alaska trip

[winkiedee]

I am going to alaska in sept and have two questions. one is do we have to do some sort of immagration paperwork before we go and two is what about a visa? i have a passport, i wanna make sure i have everything i need. Too far from home to turn back. thanks

denise

[Karen Knowlton]

It would help if we know where you are from (i.e. citizens of what country) and if you are traveling to Alaska via Canada.

If you are flying to Alaska from the U.S. and are U.S. citizens, you don't need a passport, visa or anything other than photo ID. If you are taking a cruise you will need photo ID and government-issued birth certificates. A passport is handy in place of those last 2 items.

[winkiedee]

Sorry I am flying from Louisiana to Washington port and leaving from there.

Denise

[mbramh2991y]

you should be fine with a passport

[GSeagler]

If you are entering Canada at any time of your trip (I'm guessing if you are on an Alaska cruise it may go to Victoria or Vancouver), American citizens will need a passport OR a birth certificate (must be an embossed original) + a government-issued ID (i.e. driver's license).

My understanding is that sometime soon (2006 or 2007?), Canada will stop accepting the birth certificate + ID option and require a passport only, but if you're travelling this year the birth certificate + ID will be sufficient.

Tip: Make certain to use your given (birth certificate) name in all your cruise and flight registration and documentation. If they don't match exactly, it can be a hassle.

[Karen Knowlton]

To clarify, it's not Canada that will be requiring the passport, but the U.S. will require them to get back into the States. This will take effect for travelers to/from Canada at the end of 2006, as mentioned.

If your birth name has changed (for example, by marriage) you should bring also a certified copy of your marriage certificate, as well as the certified copy of the birth certificate and your photo ID. Hospital birth certificates and photocopies of birth certificates are NOT acceptable. The certificates must be of government issue (county or state ok) and must include some kind of official signature and/or seal. Needless to say, if you have a passport, it's much easier to bring that along instead - one form of ID instead of 2 or 3!