Do I need one...?

Question

Im going on a cruise Jan/08...Ive heard I will have to have a passport and then Ive heard I can use my birth certificate..does anyone know for sure?

Answer 1

I would apply for a passport now if you have not already done so. You may not need it now but I'll bet you will in the immediate future.

Answer 2

It depends on where you are going.  They are cracking down on using passports, which can take months, so you need to apply NOW!  You might even pay extra to expedite the process to make sure you can go.  They literally will not let you on the boat if you are supposed to have one and you don't bring it with you.

Answer 3

The US government pushed back the deadline to sometime in Summer, 2008 for requiring passports for travel by boat and land.  Passports are required for travel by air to anywhere outside the US.

Whether you will need one for your cruise depends on which ports are on the itinerary.  A passport has always been required for countries outside the Caribbean (including the Bahamas and Bermuda), Mexico and Canada.  

If the ship is only stopping in the Caribbean, you will be able to board with a certified copy of your birth certificate and a government issued photo ID.  If the ship is going to Panama, or Belize or Roatan, etc. you will need a passport.

Answer 4

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 Security’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 driver’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.

    * SUMMER 2008

      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.

      The implementation date will be determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security to implement the WHTI requirements and the availability of WHTI compliant documents on both sides of the border. DHS and DOS expect the date of full WHTI implementation to be in the summer of 2008. The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice.

Answer 5

yes you will need one for sure.