent letter that authorizes the minor to travel, assigns temporary
guardianship to the adult travelling with minor, and that further authorizes medical treatment in case of an emergency
(a notarized statement is preferred, but not required by the cruise line*). If only one parent is going on the trip, it is
recommended that the other parent sign a release form.* If neither parent is going, then BOTH parents should sign.*
In most cases, your travel agent can provide you with the cruise line document for parent signature. (*Note that most
cruise lines do not require a minor sailing with only one parent to have a document signed or notarized by the second
parent, but it is recommended in case you should miss the ship or are detained in a foreign port... For example,
Mexico may require a notarized affidavit signed by ANY parent not accompanying the minor. Furthermore, Canadian
Entry Requirements stipulate that minors under the age of 18 traveling into Canada without both parents must have in
their possession a notarized letter of consent that includes the actual dates of travel and signatures of both parents,
as authorization to do so.)
Your Responsibility
Without exception, it is the responsibility of the individual traveler to obtain passports, birth certificates, visas and
other documents required for entry into a foreign country, and for embarkation and re-entry into the United States.
You will not get a refund if you are denied boarding for lack of proper documentation. Foreign citizens especially
should contact the embassy or consulate of any country to be visited and request a copy of its entry requirements.
(Note that requirements are often different for cruise travelers who are not staying overnight in the country.)
Great Rates Travel can not be held responsible for any loss, damage, inconvenience, delay, additional costs or any
other irregularity caused by the traveler not obtaining proper documentation.
*Photo ID's May Be Required by some cruise lines for Children ages 16+
Most cruise lines require a Photo ID for all passengers 16 years of age and up. A government-issued
photo ID is recommended. Your local driver's license office can provide official Photo Identification Cards for
persons who do not have drivers license IDs. A school photo ID or other ID card showing passenger's legal name
and photograph may also be acceptable (check with the cruise line or your travel agent to confirm the documentation
needs for your particular cruise). You can also order a Travel Photo ID at the following website: www.childsmartid.
com/travelIDs.html