Basic passports for traveling to the bahamas usa today. Passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of the u. Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. Aug 22, 2012 please note that the passport card can only be used if you are traveling to the bahamas by seaits no good for air travel. The documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise and is the responsibility of the. And after he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. After he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just a passport card, he booked their tropical vacation. Would like opinions on the difference and if we should go with the passport card.
A passport card also could be useful for alaska cruises, as long as all border crossings into canada are done by land or sea. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. State department offers an alternative to using a passport to travel between the u. The requirements for both are the same and there is one application form for both. From the minute you board all you need to do is go to your muster station and then only ponder where and when youll have your next feast, and you can appreciate. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. The passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. A passport card can only be used for land or sea travel. Feb 14, 2020 the passport book is more expensive, but meets more of the cruise passport requirements for a larger set of destinations and circumstances, including air travel in case of an emergency. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. 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. The passport card is good for land border crossing between the us, canada, and mexico and sea cruise border crossings in. Please note that the passport card can only be used if you are traveling to the bahamas by seaits no good for air travel. What is a passport card, and what should you know when youre.
Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to the bahamas. Passport requirements for visiting popular countries. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and is only valid in canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean. The passport card has the same validity as the passport book. Passport and travel documentation disney cruise line. Passport requirement change impacting carnival pride cruise passengers. Passport requirement change impacting cruise passengers. I suggest you get the card since you are going on a cruise. It is my understanding that it is better to have them in case of emergency. Passport book vs passport card i f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place.
The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. There was a recent change to the passport requirement for martinique in the southern caribbean. Bahamas cruise wedding is a unique and different for starting a life. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. Daniel sellers decided to surprise his wife with a princess cruise to the caribbean. As it turned out, he was the one in for the unpleasant surprise.
Guests may also sail with their official birth certificate and a supporting government issued photo id, like a driver. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. Can you use the passport card for travel to the bahamas. Can a passport card be used for travel to the bahamas from. Can we use the card or does it need to be the passport book. Proof of citizenship see below and governmentissued photo id.
Apr 26, 2018 bahamas cruise wedding is a unique and different for starting a life. 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. Cruises using a us passport card on a cruise anyone know for sure if a passport card may be used for a cruise. When traveling to the bahamas by sea, including on a private vessel or ferry such as a cruise line, americans of all ages must hold a valid passport book or passport card. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Passport book that is valid at least 6 months after your cruise. Acceptable proof of citizenship includes an original or certified. The passport card can be used only to reenter the u.
Passport requirements for cruises passports and visas. Us citizens on closedloop cruises cruises that begin and end in the same u. Required travel document and information for cruise vacations. When i went on cruises to the bahamas a lot, we didnt even need passports. Governmentissued photo id plus proof of citizenship birth certificate, consular report of. 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 passport card is only valid for travel to canada and the bahamas. The passport card is good for land border crossing between the us, canada, and mexico and sea cruise border crossings in the caribbean and bermuda.
Although many caribbean cruise destinations allow us citizens to enter using a passport card, most cruise lines require that passengers have a passport book in case of an emergency that would require flying you back home. Canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at a land border crossing or sea. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. Canadian citizens carnival requires guests to provide proper travel documentation in order to travel. Mar 18, 2020 the passport card, meanwhile, is both less expensive and less flexible. 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. Closedloop cruises are the primary exceptions to the rule that those arriving in the u. What travel documents do i need to board a royal caribbean cruise ship. Passport book vs passport card first time cruisers. During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin safe. I believe getting the passport card is the same price as getting a passport book renewal. What is the difference between a passport book and a passport. It will not work as it doesnt show when youve entered the country. A passport card is less expensive and is the size of a drivers license, thus some frequent cruisers prefer it.
As long as you book a closed loop cruise, you can travel to certain destinations without a passport. The card is billed as a cheaper, smaller and more convenient alternative to carrying a passport when traveling to these destinations by land or sea. I want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october. This case is an unfortunate example of what can go wrong if you decide to cruise with just a passport card. Border countries are canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via. You cannot use a passport card on cruises from international homeports. But the passport card is only valid within the western hemisphere initiative which includes the u. The card is billed as a cheaper, smaller and more convenient alternative to carrying a passport. You can travel internationally via air, sea or land with the use of a passport book. But if you have the money to spare or anticipate traveling more frequently and internationally, a passport book is always the best choice.
Roundtrip cruises fromto dover and oneway cruises from barcelona to dover, copenhagen to dover, dover to copenhagen original valid passport these cruises call at ports in europe, the united kingdom andor russia, and based on your nationality, you may be required to obtain multipleentry visas for europe schengen visa and also the united. Passport card vs passport book sep 16 cruise forum. Places to cruise without a passport carnival cruise line. Proof of social security number ss card, a w2, or a pay stub with full ssn. The 4 kids need their passports renewed before our fall cruise. Find out if you need a passport to go on a cruise celebrity cruises. Regarding royal caribbean cruises to destinations in mexico, canada, the caribbean, the bahamas and bermuda, there is a notable exception to this. Aug 24, 2017 fees vary based on age, the speed of service you request and whether you already have a passport. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. Youll often find the bahamas listed in categories like top destination weddings, spring break, honeymoons, family vacations, and cruises. Using a us passport card on a cruise flyertalk forums.
The card is designed for people who regularly drive across borders. As others have indicated, the panama canal cruises go outside the boundaries of the western hemisphere travel initiative. Our cruise leaves long beach, ca and heading for ensenada mexico then back to long beach. We hope this helped you to consider your options about a passport vs. 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. Everyone who cruises should have a real passport book. A name change document, like a marriage certificate, may also be required.
We fly from maryland to florida where we board our ship and sail to the bahamas. Disney has mexican cruise itineraries departing from california and florida. Although princess cruises strongly recommends passengers travel with a passport, its terms and conditions clarify that it is possible to cruise with just a passport card with considerations. If you plan to travel by air, you must obtain a passport book. Wouldnt be so bad if child passports lasted 10 years like the adult passport, but renewing them every 5 yea. Residency document rental or lease agreement, mortgage or utility bill, etc. Get more information about cruise line passport requirements online or from visiting. Because international cruises in europe and asia require air travel, these vacations also demand a passport. May 05, 2015 but the passport card is only valid within the western hemisphere initiative which includes the u. For cruises to mexico that begin and end at the same us port, you can use. Royal caribbean cruises passport requirements for cruises. Can you travel to bahamas with passport card answers. Fees vary based on age, the speed of service you request and whether you already have a passport. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel.
To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you would like to apply for both products. Jan 02, 2020 it will not work as it doesnt show when youve entered the country. As others have said, the card is useless if you need an emergency flight. For international sailings nonus citizens will require a passport book with a minimum of 6 months validity post the return of your sailing and the supporting visa for entry and exit from the country, if applicable. Royal caribbean cruises passport requirements for cruises passports are required for all travelers, including citizens of u. Passport book vs passport card norwegian cruise line. Passport requirements for cruises know before you go. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via cruise. You can also apply for both a passport card and book if you need both. Passport requirements for us citizens for popular types of cruises cruising is an incredible getaway. Official birth certificate and a supporting government issued photo id, like a. What are the visa requirements for a bahamas cruise. Four days later, we sail from the bahamas back to florida and then fly from florida to maryland. Every year the bahamas is ranked as one of the best travel destinations.
As others have indicated, the panama canal cruises go outside the boundaries of. Our guide will show you the uses and advantages of each document, and will help you figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both. The passport book is more expensive, but meets more of the cruise passport requirements for a larger set of destinations and circumstances, including air travel in case of an emergency. Passport book allows you to travel by land, sea and air. Passport book vs passport card cruise critic community. The passport card can be used for entering the united states at land border crossings and sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Your us passport book must be valid for the full duration of your cruise. Passport requirements cruise to the edge march 27 april. From the minute you board all you need to do is go to your muster station and then only ponder where and when youll have your next feast, and you can appreciate evening excitement just strides far from your room. Nassau, bahamas if you are cruising to the bahamas from the u. We are traveling with a 4 and 2yearold on a disney cruise. It is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of.
Do you need a passport to visit the bahamas as us citizen. A passport card can be used for land and sea border crossings between the u. Exceptions there are, however, a few exceptions to the above rules. Governmentissued photo id plus proof of citizenship birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad or a certificate of naturalization.
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