Can you go on a cruise without a passport?

Question

my mother and i are considering going on a cruise during my spring break from school which will be the first week in april. my mother is from south africa, she moved here when she was younger and has yet to become an american citizen. she is a legal resident, but she doesn't have a passport. i know that as of jan. 1st you have to ahve a passport. my mother has applied for one, but she just got a letter saying that it could take up to 365 more days before she can get it. so would there be any way possible that we could still go on a cruise? preferrably to the caribbean, bahamas, or mexico.

Answer 1

You dont need a passport as a US citizen yet.  However, these rules are subject to change at any time, so I would advice you to get a passport right away.

As a foreign national, your mother will need to have a passport and her Green Card to return to the US.  The only other option for her would be to get a "white card".  This is a temporary re-entry permit issued by the state department.

Please call them once you decide on your trip to confirm that they will still accept this document for her return.

Answer 2

I just returned from a western caribbean cruise which included a stop in Central America and Mexico and was required to have a passport.

Answer 3

You only need a passport if you are leaving US waters. The cruise line pages have itineraries and current passposrt information on them. So does passport.gov

Have fun!

Answer 4

passports are required for all passengers but if it has been applied for, there might be something a travel agent can do to help.  Your best bet would be to call a travel agent and ask them.

Answer 5

No, you don't need one. I am also going on a cruise soon. I have one but my brother does not. I read that it is highly recommended but not necessary. You could just use your birth certificate.

Answer 6

You need to contact the cruise company, explain the situation and see what they descide and get it on paper. Also be sure to contact ambassys of any countryes you want to visit and ask the same question. Be sure to bring a id card or something that shows your mothers legal status with you. Dont go if it is not ok. A year goes fast after all. I also think its easier with cruise destination that doesnt goes to other countries and only has us port of call. But always check with the cruise company and never, never lie. Johan

Answer 7

hey i booked a cruise for feb to mexico belize honduras etc...and we didn't need our passports....they told me since we're not stayin in one port for more than 24 hrs....but call the cruiseline....we're goin on carnival and this was the first cruise i planned so i asked a million questions....they were super helpful!!! HAppy cruising

Answer 8

I would think that if you're not leaving the US. like between FL and PR or a "cruise to nowhere" You need to contact any travel agent or cruise line. Also any courthouse. They could tell you for sure. If you're planning to go on cruises in the future, I'd be getting a passport no matter what. The sooner you apply, the better. It takes time. Also, you can pay extra to have your passport application expedited.

Answer 9

Also, if you are a minor, your mother would need a notarized letter from your father saying that it is OK to take you out of the country, unless there is a circumstance that fits an exception.  Be sure and check on this.

Does your mother have a passport from South Africa?  If so, I would think that would be sufficient.  Check the State Department website for whether you need a passport, as the rules are in flux.

Answer 10

Yes, my daughter went to Cozumel and did not have to get a pass port.

Answer 11

hello,

if you want read something about  cruises

i just come accross this blog which may help you

http://travel-insurance-cheap.blogspot.c...

http://cheaphotels-in-san-francisco.blog...

http://disney-cruise-ship.blogspot.com

http://cruises-carribean.blogspot.com

Answer 12

American citizens do NOT neesd passports for cruises to the Caribbean region.  The date for that requirement has not been set...and MANT people do not seem aware of the CURRENT info.  See site below to read the top half of the page ccarefully.  Some cruise lines want their passengers to have passports even tho the law does not yet require it, so it is wise to call and ask their policy.  As  permanent resident of the U.S., your mother is responsible to keep a current passport from her home country at all times.  If she does not have one, she can go to the nearest embasy or consulate of South Africa in the U.S. to apply...she does not have to write to South Africa to get it.  I cannot imagine why South Africa would say it will take a YEAR to get a passport...that sounds very odd.  She definetly must have a passport. the exceptions for needing passports for Caribbean travel is only for citizens of countries in North America, as you will see at the 1st website.  See 2nd website for South African passport info...holy cow, it does say to plan on 6 months to get a passport...and Americans complain about how long it took here last summer during the grand rush!  Looks like you will not be going on that cruise soon.  Since it will be so long before she can get a passport, you better go ahead and get your American passport, as the law may well be in effect by then.  See 3rd site for all passport application info.

Answer 13

You wont even get on the ship.

Passports are will be mandatory 1-31-08

They may have rolled the date back, you can check with your cruise line for thier requirments.

Your invited to Join the best cruise group on yahoo..

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruiseaddi...

Answer 14

yes. enjoy your new life in mexico.

Answer 15

I was told starting in 2007 you needed a passport. I went on one in 2006 and did not need one but, I think you need one now.