Passports

cruiser1962 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 11:56 AM

Could someone please tell me when Passports will become mandatory on cruises. We are sailing on Jan 9th, 2006 on the Sensation to the Western Carrib. and my travel agent said that we may need to obtain passports. I have been on 6 cruises and have always used a birth certificate, and a photo ID? Please advise.

cruiser1962 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 11:56 AM

Could someone please tell me when Passports will become mandatory on cruises. We are sailing on Jan 9th, 2006 on the Sensation to the Western Carrib. and my travel agent said that we may need to obtain passports. I have been on 6 cruises and have always used a birth certificate, and a photo ID? Please advise.

Raoul Fiebig · #3 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 12:34 PM

cruiser1962,

Beginning December 31st, 2005 the intended "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" will require all U.S. citizens traveling by sea or air to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America to have a passport or another "accepted document" (whatever that is) that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States.

Similar requirements for Canada and Mexico will apply from December 31st, 2006 and all land travel will be affected from December 31st, 2007.

cruiser1962 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 01:15 PM

This may sound dumb, but is Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen considered Mexico or the Caribbean? If its Mexico, we won't need them until 2007.

Lyle Orr · #5 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 02:07 PM

Carnival has a great FAQ on this on their site. It goes into great detail on what new passport restrictions go into affect and when. I believe there is 3 stages to new passport laws, the first of which is in December 2005.

Lyle

Karen Knowlton · #6 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 02:55 PM

Cruiser2, chances are very large that you will need a passport beginning this December 31 for the western Caribbean. Your TA is right. Fortunately you have plenty of time to apply for one! And then you'll have one for another 10 years of cruising and other exotic travel.

Karen Knowlton · #7 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 02:55 PM

Sorry - got your number wrong!

I of course meant Cruiser1962.

cruiser1962 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 03:44 PM

Thanks for all of your help.

Cruise Specialist · #9 (**permalink**) 04-20-2005, 03:25 AM

To read more information concerning the new passport requirements you can go to this page..
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

cruiser1962 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-20-2005, 05:13 AM

Thanks again. That's a big help. I guess its worth it. (Passports) They are good for 10 years.

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