Knowledge Share

Going on cruises has always been fun. It is a traveling party that never seems to stop. Regardless of whether the boat is in some exotic port or traveling the high seas to the next destination, there is always something going on. However, knowing about expedited pasports for cruises is always recommended for anyone getting ready to travel in this manner.

The most common reason that a traveler would need a passport for a cruise is if they were heading to an international destination. Passports are never needed for domestic travel, but when borders are being crossed, everything changes. That being said, cruises sometimes have their own passport laws and it is better to be informed than to find out about something when it is too late.

First, it is important to stay up to date on passport law. As of June 1st, 2009, passports are required for all border countries. This is applicable to air, land and sea travel. However, there are different laws that relate specifically to cruise ships.

Obviously, passports are required for any cruise that has an international final destination. This also applies to all border countries. For example, a passport would be necessary for a one-way cruise from Miami to Cancun, although round-trip cruises have different laws.

Additionally, if someone is starting their cruise off in another country, they must have a passport. This is actually something that is not new and has always been required. For example, someone traveling on a Riviera cruise may have to travel to Italy or France to board their ship. Since they would be traveling via air to another country and physically crossing their border, they must have a passport.

Currently, there are cruises available that are known as “closed loop.” Basically, this means that the cruise starts at one point and returns to the very same point. This is actually what most of us would end up going on, unless we were taking a ship to move to another country. Because these voyages start and end in the same port, there are rules in place that pertain to only this type of travel.

Passports are generally not required for closed loop cruises. In place of passports for cruises deemed closed loop, adult passengers are only required to bring a valid driver’s license and birth certificate. Closed loop voyage passport and document exemption laws only pertain to travel from a U.S port to ports in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, and select Caribbean Islands. Anyone unsure of the passport requirements for closed loop cruises to certain Caribbean Islands should consult with the cruise company, their travel agency or the State Department website. Anyone that has a passport would be wise to bring it along just in case.

American Passports for cruises can sometimes be a tricky thing, but it is always best to err on the side of safety. Even if the traveler is only going on a trip to the Caribbean or other US Territory, it is a safe bet ?for travelers to bring their expedited USA passports as a secondary form of identification. Use the Boy Scout motto of being prepared to avoid any problems that may occur.

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