Do you have to?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

It 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

You don't need a "passport book" (which allows you to enter any country), you only need a "passport card" ( which restricts your entery to a few select countries, such as Mexico and Canda).

chelsea_dawn_22

yes, we are going next month & i have been talking with the cruise line for quite a while now and YES YES YES you absolutly HAVE TO HAVE A PASSPORT!!

Good news is that the government is not as backed up as they were on getting passports out so you wont have to wait as ling as most peolpe will tell you. We got our 3 months early in case everyone was right about the time it would take to get them back in the mail but we actually got them back in just about 3 weeks.

Have fun!

prettygirly0412

(Note: I'm assuming you are a US citizen)

At some point you will need to have a passport, and it wouldn't hurt to get one now. For now, it depends on when you are traveling (if the passport rule goes into effect before then) and what port you are leaving from and how you are getting there. If you are flying to Mexico to leave on a cruise to go to various ports....yes, you need a passport (for the air travel). If you are driving to Mexico, then no, you shouldn't need one. If you are leaving from Florida for a Mexico cruise, you currently do not need a passport.

Hope this helps....and really, I'd go ahead and get the passport, regardless. Chances are there will be many more times that you will need it. I also posted Carnival's requirement link, as well. They have a great point in recommending it...just in case you miss the embarkation or find a need to debark at a port for whatever reason (avoid delays or complications). Also a passport will speed up the customs process.

Here's what the US Department of State has to say (link to this and more info below in source):

AIR TRAVEL

Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air 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.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Securityâ€™s website.

JANUARY 31, 2008
U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driverâ€™s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time.

LATER
At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.

Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.

minno

The passport laws are changing. It's not that you need a passport to go to Mexico, but you do need a passport to return to the US.

shhhhhhhhhhhimhiding

Not at the current time. You may eventually have to, but as of now you do not

Charlie

No, No, No...the law requiring passports forLAND and SEA travel to and from MEXICO is not in effect yet and has NO set date. You can use your photo I.D. and birth certificte. Now, SOME cruise lines want passengers to have passports, so it is wise to CALL them and ask their policy. See site below and read top half of page for current info and check this page from time to time for new announcements...this is where they come out first.

kapn

yes

Michael C

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

myraxellenxamos

yes

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