Do I need a passport to go on a cruise to Jamaica?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

t really depends on when you are going and also on what cruise line. Right now you will be OK with the birth certificate and photo ID. The rules will change sometime in the next 4 months; the Federal Agencies responsible for the policy have only said thus far, "some time as early as mid-summer" a passport will be required of all persons entering the US. So if your cruise will happen and be completed before the end of June or July you will for sure be OK. But if its much later in the year after the summer months, like October or November, you will likely be required to have a passport, depending upon when the Federal Government issues the new final rules.

Also, many cruise lines are strongly urging that all passengers have a passport just in case of emergency. For example, if you get sick, or if the ship has a problem and you have to fly back home, you'll need a passport to reenter the US at the airport.

It takes 4 to 6 weeks normal processing to get a passport through the mail. So if your cruise is close to the cutoff date you should definitely get a passport. (if you are going next month don't worry about it). If you live in one of the cities that has a regional passport office you can get it in 14 days by making an appointment and bringing in your $97, application, birth certificate and other documents to the regional center.

http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/abo...

check the web site to see what's close to you.

Grace777

Most cruise-liners require a passport but there are a few that don't. I would get one "just in case". Most countries also require a passport to enter and leave their terriritories.

It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to process an application for a passport and will cost about $100. To have your application processed in 2-3 weeks, the fee increases by about $60. You can apply for a passport at your local post office or county courthouse.

The passport requirements are changing. Right now, you can do it with just a US birth certificate and a driver's license. But soon -- the State Department hasn't said when, but the cruise lines are guessing maybe the end of the summer -- you WILL need a passport.

Just to be extra-complicated, the US is now offering both a "passport book" and a "passport card". The "book" is a traditional passport, and costs $100. The "card" is only valid for neighboring countries (including sea travel to Jamaica) but costs just $45.

You can get a detailed explanation -- but in a clearer way than the State Department's site -- plus links to each of the relevant government agencies, here:
http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/know_before_you_go/do_i_need_a_passport

Happy travels!

Charlie

No, No, No...passports are not yet needed for cruises to Caribbean nations. That law has NO set date for going into effect, but will be later than next summer. See site below and read top half of page carefully for CURRENT info...and check this page off and on as new announcements are put there first. You can use a photo I.D. and birth certificate. Now, SOME cruise lines want passengers t ohave passports...so wise to Call them and ASK their policy. See 2nd site for passport application info if you need it.

Most cruise ships heading for Jamaica travel at night, arriving the next morning at the day's port of call, either Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. Regardless of the entry requirements, always be safe and bring a passport when you're going to any foreign country.

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months for touristic purposes.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required unless passport endorsed British Overseas Territories Citizen.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens require a passport. A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, is also accepted if the reason for travel is tourism. No visa is required.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens require a valid passport, but a visa is not required.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must hold a valid passport. No visa is required for tourist purposes.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days or 30 days, provided the purpose of travel is tourism or business respectively.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay, as well as an onward or return ticket to country of permanent residence and documents required for next destination. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

prncessstef

Yes, as of this year (summer)all passengers need a passport.

LAND/SEA: Jan. 1, 2008 passport requirement postponed until summer 2008. However, until then we read that 2 official types of ID may be required rather than just a verbal declaration, but we have not been able to confirm this.

Amanda

Hmm... I thought that this law went into effect January 8, 2008. I even cancelled a cruise for this past January since I had not received my passport yet.

I know that on Royal Caribbean Cruises you can use your birth certificate and state issued photo ID (i.e. Drivers license) to board the ship, and get back through customs when coming back to the states. When I went on my last cruise during last summer, I did that, and it took a bit longer than for everyone I was with since they had passports already. I would def say check specifically with your cruise line, and if you have time, get a passport to make it easier.

Master and Commander

yes.
you may need it to enter Jamaica and you'll need it to re-enter the US. The cruise ship probably won't let you board without it.

Kingscross

I just booked a cruise on Carnival for March and I was informed that I would not need a passport until Jan of 2009 because of that new Real ID law they are trying to pass.

mutti

most def....sry..

minno

There are new passport laws that require a passport to re-enter the United States. Most cruise ships issue an ID card so you don't have to carry all your important documentation to your on-shore excursions. Try looking at your cruiselines web site for documentation information. Carnival Cruiseline is very detailed to include a link to the US Gov passport site.

kapn

Yes

Michael C

Yes you do. As of 2008, you need a passport for all cruises leaving the USA.

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