Passport Regulations For A Cruise Have Changed

Written By: Larry Buhrandt

daytodaytravel@gmail.com

In the hard times we are living in today, taking a cruise has become a very affordable way for a couple or a family to still be able to enjoy a vacation. Due to the growing popularity of a cruise, more people are questioning the travel requirements needed for U.S. Citizens. Did you know that a passport is no longer always a requirement went getting onboard a cruise ship?

On June 1, 2009, leniency has been allowed for U.S. Citizens taking a “closed-loop” cruise, where a U.S. passport will not be required to set sail. A “closed-loop” cruise is defined as a sailing that originates and terminates in the same U.S. port. And this is fairly common.

Now even though a passport is not required for these “closed-loop” cruises, you will still need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver's license. If you are traveling with children, they will also be required to carry a birth certificate and a photo ID if they are 15 or older.

However, if your cruise is scheduled to begin and end in different U.S. ports, or if it will begin and end in a foreign port, a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. And always a valid passport is needed if you are cruising on any of the European cruises.

This new ruling will be great for a couple or a family taking a last minute cruise, and will not have the time to get a passport processed in time. But understand that it is still highly recommended to cruise with a passport if possible. Because if for any reason you need to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port when missing your scheduled embarkation, or if you need to fly back to the U.S. midway through your cruise due to an emergency, this would not be possible without a valid passport.

Don’t misunderstand the leniency of the passport requirement with proof of citizenship. All people going on any cruise will still be required to show proof of citizenship in order to take a cruise. If you can’t present a valid document at check in, you will be denied boarding and no refund will be able to be issued.

Investing in a U.S. passport is necessary, and certainly a wise investment for anyone wanting to see the world. And TraVerus Travel is a great place to book your next vacation. But it is also good to know that a person can still get away for a weekend cruise, or even longer without one. Just be sure your cruise qualifies for the exception to the new ruling.

To get more information you can contact Travel Agent Larry Buhrandt at 615-824-9772, or to obtain a passport application, you can also visit www.travel.state.gov