I am taking a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico for my honeymoon and I was wondering if I will need a passport?

Question

Don't think that I am an idiot for asking this question, but I read somewhere that if you are on a cruize all you need is your birthcertificate. Is this true? I need to know because if I need a passport then I will have to get one soon and pay double the standard amount. Anyone who can help will me greatly appreciated!!!!!

Answer 1

It used to be all you needed was a birth certificate.  But the rules were changed and changed again.. then the deadline was extended...   Best bet - check with your travel agent and the cruise line.

Answer 2

If your cruise is leaving from and return to the US, and is before 1/1/08 then all you will need is your birth certificate and a government issued photo id (drivers lic). If it is after 1/1/08 or starts or end in another county then yes you will need a passport. About a month ago the passport agency was saying it was taking about 6-10 weeks for rush orders and about 4 months for normal request. I hope this helps and congrats on getting married.

Answer 3

It's important to note that TODAY you don't have to have the passport if you're travelling by boat (the requirement comes into effect Jan 2008).  BUT....I'd highly recommend you get it anyway, as it may make your life easier if anything goes wrong.

We actually had a bride last year who did NOT get a passport (against our recommendations) to go to Anguilla, because technically it wasn't required by Anguilla.  Problem is, her original transfer (by ferry from St. Martin) was cancelled due to weather issues, so she had to go to the Dutch side (St. Maarten) where they DID require her to have a passport.  She didn't have it, so she bribed the official at the ferry $250 to get on the boat!  Luckily she didn't end up in jail, just out $250.

Michael

(co-founder, TheBigDay honeymoon travel & registry company....so I kinda know a bit about this stuff :-)

In the source list: Princess Cruises' page regarding the passport requirements, plus an article from one of our Mexico specialists on honeymoon hotspots in Mexico.

Answer 4

yes!!!

Answer 5

When i first started to Cruise you needed a drivers license an your birth certificate.  After the 911 problem they have change the way you travel.  On any cruise travel you have to have a passport, plus a good idea to have a drivers license.  I hear after 2008 you have to have a passport to go to Canada.  With everyone having to have a passport the time to get one takes alot longer, and starting to cost alot more.  So get them as soon as you can, it take awhile or you have to pay more to get it sooner.  Good luck and have fun.

Answer 6

Why didn't you get a passport sooner?  It is the best form of ID anywhere.

You do not need a passport for cruising to Cozumel until January, 2008.

I suggest you and the future wife both get passports.  You never know when you might want to leave the country in a hurry.

Answer 7

No hun you won't need a Passport if you are traveling by sea untill January of 2008  you only need one if you are traveling by Air. Don't worry you are not an idiot for asking I'm sure there are alot of people who are asking the same question. I got this information from the passport web site --

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

Answer 8

not till next year, i went to cozumel for my honeymoon this year and i dont even own a passport. oh and word of advice do not take the unlimited snorkle excursions, do not eat at fat tuesdays, and watch ur wallet/purse in downtown.

Answer 9

You can get on a cruise ship without a passport and with your birth certificate if it's prior to January 2008. After Jan 08 you will need a passport.

Answer 10

I went to Cozumel on a cruise last week, you DO NOT need a passport. Just a certified raised seal birth certificate. And the only time the check it is when you are leaving the U.S .and when you get back into the U.S. At the ports, all you need is your ship ID card that is given to you at the beginning of the cruise(in my case it was Carnival and they call theirs a "sign and sail" card). The cruise lines do suggest that you get a passport, just in case something happens and you have to fly back to the U.S., because you can't fly to the U.S. from another country without a passport anymore.

Edit:Those people below telling you that you need a passport don't know what they are talking about! I just went last week without one.

Answer 11

Not until at least Jan 1 2008.  Cruise travel to the Caribbean does not require a passport yet.  It may be until June 2009 before it is required

Answer 12

Yes.  The requirements have changed. You need a passport anytime you leave US soil now.  Even for cruises

Answer 13

Depending on your cruise line, you shouldn't need one.  We took a Royal Caribbean cruise a 3 years ago, with Cozumel as one of the ports of call, and we did not need to get passports.  Yes, you do need a birth certificate, and definitely another form of identification (such as a driver's liscence) but I believe that was only for boarding the cruise ship.  Check with your cruise line to be on the safe side.  Have fun!

Answer 14

Legally you don't have to have a passport to go on a cruise.  That said, yuou should take one.  If you get left in port (miss boarding the ship) you will NOT be able to return to the USA without a passport

Answer 15

This requirement may become effective as early as January 1, 2008.

the key word is may, this date has been moved or change, i lost count how many times, so just keep an eye out at the dates and it would not be a bad idea to get one anyway

Answer 16

*  Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

    * As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.