Passport card or passport book for cruise ships

No matter how you travel to bahamas, you need a valid us passport to arrive there. Find out if you need a passport to go on a cruise celebrity cruises. We are a nationally recognized us passport and visa service by the washington post, new york times and usa today. Small cruise ship lines offer a pleasant alternative, delivering all of the seafaring excitement with les. Check us passport requirements for popular types of cruises. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport.

The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. On the other hand, a passport book contains your photo and multiple pages for stamping. Mar 17, 2015 a passport is the best way to prove citizenship, but an original birth certificate showing birth in the us along with a valid drivers license is also considered proof of citizenship. That being said, there are certain types of cruises where youll. As a result, you need to submit a passport application and receive your card or book if your cruise ship docks on a different countrys shores. The problem is if you miss the ship while in a foreign port, it makes it much more expensive to either rejoin the ship in the next foreign port of call or to get back to u.

Do i need a passport to go to the bahamas from the u. There are several options when it comes to forms of identificatio. They have been available to us citizens since 2008, and are meant to be a convenient way to prove your identity and citizenship. While the passport card may protect you against certain scenarios and is superior to not having a passport at all, getting a passport book not only provides more coverage such as flying internationally, but it. And, because a passport card is less bulky its similar in size to a drivers license, its easier to carry more securely than a passport book. Passport requirements for travel to jamaica getaway usa. Although cruise passport requirements vary depending on where youll be sailing, you will usually need either a passport card or a passport book. Passport cards are particularly handy for people who live close to the border and cross frequently or people who rarely travel but have decided to go on a cruise in mexico or the caribbean. Feb 01, 2021 however, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason, a passport book will be required.

Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. However, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason e. That being said, we always recommend bringing a valid passport book on your cruise. We are experiencing extremely high call volume related to covid19 vaccine interest. You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time using either form ds11 apply in person or form ds82 renew by mail must be eligible. When youre about to head on a cruise it can be a little stressful to make sure youre fully prepared before you leave. All cruise lines recommend that passengers have a passport book valid for at least six months past the end of the cruise. A passport card is less expensive and is the size of a drivers license, thus some frequent cruisers prefer it. If your cruise does not begin and end in the same u. Each deck is a separate ship level with its own features and facilities.

Keep in mind that you can only use a passport card as id to cruise if your trip is closedloop. Detailed information on traveling healthy while on cruise ships. Passport book vs passport card cruise critic community. You may imagine elaborate decor, lively entertainment and exciting activities and you wouldnt be wrong but what is the experience. Generally speaking, however, for most international cruises youll need. Passport card ask a cruise question cruise critic community. It is the size and shape of a drivers license, and conveniently fits in your wallet. While the passport card is permissible for a cruise, you may want to reconsider getting the card over the book. Passport cards are a form of us passport that are the size of a credit card or drivers license. Sep 23, 2020 its important to know that you can use the passport card to reenter the united states at cruise ports of entry from mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean. We compare the two to help you decide which type of id is best. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. Canada mexico bermuda islands in the caribbean passport help.

The following cruise lines require a passport for all sailings, regardless of destination or port of departure. Both a passport card or a passport book is a valid form of identification for domestic cruises. We spoke with the state department to get the skinny on this inexpensive alternative to a traditional passport. You must show the correct documentation for your specific trip, or airport or cruise port officials will keep you from reaching your ship. More convenient than carrying the regular passport, which we would like to keep locked in our cabin safe. Your cruise company may also require you to have a passport even if. Passport cards are federally issued ids that looks like a drivers license. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. The disadvantage of a passport card is that you can not use it for air travel except domestically, so if for any reason you need to cut your trip.

You dont need a passport to reenter the united states if youre traveling on a closed loop cruise, which begins and ends at the same u. It is invalid for international flying, which is why it serves no purpose on a cruise. Please remember that passport cards are not good for international air travel, so if you had to fly home mid cruise for some reason, you would need the passport book. Sep 19, 2020 keep in mind that you can only use a passport card as id to cruise if your trip is closedloop. Passport cards are valid for entry by land or sea for the following countries. If you miss the ship for any reason taxi or bus breaks down, you get injured or ill, get arrested, stuck in traffic, or any other delay you cant leave the country without a passport. For potential passengers, cruise ships are marketed as a place for luxurious, exotic, relaxing adventure. Heres how to view deck plans for cruise ships and learn the. Knowing all of the steps that happen before you leave port and how long it can take will help you arrive with plenty of. In this post, we explore which cruises dont require passports and look at the guidance provided by the cruise lines. The main advantages of the passport card are its cost and practicality. Application form ds11 can be used in order to apply for a passport book, passport card or both.

The passport card is commonly requested by travelers that are planning to go on a cruise. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. Passport card for us cruiser ask a cruise question cruise. Passport or passport card the cruise genius scott lara. Feb 14, 2020 cruise passport requirements vary depending on the type of cruise you take as well as where the cruise will be sailing. If you dont make it back to your cruise ship on time after visiting a port, or if a family emergency requires you to fly back home from one of your cruise destinations, a passport card wont allow you to travel on a plane. However, a passport card wont allow you to travel internationally by air, and it also restricts the areas to which you can travel by land and sea to canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda but you can use a passport card to fly domestically. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. While a valid passport book or passport card is generally required to travel beyond the border zone of mexico and to travel by sea, there are exceptions.

Maybe its because of the little planning that is required or perhaps because you are secluded in. For complete instructions and a link to download the form, click the link below. The passport card is not acceptable for air travel. Passport card vs passport book carnival cruise lines. If you already have a passport book or passport card, you can renew by mail using form ds82. The cost of a card versus a book is about half as expensive.

We would like to use the passport cards when going ashore at ports of call as form of id. Differences between a passport book and passport card. While it may not be for everyone, cruises are extremely popular for many vacationers. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We always recommend carrying a passport book or a passport card while vacationing on a cruise. If you are in doubt, buying a passport is always a good idea. At this time they would like to get a passport card and only sail to and from a cruise port in florida. Passport cards cannot be used on cruises from international homeports. Cruise passport requirements vary depending on the type of cruise you take as well as where the cruise will be sailing. Luckily, carolyn spencer brown of cruise critic has some great recommendations. Passport requirements for cruises know before you go. Do you need a passport to take a cruise from the u. Can you use the passport card for travel to the bahamas.

By proceeding, you agree to our privacy policy and terms o. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. If youre going to invest the money in a passport, get the passport book as thats whats required to travel by air into the united. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of. A passport card can be used for land and sea border crossings between the u. Aug 21, 2019 i know you need a passport to fly internationally, but we have passport cards from a cruise to canada. While cruise ships offer a wide range of amenities, not everyone enjoys the sensation of sailing on oversized and overcrowded ships. Please understand that our phone lines must be clear for urgent medical care needs. Similarly, guests needing to fly to or through the u. Mar 18, 2020 the passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece credit card sized id card. Americans may enter the unites states from the bahamas by sea using a passport, passport card, or other western hemisphere travel initiative whti compliant document if they are on an officiallydesignated closedloop cruise. The sections below provide specific examples of when you may or may not need a passport for a cruise. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. Generally, you can use your card to travel by land or sea to the following destinations.

Passport card or passport book which should you get. Choosing between the passport card vs book royal caribbean blog. While the passport card may protect you against certain scenarios and is superior to not having a passport at all, getting a passport book not only provides more coverage such as flying internationally, but it allows you to travel beyond simply cruises. Passport cards are smaller in size than standard passports, and instead of pages, a passport card is just that a card, similar to the size of a credit card or drivers license. There is an exception for passengers of closedloop cruises. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea. Carnival cruise lines strongly recommends all of our guests travel with a valid passport. 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. If you are looking to book a cruise you may be wondering if you need a passport to cruise. Passport vs passport card royal caribbean discussion. Technically, united states citizens can travel on closed loop cruises using official proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, but many cruise operators require passengers to hold a valid passport, so customs and. Please note that cruise lines recommend that all cruise passengers hold a passport book in case. Mike pence, cruise ships and the fallacy of an industryled effort florida is home to three of the worlds busiest cruise ports, miami, port everglades, port canaveral, chiron said. First, the consular services section of the mexican embassy states, u.

The passport card is a valid federal id primarily for travelers that visit canada, mexico, and the caribbean by land and sea. Sailors and yachtsmen who sail in international waters between the us, canada, mexico and the caribbean. How much does getting a passport for a cruise cost. Let us clear up some of the mystery about when you do and dont need a passport to go on a cruise and what happens in an emergency if youre traveling without one.

Desantis vaccine passport ban could delay cruise industry. If issued for the full validity, they are both proof of your u. Given that the card is not good for international air travel, if youre going to the trouble of getting the cards, perhaps you should consider spending a few more dollars and get. If youre thinking of going on a cruise, the passport card might be nice when you need a from of identification to get on and off the ship. For example, a passenger missing a cruise departure due to a late inbound flight to miami would need a passport to fly to meet the ship at the next port. Passport card for us cruiser ask a cruise question. Instead of being arranged in floors as structures are, cruise ships are arranged in what are called decks. Some cruise lines may require a passport book even if a passport card might technically be acceptable. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece credit card sized id card. Even closed loop cruises often require passengers to have a valid passport. A traditional passport book comes with pages for stamps and important documents to be.

You can use the passport card to reenter the united states at sea ports of entry from mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean. Find out if you need a passport to go on a cruise celebrity. Each has different form factors, and purposes for using. Review the travel documents required by royal caribbean to board our ship as a u. Rightno passport needed as i would guess you stopped at a foreign port en route to nyc. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. The department of state is issuing the passport card in response to the needs of border resident. I always use a passport even though a birth certificate or passport card is acceptable to board a caribbean cruise and i always carry my passport ashore. Since a passport book may be required in foreign ports on your itinerary and is mandatory for international flights, we recommend just skipping the passport card and opting for the passport book instead. However, you should be able to use your passport card instead of your book if you arrive on a cruise ship. Government issued photo id, like a drivers license or an identity card. Choosing the best cruise for your family is more complicated than it used to be.

If you want to book a cruise, you should probably pick one of these travel rewards cards not a cruise credit card to maximize your purchase. Mar 18, 2021 the cost of a card versus a book is about half as expensive. A passport card is meant for driving tofrom canada and mexico from the united states and is also for domestic flying. Most notably for cruisers, passport cards are also accepted identification at seaports of entry when returning by ship from destinations in canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda.