Do we need passports to go into Cozumel or will birth certificates be enough?

Question

the cruise representative says that the new passports take effect 6/1/08 we will be going on cruise in March

Answer 1

Took effect this month. get your passport now

Answer 2

NO,  you will not need a passport to get off of the ship in Cozumel or any other port in the Caribbean.  The cruise ship will issue you a card, depending on the cruise line called a Sea Pass, or Cruise Card, that is your pass to get on and off of the ship.  When you get to Cozumel and other ports the officials of that country do not ask to see ID (they know you are coming from the ship).  BUT, when its time to return to the ship the port officials will want to see your cruise card and a photo ID like a driver's license.  Then when you get to your ship the ship's security will check your ID again.

Now when your cruise is over and you re-enter the US you will need proper ID that means a passport or a photo ID and birth certificate.  But, be aware that the rules will change sometime this year; no firm date announced yet, which will require a passport for everyone reentering the US.  The Department of Homeland Security has created a mess with its indecision on the firm effective date and thus there is a lot of misunderstanding and mis-information about passport requirements.  Many cruise lines have been urging that all passengers just get a passport.

Since your cruise is in March you do have time to get a passport.  You can get the application right online; the passport will cost $97 and is good for 10 years.  Now that the passport office's backlog has been eliminated you can pay for and request expedited service.  All of the application processes are explained on the Passport Office's web site.

Answer 3

You can never go wrong by having a passport.  You have plenty of time to get one, and then you don't need to worry about timelines

Answer 4

They still may push back the date that passports are required to 2009.You don't have to have one but if you have to cancel for that reason you won't get your money back so you should really start the process now,it's not difficult to do,go on the website,fill out the paperwork,print it outget your passport photo made and take it to the post office with your fees and that's it !!!

Answer 5

The passport requirement for cruisers does not go into effect till the summer. However, you are better off with a passport.  For example, if you have a problem on the ship and they need to airlift you back to the US, you will not be able to do this since you need a passport to fly back into the US. You have more than enough time to get a passport between now and March. Click on the link to see a perfect example of what could happen at sea:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22313480/

Answer 6

Your travel agent should have been  able to answer that question.  If you plan to travel outside of the US in the future beside your current planned trip you will need a passport.  Get one now.  It saves the hassle of whether a birth certificate is no longer accepted.  Cozumel is a fun place to play.

Answer 7

It took effect on January 1st 2008.  You will need a passport.

Answer 8

there are no passport req for domestic crz at this time. they have pushed the date back to summer 08

Answer 9

The requirement for passports for SEA travel has NO SET DATE yet...it will be sometime after next summer.  Some cruise lines like their passengers to have passports, but as far as the law is concerned...NO, you will not need passports for your trip.  See site below and read top half of page carefully for current info...and show it to your travel agent...as she has incorrect info.  This site was just updated 5 days ago.