travel with birth certificate instead of passport

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Match Names on Tickets and Documents

Purchase your travel tickets in the exact same name that appears on your passport or official ID. Ensure that all travel documents match that name precisely.

If the names don't match, your travel carrier or the Transportation Security Administration may require additional documents to verify your identity before allowing you to board.

Each Country is Different

Learn the required travel documents for each country you will visit. Find out about specific travel warnings, U.S. import restrictions, and other rules that apply to the countries on your itinerary by visiting www.state.gov/travelers .

Find the latest on making your return to the United States problem free - go to www.cbp.gov/travel .

Documents You Will Need

Carry - do not pack - all travel documents.

All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.
Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending.
A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit.
Receipts or registration ( CBP Form 4457 ) for new electronics, such as a camera or laptop, that you are taking abroad. (Only suggested if the goods are less than six months old.)
Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs traveling abroad. Check the requirements for other pets at www.aphis.usda.gov .
Valid license for driving overseas and for use as a second form of photo ID.
Permits and/or certificates if bringing restricted animal or plant products - go to www.aphis.usda.gov .
Medications in their original packages. Bring only the amount of medication you will need. Prescription medications have to be under the traveler's name.
Envelope to hold the receipts of your purchases abroad.

Traveling with Children

When U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 arrive by land or sea from Canada or Mexico they may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.

Groups of Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 19 arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization or sports team, may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. The group should have a letter on organizational letterhead with:

The name of the group and supervising adult(s).
The names of the children on the trip and their primary address, phone number, date and place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child.
A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has parental or legal guardian consent for each child.

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Travel With Birth Certificate Instead Of Passport

When traveling, some people choose to bring their passport while others choose to bring their birth certificate. Which is the better document to bring when traveling?

There are pros and cons to bringing each document when traveling. Passports are typically seen as more credible documents than birth certificates, as they are issued by governments and include detailed information about the holder. However, birth certificates are not as easily lost or stolen as passports, and they can be used to prove citizenship in some cases.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to bring a passport or a birth certificate when traveling depends on the specific situation. If the traveler is worried about losing or having their passport stolen, then they should bring their birth certificate instead. If the traveler needs to prove their citizenship in order to access certain benefits or services while travelling, then they should bring their passport.

1 What documents can I use instead of a passport?
2 Can US citizens travel without a passport?
3 Can I use travel document instead of passport?
4 Can I enter U.S. with birth certificate?
5 Can you cross U.S. border without passport?
6 Can I travel with my birth certificate in the US?
7 Can I re enter the US with my birth certificate?

What documents can I use instead of a passport?

There are many different types of documents that can be used as an alternative to a passport. For example, a driver’s license or a state-issued ID card can be used to prove your identity. If you are traveling within the United States, a birth certificate can also be used as proof of identity. If you are traveling internationally, a visa or a resident card can be used as proof of identity.

Can US citizens travel without a passport?

Yes, US citizens can travel without a passport. However, there are a few restrictions that apply.

For travel within the US, a passport is not required. However, if you are traveling by air, a passport or other approved document is required. For example, a US driver’s license and birth certificate may be acceptable for travel by air within the US.

For travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, a passport is not required if the stay is 90 days or less. However, a passport is recommended, as the rules for entry and exit may change.

For travel to other countries, a passport is always required.

Can I use travel document instead of passport?

The answer to this question is a resounding “yes”! A travel document is a valid form of identification for international travel, and can be used in lieu of a passport. There are a few things to keep in mind when traveling with a travel document, however.

First, not all countries accept travel documents as valid identification. Be sure to research the entry requirements of the countries you’ll be visiting before you depart.

Second, travel documents are not generally accepted as proof of citizenship. If you need to prove your citizenship to enter a country, you’ll likely need to present your passport.

Last, travel documents are not always accepted as proof of identity. Again, be sure to check the entry requirements of the countries you’ll be visiting to see if a travel document is accepted as proof of identity.

If you’re traveling with a travel document, be sure to have a copy of your birth certificate or other form of identification with you as well. This will ensure that you have everything you need to enter the countries you’re visiting.

Can I enter U.S. with birth certificate?

Can I enter the United States with my birth certificate?

Yes, you can enter the United States with a copy of your birth certificate, but there are a few things you should know.

First, you will need to present your birth certificate to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when you arrive in the United States.

Second, your birth certificate must be an original or a certified copy. A certified copy is a copy of your birth certificate that has been certified by the issuing authority.

Third, your birth certificate must be valid.

Fourth, you may be asked to provide other documentation, such as a passport or visa.

If you have any questions, please contact the CBP.

Can you cross U.S. border without passport?

Yes, you can cross the United States border without a passport, but there are a few things you need to know first.

To cross the border without a passport, you will need to have either a valid passport card or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). Both of these documents allow you to cross the border by land, sea, or air, but an EDL also allows you to enter certain secure areas in the United States.

If you do not have a passport card or an EDL, you will need to show a valid passport to cross the border. In addition, you may also need a visa to enter the United States.

It is important to note that crossing the border without a passport is not always allowed. For example, you may not be able to cross the border if you are a foreign national and do not have the appropriate visa.

Can I travel with my birth certificate in the US?

Yes, you can travel with your birth certificate in the US. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Your birth certificate is an acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel within the US. However, it is not valid for international travel.

If you are a US citizen, your birth certificate is also a valid form of identification for entry into Canada or Mexico. However, it is not valid for entry into other countries.

If you lose your birth certificate, you can obtain a copy from the state or local government where you were born.

Can I re enter the US with my birth certificate?

Can I reenter the US with my birth certificate?

Yes, you can reenter the US with your birth certificate as long as it is not expired. Your birth certificate must also be original or certified copy issued by the government.

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Do You Need a Birth Certificate to Get a Passport?

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Applying for a U.S. passport can be stressful. It takes time to gather documents, complete the paperwork and wait for the passport book to arrive. The processing times are longer than ever , so you will want to start early or use the services of a passport expeditor agency.

When you apply for a passport, you'll need an original, state-issued birth certificate with a raised seal (certified copies will include this) or a naturalization document. If you already have a valid passport and just need to renew it, you will need that, too.

But, what if you cannot locate a birth certificate? You're not completely out of luck, but you will need to do a little digging to find more information to supply with your application. The U.S. government will want to confirm proof of citizenship, but there are alternative documents beyond a birth certificate that you can use during the application process that will suffice.

» Learn more: How to get your first passport

What do you need to prove U.S. citizenship?

There are several ways to prove American citizenship when trying to apply for a passport. If you have any of the below, they can be submitted with a passport application.

Current U.S. passport (not an expired passport).

Consular Report of Birth Abroad (if born overseas).

Certificate of Naturalization.

Certificate of Citizenship.

What if you do not have any of these, either? It turns out that there are “alternatives to the alternatives” you can use when applying for a passport book.

» Learn more: 4 times when you should renew your passport

Can you get a passport without a birth certificate?

Yes, but you’ll need additional secondary evidence of citizenship documents to prove that you are indeed a U.S. citizen. There is specific paperwork that you need. Remember you cannot use a Social Security Card, driver’s license or voter registration card. Instead, there are other public records that you will need to collect, and this may require some time and research on your part, so don't wait until the last minute.

» Learn more: Need a passport for a trip? Give yourself a big time cushion

What can I use instead of a birth certificate for passport applications?

Before you start looking for alternative documents, see if your birth state is one that offers the option of getting a certified copy of your birth certificate for a fee. If you can get one, it will be much easier than searching for the secondary proof of citizenship paperwork.

It may be wise to contact the hospital where you were born or your state's vital records office to locate vital documents. Many states offer online options to request such information. A certified copy of your birth certificate is valid for a passport application.

If you do not have your original birth certificate or a certified copy, there are several documents that can help prove your identity during the passport application process. These are typically public record documents that prove where someone lives or has lived. They include:

Baptismal certificate.

Hospital birth certificate (even without a raised seal).

Delayed birth certificate (filed more than one year after birth).

Census record.

Early school record.

Family Bible record.

Doctor’s record of postnatal care.

All of these documents must accompany one of the below documents and cannot be used on their own when applying for a new passport.

You will also need one of the following:

State-issued Letter of No Record (name, birthday, years spent searching for birth certificate and confirmation that it was not found).

Notarized Form DS-10 : Birth Affidavit (completed by an older blood relative, physician or someone with personal knowledge of applicant’s U.S. birth and submitted unsigned and in person to a passport agent, acceptance facility or Notary Public).

Do I need my birth certificate to get a passport if born overseas to American parents?

For U.S. citizens who are overseas when their child is born, there are different documents required to apply for a passport. Ideally, you would have the Consular Report of Birth Abroad or birth certificate. If you cannot locate that document, you can request a file search for a fee of $150 to see if it can be found. If not, you will need to supply all of these documents:

Foreign birth certificate listing the parent and translated into English.

Evidence of parent’s U.S. citizenship.

Marriage certificate of parents (if applicable).

Detailed statement from a U.S. citizen parent with times and places of residence both at home and abroad before birth.

Bottom line

Yes, you can get a passport without a birth certificate, but you will need to follow detailed steps to gather the right documentation. Before you do that, try to get the birth certificate from the hospital or the vital records department for your state. It takes long enough to apply for a passport as it is. Saving time, especially if you need a passport for upcoming travel , will help the application to be processed as fast as possible so you can be on your way with a U.S. passport in hand.

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10 Questions and Answers to Using a Birth Certificate to Cruise

Can I use a birth certificate to cruise? Do I have to get a passport?

Frankly, the rules around the documents you need to set sail can get confusing. We are here to lay them all out in plain English.

First things first, if you are leaving the United States on a cruise, be prepared. Traveling abroad means you need some sort of identification — not only for getting into a foreign country, but also for getting back into the United States. These documents aren’t just to tell who you are, it’s also to prove your citizenship.

For many people, this identification is a passport. Getting a passport is by far the simplest way to have the needed citizenship identification to travel to and from the United States . That’s why we recommend everyone cruise with one (as do Customs and Border Patrol agents we’ve spoken with) .

However, if you are on a tight schedule, a passport may not be feasible. Routine processing for a new passport is currently 6-8 weeks . If you pay to expedite the process, it can be 2-3 weeks.

Then there is the expense. A first-time passport holder can expect to spend a minimum of $165 to get a passport. The costs can rise when you include photos and expediting the process should you need a new passport quickly.

The good news? You don’t have to hold a passport to go on most cruises from the United States if you’re an American citizen. Instead, your birth certificate and government-issued identification is all that’s needed.

Closed-Loop Cruises Usually Don’t Require Passports

Most cruises operate as “closed-loop” cruises . Put simply, closed-loop cruises are those that begin and end at the same port. So if your trip departs Miami, sails the Caribbean (including stopping at a foreign port) and returns to Miami at the end of the trip, it’s considered a closed loop.

With closed-loop cruises that head to The Bahamas and Caribbean, you aren’t usually required to have a passport to return to the United States. Instead, you can return with just a birth certificate and a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license. (Just to be sure, it’s a good idea to confirm your trip is suitable for a birth certificate with your cruise line well in advance.)

If, however, your cruise doesn’t begin and end at the same port (e.g. sails from New York, stops at a foreign port, and then ends in Miami), then you’ll have to use a passport.

While it might seem simple at first blush, there are actually some good questions that come up when talking about using your birth certificate for a cruise.

For example, does the document have to be notarized ? Or can you use a copy of your birth certificate instead of the original ?

We answer these questions and more below…

What Do I Need To Cruise If I Don’t Have A Passport?

As mentioned above, U.S. citizens taking a closed loop-cruise can usually travel using a birth certificate and a non-expired government-issued ID with photo, name, and date of birth (if 16 years old or older). This is usually a driver’s license or government-issued ID card.

There are some exceptions, however.

You might have heard about Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) . This is a special type of driver’s license that has a proof of citizenship component. Currently it’s only available from a handful of states (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington).

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, if you have one of these, it can act as your proof of citizenship/ID for a cruise, and you don’t need your birth certificate.

Keep in mind that the Enhanced Driver’s License is different from a REAL ID that all states are switching to due to federal rules. Driver’s licenses that comply with REAL ID rules can’t be used for proof of citizenship.

If you aren’t sure if you have an Enhanced Driver’s License or a REAL ID, then just pack your birth certificate to be safe.

Does My Birth Certificate Have To Be An Original?

No. The birth certificate can be an original or an official copy. However, for copies we would recommend you have a copy issued by the local health and vital statistics department. In other words, you don’t want to just make a photocopy of your actual birth certificate and use that to board the cruise (although some lines do allow that).

If you no longer have your birth certificate, you can get in touch with the city or county you were born to get a certified official copy to use on your cruise. There’s usually a small fee and waiting period, but it’s faster than getting a passport.

Does My Birth Certificate Have To Be Notarized Or Certified To Cruise?

It depends on the cruise line . For instance, Carnival states that a copy of the birth certificate doesn’t need to be notarized or certified while Royal Caribbean says that “it must be a state-certified birth certificate issued by the government.”

For cruising purposes, we recommend your birth certificate be a notarized copy with some sort of official seal . This can help ensure there are no issues getting back into the country.

If your birth certificate looks like something that a person could make at a local copy shop, then it could raise questions on its validity.

Will The Hospital Birth Certificate Work For A Cruise?

No. The birth certificate must be one issued by a local or state government. If you have a hospital birth certificate (so-called “baby feet” certificate), it will not work. Remember — you want something that’s officially issued by the city, county, or state as this will be used to prove your citizenship.

What If My Name Has Changed From My Birth Certificate?

If you’ve had a name change (for example, you changed your name once married) to where it doesn’t match your birth certificate, then you will need to also bring along some proof of the name change.

This can be a marriage license (again, the original or a notarized copy is best) or if you’ve had a name change unrelated to marriage, your documents that prove the change. Carnival says plainly on their website “failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.”

What If I Don’t Know Where My Birth Certificate Is?

Lost your birth certificate? Don’t worry, it’s common. You can contact the city or county of your birth and follow procedures to get a new one. There’s usually a small fee, but it’s considerably cheaper and faster than getting a passport.

What we actually suggest if you have the time and money, is to get your birth certificate and then turn around and use that to get your passport. That way you’ll have the passport for your upcoming cruise.

Do I Need Identification In Addition To The Birth Certificate?

Yes, as mentioned above, you must have a government-issued ID with your name, photo, and date of birth. It must not be expired. This is only required of passengers 16 years or older. The best idea is just to use your driver’s license. Kids don’t need photo ID.

You can see more about the requirements on the USCBP website here .

What About Kids? Do They Need Birth Certificates?

Yes. If you are sailing with kids (even babies), then they will need a birth certificate to leave and re-enter the country.

One thing to know is that kids under 16 don’t have to show any identification. The ID requirement only applies to those 16 years or older.

Do I Show My Birth Certificate When I Get On And Off The Ship in Port?

No. The only time you’ll need to show your birth certificate is during the boarding check-in process and when you leave the ship as you arrive back home. Apart from that, you should keep it secure in your cabin safe.

When you get off and on the ship in ports of call, you’ll just need to have your ID and your cabin keycard. The cruise ship takes care of the immigration process for passengers arriving in a foreign port. You just get to come and go as you please.

Why Is Having A Passport Better Than Cruising With a Birth Certificate?

The rules around identification and birth certificates for a cruise can get complicated depending on the cruise and where it goes. It’s far easier just to have a passport, which serves as the only citizenship document you need.

As well, having a birth certificate is only valid for closed-loop cruises. If you have a different route, then you need a passport. Plus, if something happens and you have to fly home during your cruise unexpectedly, then you’ll need a passport; birth certificates aren’t valid proof of citizenship for air travel.

Finally, most ports have moved toward faster screening of passengers with passports. Today, those with passports simply take an “exit” photo as they leave the cruise terminal and are on their way out of the building immediately.

Those with birth certificates have to wait in a line to have their documents checked by an agent before being allowed to leave. So not only is a passport more flexible, it could get you off the ship and back home faster.

Note: If you have specific questions about your documents or situation, it’s best to contact your cruise line.

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We are taking a Carnival cruise from New Orleans to Cozumel. On my father’s birth certificate his name is spelled Donal and his driver license is spelled Donald. His cruise ticket has Donald. Will this be a problem boarding the ship? If so, what do you recommend.

I wouldn’t think it would be an issue assuming everything else is correct. You can call Carnival if you’re overly worried about it.

I’m going on a cruise from the US to the Bahamas. I was only able to get a short form birth certificate due to a change being made on the original. Is this acceptable as long as I have a valid US drivers license? Also, my drivers license is in my married name which is different from the birth certificate of course. Do I need to provide my marriage license also?

Should be fine, but you can contact the cruise line. I’d bring proof of marriage if the names are different.

I have a closed loop from Orlando to Bahamas, my birth certificate has one letter off at the end of it. In the name it should be a “W” but instead it has an “R”. My FL license has my name correct, but Birth certificate doesn’t, will it be an issue?

We aren’t the authorities, so can’t tell you for sure. That said, having one letter off but everything else matches seems minor in our opinion. If you’re worried, you can call the cruise line and ask.

my wife has a State of California Certified Court Order Delay Registration of Birth It shows the Court Order Number from Los Angeles Superior Court dated May 14, 1981 She was born in Mexico in 1965 but due to death of parents she was raised by relatives in United States who are US citizens. Is this document acceptable for a closed loop cruise?

I don’t know that one. You’ll want to contact the cruise line.

No ID but i have birth certificate what can I go

I will be going on a closed loop cruise in March 2024. I went and got a copy of my birth certificate and noticed that my mother’s madian name is not spelled correctly. Will I be able to board the cruise like it is? Everything else is correct on my birth certificate.

It should be fine since the birth certificate is to prove your citizenship, so that’s the real important information.

But if you’re worried, you can contact the cruise line.

We booked a cruise with Royal Caribbean in October. I do not have time to get even an expedited passport but was told since it is closed loop cruise birth certificate and drivers license is all I need. My question is, my birth certificate and drivers license have different last names due to marriage. I’ve been married twice so my current marriage license has my first husband’s last name (not my maiden name). If I bring my marriage license from my first marriage (that has my maiden name), divorce decree, and then marriage license for my current marriage will that suffice to bridge the gap from maiden name, to first married name, to current married name?

Sounds like it should do it. There just needs to be proof to show you are a citizen (birth certificate) and then that the person on the birth certificate is who you are (photo ID). Those documents to walk through the name change will allow them to see that path. I’d highly recommend calling the cruise line to confirm, however.

My birth certificate is very old but has a stamp. It’s really small too, compared to the other birth certificates.. Will this work?

My boyfriends birth certificate says “Jr” on it but his drivers license doesn’t. Will this be ok to cruise to the Bahamas?

I’d think it would be fine, but you might call the cruise line just to be sure.

Ok, new idea. What if we disembarked in Vancouver, rented a car and drove to Seattle, and flew home from there? It seems that we can cross the Canada border by land or sea with an enhanced drivers license (for the 18 year old) and a birth certificate (for the 15 year old).

Great info! My wife and I have passports, but we have an 18 year old and a 15 year old that do not possess passports. We are booking an Alaska cruise this summer that departs in Alaska and disembarks in Vancouver Canada. The cruise line has told me that they only need government issued ID’s and birth certificates, but I am skeptical and want to preempt any issues at the Vancouver airport.

Oh, I’d definitely want a passport for everyone in that case. I’ve only heard of the birth certificate being good on closed-loop cruises. It may be ok, but I wouldn’t want to risk it.

Great article with lots of info. I’m curious about one part though. You quoted the Carnival website about denial of boarding for failure to account for a name bridge. However, the first part of that section indicates that they’re talking about situations where the name in the ID doesn’t match the name on the cruise ticket/reservation. There’s no mention of a birth certificate at all in that section. Can you review that part? I’ve copied for your reference.

Names on Travel Documentation It is important that the guest’s full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest’s non-expired government-issued photo I.D. they plan to use for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest’s photo I.D. as a result of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.

Sorry, but not sure what you’re asking here. If your documents don’t match the name for the cruise ticket or your birth certificate doesn’t match the ID name, then you’ll want to have something that shows the name change. That passage may not directly talk about the birth certificate, but you definitely want those to match. If not, you want to show evidence of the change so that officials know you are who you say you are.

If I bring a 16 yr old on the cruise what does the letter need to look like from the parent for them to be able to get on the cruise?

I’d refer you to the cruise line. I’d think something basic with the name of each parent and the child, along with details of the specific sailing and something definitive stating they give their approval to travel with the other parent. However, the cruise line will be able to give you the best details for what they require.

my passport wont be here on time for my cruise in 4 days. I ordered a new certified copy of my birth certificate to take with me as identification. Years back, I legally changed my last name. My birth certificate now has my old last name with a strike through it and the new name written in. There is also a note written by the courts stating that it is amended, and the probate judge changed the name. Is this fine to take or will I still need proof of name change from the courts as well to cruise on Royal Caribbean?

I would take everything you have to prove your name change. If you’re not sure, the cruise line is the best resource to call!

My son is 10, his mom and I are not together and I was not there to sign his birth certificate. We have joint custody 50/50. Will it be an issue that my name is not on his birth certificate. We do share the same last name.

Here is what Carnival says about the situation (not sure your cruise line):

Traveling with Minors

When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

We only have a copy (not certified) of my son’s birth certificate. The passport agency still has his original and has been in processing for 10 weeks now. We are going on closed loop with Carnival. Do you think we can still get on?

Carnival says the following is acceptable, so it looks like you’d be good to go. You can call the cruise line to confirm.

– “A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified.”

https://www.carnival.com/help?topicid=3409

I don’t have my birth certificate but my son have my name in information on his certificate will that work

No, that definitely wouldn’t work.

We are going on an Alaskan cruise in mid July. Starting and ending in Seattle. My moms birth certificate has a different middle name than her drivers license , ss card , marriage license and all other legal documents. Never been an issue before. Should we be concerned and try to have the birth certificate changed? She wasn’t able to get a real ID because of the discrepancy.

We are driving to depart on cruise and have three children under 12. Have copies of all three birth certificates , digital copies of all three but just realized only two originals. Is this going to be problem

You’ll have to ask the cruise line. They normally ask for the original copies with seal.

Hi I have a question! So I’m wanting to go on a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas from Florida, in May. I recently got married and I already changed my license to my new name, so my name on my birth certificate will be different. I heard that I would have to bring a copy of my marriage license to prove that my name was changed, but the kicker is, I also just applied for a new passport for my new name, but I had to send my marriage license with my old passport, so I don’t have my marriage license to prove my name! I’m not sure if the passport will be back in time, so what do I do?!

If it’s already sent, there is a good chance the passport should be in by then. If not, can you go to the county office and get a registered copy of the marriage license?

My son is a 10 years old US Citizen. We’ll be cruising on a closed-loop cruise from Seattle to Alaska|Victoria and back to Seattle with Norwegian Cruise Line. My son’s US Passport book has not arrived yet, only the US Passport card we have in possession. Will his birth certificate and US Passport card be sufficient?

Yes, the birth certificate would be enough for a closed-loop cruise. Having the passport card will be even easier.

My friend had his dad last name added to his he has the sealed court ordered document he had the name added to his Id but not his birth certificate do you think that would be ok if he brings the court ordered document

My daughter is 18 and has a AZ Graduated Instruction Permit. Which has her picture DOB and everything else a DL has. Would this work when combined with a certified BC for a closed loop cruise out of LA?

My Husband has his birth certificate from the Caribbean. He has his citizenship and a Drivers License. Will that be ok on a closed loop Cruise? Hi Passport expired last year and we won’t get a renewal in 3 weeks. Should we take the expired one along with birth certificate and DL?

My birth certificate and drivers license have different last names due to marriage. I’ve been married twice so my current marriage license has my first marriage name. Is that a problem? What kind of paper trail do I need?

I was born in Germany. Military Kid. My Birth Certificate says “Certification of Birth Abroad of a citizen of the United States” The signature has a stamp that says Vice Consul of the United States. I do not have a passport and I don’t have time to get one but my upcoming cruise is close loop. Departing and arriving back in Galveston. Going to Honduras, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Will I be okay? We forgot my birth certificate last year and I wasn’t able to board the Carnival Cruise ship for my honeymoon so I am nervous. It’s the original B.C. not a copy and we are sailing with Royal Caribbean

That should be fine. It’s an official birth certificate document that shows citizenship. If you’re nervous, you can call the cruise line ahead of time.

I have the same question.. what happened with your cruise?

I have a closed loop cruise out of Miami, going to Aruba, Bonaire, La Romana and amber cove. I DO have my certified birth certificate issued from the local state department with a seal. However, my birth certificate only has my maiden last name on it. I do not have a first name on my birth certificate, only my last. (It has alway been this way.) I also have a certified marriage certificate, my social security card with my full name, first and last maiden name. Along with my current DL (married last name). Will it be an issue that my certified B.C does not have my first name on it? With having all my other documents will that pass? Will there be an issue boarding or going to ports and re-boarding? Thank you in advance!

I think you should be good, but why risk it? If you’re worried about it, I’d suggest calling the cruise line to be sure.

Is a passport not an option? It would be much, much easier than having to carry all those different documents.

A passport is not an option at the moment. The passport agency said that my full name needs to be on my B.C. I have mailed my addendum to Sacramento to add my full name, but it will not be corrected before my trip.

Hello my birth certificate has some lines cross has the birth certificate since i was bored will that be okay to aboard the cruise

I have a cruise for Royal Caribbean in 2 weeks

Got my Birth certificate today and noticed I have an added middle name that isn’t on my ID.

Will this be a problem boarding ?

That shouldn’t be an issue I wouldn’t think assuming the rest of the name/birthdate matches.

I don’t have a birth certificate. I have a certificate of “US citizen born abroad” from the military. Will that be acceptable to cruise?

You’ll want to call the cruise line, but that sounds like it proves citizenship so I would think it would be acceptable with photo ID.

Hi. We’re cruising tomorrow from Florida to the Bahamas. It’s a closed loop trip. My wife does not have her birth certificate, but has our marriage certificate, Social Security Card and Drivers License. Will we be able to sail?

You’ll want to contact the cruise line, but typically it’s passport or birth certificate as those show proof of citizenship.

I have a drivers license and I’m a US citizen but I’m adopted. My birth certificate is from the Caribbean. Will that serve as a second form of identification?

You’ll want to contact the cruise line, but if you are a U.S. citizen, then some sort of proof of citizenship will likely be required.

Im taking a cruise from Florida to the bahamas can i use a copy of my birth certificate or does it have to be the original.

Typically a photocopy isn’t a good idea. Something official from an issuing authority is what you want.

Wife lost her drivers licence sometime between checkin in terminal and ship. Wondering what going to need to get off ship. Checked with guest services no luck on it beingfound.

Yes, ports require some sort of ID to get back to the ship (not just the keycard). Not sure what to do in that case, but Guest Services should have been able to explain your options.

I have my original birth certificate and my marriage license, my marriage license does not have my married name on it, just my maiden name will that be a problem? I am cruising to the Bahamas. I also have my social security cards maiden name and married name and a copy of my passport. I sent my passport in to renew and haven’t received it back yet and not sure if I will get it back before this last minute cruise.

I’d suggest calling the cruise line, but with all those documents, I wouldn’t think it would be an issue.

Hi my husband won’t get his passport in time we plan on taking his birth certificate however it’s not a certified copy it’s a general photo copy carnival stated that will do but we worry about his return back home. Will it cause any issues?

The cruise line is the best source for this. If they say it’s ok, then it should be fine.

I cant get my birth certificate. I am a US citizen. It is a closed loop cruise going from Seattle to Seattle. I have a SS card voters card ID and other items to prove that i live in the US. Would that be enough.

I do not believe so.

My cruise will sail on 12 12 21 to san quan Puerto. Passport are behind not sure it will be back in time. I am a us citizen. May I use my birth certificate and driver’s license if passport do not arrive.

We’d suggest a call to the cruise line to ask. Normally “closed loop” cruises allow you to use a birth certificate and driver’s license, but it’s always a good idea to make sure.

My sister’s birth certificate has her name spelled incorrectly. It has her first name spelled “LaDrick” and it should be “LaDrich”. Our mother’s h’s look like k’s, and the person who typed the name typed it wrong. It was never changed, and my sister was able to get her driver’s license, SS card and passport with the correct spelling without any problems. She renewed her passport unfortunately but won’t get it back in time to have it for our cruise so she will have to use her birth certificate and ID card. Is this going to be a problem for her getting on the ship.

I can’t say for sure, but if it were me, I wouldn’t be too worried. If you have a couple of pieces of ID with the correct name, it should help if there is any question.

We are doing a closed loop Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruise the first week of June (leaving and returning to Seattle). My husband’s birth certificate has his birthdate listed incorrectly as September 16, 1947. It was never corrected to his actual birthdate of September 17, 1947. He is 72 years old and has used his real (09-17-47) birthdate his entire life and that date is on all of his official records, including driver’s license, military documentation, law enforcement certifications and ID’s, and his social security information. No one ever told him to change the date on the birth certificate. We went on a Carnival cruise out of Galveston 6 years ago and were able to board the ship even with the date discrepancy between birth certificate and his driver’s license, although it was questioned. There is not enough time to get the date changed on the birth certificate before our Alaskan cruise in June as we would be required by the State of Texas to get a court order to change it and the processing itself is a long process. Do you think Royal Caribbean would have a problem with the date difference? The name on the birth certificate and driver’s license is exactly the same and he could bring other documents with his name listed as the same if needed. I know this is confusing, but would appreciate your opinion. Thank you.

Thanks for writing. Sounds like a doozy. Our opinion is that it’s likely not a big deal given that the dates are so close, but then again, we aren’t government officials, nor do we work for the cruise line.

We think the best thing to do would be to get it fixed so you don’t have to worry about it. Short of that, your idea of bringing other documents to verify identity seems like a good one.

My husbands birth cert is old ripped worn and raggedy but still readable should we just request another one before our cruise?

We actually suggest people always travel with a passport if at all possible. If you’re going to request a document, get a passport. Otherwise, yes it would be a good idea to get a new birth certificate. It’s something that will be good to have anyway.

What if birt cert days Jr. and ID does not, is that a problem?

My sons birth certificate is a delayed birth certificate. Can he use this for a close looped cruise ID?

Not sure what a delayed birth certificate is. If it’s the official birth certificate (such that they would use for any other identification purposes), then it should be fine… but call the cruise line to be sure of their policy.

My cruise starts Aug. 25 .My Birth certificate is 1952 issued from hospital in Phoenix Ariz. With seal and states to use for future use to prove citizenship and to obtain a passport . Can I use for my trip Sat in Galveston to cozemel and yuk.?

Should be just fine. However, if you’re worried about it then give the cruise line a call.

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Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on TSA’s REAL ID webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

ORDER YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE ONLINE

Can I Cross the US Border by Land with Just a Birth Certificate?

Crossing the Border Without a Passport

Documents required for us citizens returning from abroad, us nationals crossing the tijuana border, us citizens crossing the canada border by land.

As a US citizen, understanding the legal requirements to cross the border is crucial, especially if you're contemplating a journey to Mexico or Canada.

With increasing concerns about security, one may wonder, "Can I cross the US border by land with just a birth certificate ?" or "Can I cross the border without a passport?"

These are valid questions, particularly for those who do not have a travel document.

In this article we provide you with information on the documents you need as a US citizens to cross the border from Mexico or Canada to the US.

Before the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was enacted in 2009, crossing the border without a passport was straightforward for US citizens. A simple proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and a government-issued ID were sufficient to cross the US borders. However, the rules have changed, primarily due to enhanced security measures.

Since the implementation of the WHTI, American citizens crossing the US borders by land or sea from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda are required to present a passport or other WHTI-compliant document.

While these guidelines seem stringent, there are some WHTI-approved documents that citizens can use instead of a passport.

In addition to the traditional passport, US citizens have several options, including the Passport Card , the Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), Trusted Traveler Programs cards (like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), or for children under 16 , a birth certificate can suffice.

A US Passport Card is a cost-effective and convenient alternative to the passport book. It is REAL ID compliant and can be used for entering the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from the regions specified above. However, it is not valid for international air travel .

The Enhanced Driver’s License is another option. Not all states issue this type of license, but those that do include a proof of identity and US citizenship on the card. It's a beneficial option for those who frequently cross the border by land or sea.

Trusted Traveler Programs , provided by the Department of Homeland Security, offer pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited processing when entering the United States. Each program is designed for a specific purpose and traveler type, so it's essential to choose the right one for your needs.

For children under 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group), a birth certificate (or other proof of citizenship) will suffice when entering the US via land or sea. This leniency does not extend to air travel, and a passport is required.

US Citizens Crossing the Mexico Border by Land

The Tijuana border, also known as the TJ border, is one of the most frequently crossed international borders in the world.

To re-enter the US from Mexico, American citizens must present a WHTI-compliant document as outlined above. While a birth certificate alone will not be enough for adults, a Passport Card, an EDL, or a Trusted Traveler Program card will meet the requirements.

The Tijuana border, known colloquially as the TJ border , is one of the busiest land border crossings worldwide, connecting the cities of San Diego, California, in the United States and Tijuana, Baja California, in Mexico.

US citizens crossing into Mexico at the Tijuana border don't necessarily need a passport according to Mexican immigration law. However, the US requires a passport or another WHTI-compliant document for re-entry. Therefore, it's always recommended to carry the proper documents to avoid any problems when returning.

For a smoother transition through the TJ border, many US citizens enroll in Trusted Traveler Programs like SENTRI ( Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection ). The SENTRI pass allows for expedited clearance for pre-approved , low-risk travelers upon arrival in the US. It is especially beneficial for those frequently crossing the Tijuana border. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.

Additionally, a helpful resource for those crossing the TJ border frequently is the CBP Border Wait Times app (BWT). This mobile app provides estimated wait times and open lane status at land ports of entry, allowing travelers to make an informed decision of where and when to cross the border.

Remember: crossing the Tijuana border – like any international boundary – involves adhering to regulations set by both countries. While the freedom to explore is exciting, it's always essential to understand and comply with the necessary procedures to ensure a safe and trouble-free journey.

The rules for re-entering the US from Canada are the same as those for Mexico. A birth certificate will only suffice for children under 16 (or under 19 if they are with a recognized group), but adults will always need a WHTI-compliant document .

In conclusion, while the days of crossing the border with just a birth certificate are over for most US citizens, there are still several convenient and cost-effective alternatives to a traditional passport book for land and sea travel.

Always ensure that you have the appropriate travel documents before embarking on your journey to prevent any unnecessary disruptions or delays at the border.

Resources : [Traveler Progrms - CBP](https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/sentri https://ttp.dhs.gov/) Real ID FAQs- DHS Passport - Travel State Enhnced driver license - DHS

Travel between Canada and the USA for kids without a passport (land/air)

Post author: Emily Derrick
Post published: August 20, 2022
Post category: Travel tips / Trip planning tips
Post comments: 9 Comments

Right now, the federal government’s waiting list to get a Canadian passport (or renew one) can be very long. Anyone planning a quick trip across the border for the rest of the summer may need to cancel, postpone, or leave the kids at home if the kids don’t have a valid passport.

But what if we told you that your kids could travel from Canada to the US and back again without a passport of their own?

Yes, it is possible for some trips.

(The NEXUS card can replace the passport and every savvy traveler should definitely have it to avoid almost all wait times during their travels — Flytrippers will have more details and a video in the 2 nd part of that guide — but I’ll ignore that for the purpose of this post because if you don’t have time to get a passport, you don’t have time to get that either!)

Here’s what you need to know.

Entering the US with a kid

Any Canadian child under the age of 16 can arrive in the US without a passport and still get into the country, according to the US land and sea border rules (to be very clear, 16-year-olds are not eligible: it is for those under 16).

Those kids can travel to the US without a passport, but they will need to have one of these documents:

a Canadian birth certificate
a Canadian Citizenship Card
a Consular Report of Birth Abroad
a Naturalization Certificate

(The US also has more exemptions for organized group trips — like school trips — but I won’t get into that here!)

However, this passport-free travel rule only applies if you enter the US by land or sea .

So this means under 16s don’t need a passport if entering by:

driving across the border
taking a bus or train
taking a private boat , a ferry , or a cruise

The bad news is that if you plan on flying from Canada, you will need to get your child a passport.

The good news is that there is a workaround to still be able to fly anywhere in the US: under 18s can fly domestically within the US without a passport according to official TSA rules .

So if you want to head somewhere further from home, you can get across the land border using a birth certificate if your kid is under 16. Once you’re in the US, grab a domestic flight within the US, and your kid won’t need a passport to fly.

List of US airports near the Canadian border

This is the same trick many have been using to:

Avoid the US vaccination requirement for those 18 and over (the requirement is only for entry and applies at the land border too, but is not often enforced there)
Avoid having to wear a mask on planes (the US has removed this requirement many months ago, along with most European countries too)
Avoid the current airport chaos (Canada is #1 worldwide for this, based on the data)
Find cheaper flights with more generous change policies (it depends on the dates/destination and is obviously not guaranteed, as for all flights)

As a reminder, in terms of pandemic rules for travel to the United States, it’s very simple:

No requirements for domestic flights (like every country in the world)
No test requirement for anyone (by land or by air)
No vaccination requirement for those under 18 (by land or by air)
Vaccination requirement for those 18 and over (not often enforced by land)

How Canadians can travel to the United State (entry rules for all nationalities)

That said, the US vaccine requirement will be lifted soon: sign up for Flytrippers’ free newsletter for the post about that, which is coming next week.

Entering Canada with a kid to come back

Of course, if your child is a Canadian citizen, you can also use their birth certificate to get back into Canada. You won’t be able to fly back to Canada because the US won’t let them board an international flight without a passport.

But under 16s with Canadian citizenship who enter the US by land can then get back into Canada using their birth certificate as identification by land or by sea.

For older children and adults, a provincial driver’s license can also be used to cross the border back to Canada, if, you were to lose your passport during your trip to the US for example. If you do plan on crossing the US border with a minor, you may need to prove that you have legal custody to take the child out of the country (or back into Canada). Border agents are always on the lookout for missing children, so if you are traveling with someone else’s child, you will need written permission from their legal guardian .

Finally, in terms of pandemic rules, you can read our guide on Canada’s entry rules.

Canada’s entry rules: ultimate guide

Because while they’re simple for most Canadians, for others they are still among the most restrictive in the world.

Want to get more content to learn more about traveling to the US?

Canadian kids can travel to the United States without a passport if they are under 16 and if they enter by land or sea. And while they can’t enter by plane, they can fly domestically once they’re into the US. Entering Canada by land is not an issue either.

What would you like to know about traveling without a passport? Tell us in the comments below.

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Emily Derrick

The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

10 tips for a trip to the National Parks in the Southwestern USA

This post has 9 comments.

Has this actually worked for anyone? Where can I find the formal written policy that this tip is based on?

Both the US Customs and Border Patrol and the Canadian gov’t websites say all children crossing US/CAN border need a passport. You can only use a birth certificate if the child is newborn.

What if Canadian citizen give birth in USA while coming back after 2 days old infant by land with car?

That’s a very niche question, I do not know at all. Surely they’ll find a way to let you in.

Can I as a 17 year cross the border with jus a drivers license and parents permission

Hi, this whole post is about this topic specifically and the answer is in the very first sentence after the table of contents.

So just checking we can drive across into the states and fly domestically with a birth certificate for my 10 year old daughter?

Did this work for you and were there any issues as we are planning to do the same for our new born.

Birth Certificate for Passport Application

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

Getting a U.S. passport can seem like a daunting task. Along with passport photos and completed forms, passport applicants need to provide proof of citizenship. Being a citizen of the United States is a requirement for getting a U.S. passport , but there are only certain documents that the U.S. State Department will accept.

The most common U.S. citizenship evidence most passport applicants bring with them to their passport acceptance facility appointments is a birth certificate. However, not all birth certificates are considered acceptable for getting a new passport.

In this article, we detail the types of birth certificates the U.S. Passport Agency will and will not accept to get a new passport book or passport card .

Birth Certificate Requirements for a Passport Application

There are very specific requirements for an acceptable birth certificate when it comes to the passport application process.

The most important rule is that you must provide an original or certified copy of your long form birth certificate . The long-form version not only shows your name, but the names of your single parent or both parents. Photocopies of this document will not be accepted by any US passport issuing authority .

It is important to get this right because your application will automatically be rejected if you don't adhere to this requirement.

To be considered acceptable proof of your U.S. citizenship, a birth certificate must contain the following information:

Requirements for Certified Birth Certificate

Issued by the City, County, or State of birth
Lists bearer's full name, date of birth, and place of birth
Lists parent(s) full names
Has date filed with registrar's office (must be within one year of birth)
Has the registrar's signature
Has an embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal of the registrar
It is an original copy - photocopies and notarized copies are unacceptable

Just because you have an original birth certificate, does not automatically mean you have the version the U.S. Department of State requires for citizenship evidence. Several other common forms of birth certificates do not include all of the required information listed above. For instance, the short form only has your name on it and often omits parents' information and/or required official markings.

If you already have a birth certificate that meets the requirements, you are ready to apply for a new passport . If you need to get a certified copy of your birth certificate first, you may be pressed for time when it comes to getting your passport. In this case, you can apply at a regional agency or authorize a third party to submit the application on your behalf.

There are advantages to using an expediting courier service to get your new passport fast , the most obvious being that it speeds up the process. Another benefit is that you do not have to personally visit the regional agency, thereby freeing you to do other things in preparation for your international trip. You can order online 24 hours a day from home simply and securely.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

If you don't have your original birth certificate, it is possible to get one.

How to Get a Birth Certificate for a U.S. Passport Application

You can only get a certified copy of your birth certificate from the state or U.S. territory where it was originally filed. In most cases, states centralize vital records , and they can be obtained from a single source no matter where you were born in that state.

The time it takes to receive a copy of your birth certificate can vary widely, depending on the agency that is preparing your document, and your chosen method of delivery.

If you are pressed for time, it may be best to choose to expedite the process. Most agencies can process an express delivery within three to five days. Not using an expediting service, and choosing standard mail delivery can take up to 60 days for delivery, but this is the worst-case scenario.

If you already have travel plans in the works, understand that obtaining an acceptable birth certificate-the most commonly submitted document as evidence of United States citizenship-can also add time to the process.

Acceptable Birth Certificate Alternatives for a Passport Application

Primary proof of citizenship evidence.

If a child is born outside of the United States to U.S. citizens, an original Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) must be requested from the U.S. embassy in the child's birth country. Submit Form N-600 with a foreign birth certificate and a certified translation, plus parents' birth certificates. An original document is prepared in the United States and sent to the U.S. embassy for you to collect there. This must be done immediately after any birth abroad to avoid future complications in establishing the child's U.S. citizenship.
An official Naturalization Certificate can be submitted if you are a naturalized U.S. citizen.
An official Certificate of Citizenship can be submitted if your parents became U.S. citizens after your birth, but before you turned 18.

Adoptees may submit an amended birth certificate (listing the adopted parents in the spaces reserved for birth parents' information).

Secondary Proof of Citizenship Evidence

A delayed birth certificate is issued at least 1 year following a birth. It is created based on proof from early public records and is signed by the doctor, midwife, or birth attendant who delivered the child and/or lists an affidavit signed by the parents.

A letter of no record is a letter issued on your behalf by your state's Office of Vital Statistics that attests that they have no official state records of your birth. It serves as a valid excuse for not having a birth certificate.

Early public records are documents created within the first 5 years of life that include your name, date of birth, and place of birth.

Some of the most common examples of early public records include:

Hospital birth certificate
A Doctor's record of post-natal care
Census records
Early school records
Baptismal certificate

Unacceptable Alternatives to a Birth Certificate for Proof of Citizenship

The following documents are just some of those not considered acceptable, original proof of citizenship according to the US Department of State:

Birth abstracts missing the seal of the issuing authority and or any of the required information listed under the requirements for a certified birth certificate we previously outlined
Parents' marriage certificate
Driver's license
Social Security card
Voter registration card
Mortgage or utility documents

Help! I Received My New Passport, But Where's My Birth Certificate?

One of the most common questions we get about passport applications involves readers who successfully received their newly issued passport book and/or card, but their supporting documents were not in the same envelope .

Don't fret! It is common practice for the passport agency to mail passports and supporting materials (like birth certificates) separately. If your supporting documents don't arrive within 7 days from the date you received your new passport, contact the National Passport Information Center .

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Travel Documents & Visas

It is the sole responsibility of the Guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents for the entire cruise vacation and have them available when necessary. Please check with your travel agent, government agency, Embassy or Consulate to ensure that you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries on your cruise. Guests without proper traveling documentation will be denied boarding. Travel restrictions for each destination country may vary according to a Guest's citizenship. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation.

IMPORTANT FOR USA CITIZENS, U.S. RESIDENTS AND CANADIAN CITIZENS

International and Transatlantic Sailings to or from the USA:

For all nationalities, passports are required with at least 6 months validity along with relevant visas (if applicable).

Domestic Cruises Only for United States Citizens:

U.S. Citizens need either a valid passport, Passport Card, or Proof of US Citizenship (in the form of an original or certified copy of a US birth Certificate* or an original naturalization certificate) along with an original, valid, unexpired, government issued photo ID**

Please more detailed travel requirements below

Domestic Cruises Only for United States Citizens, U.S. Residents and Canadian Citizens:

U.S. Citizens sailing on cruises departing and returning to the same U.S. port will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship such as a passport, US birth certificate or US naturalization certificate, along with a valid, un-expired government issued ID. Traveling with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the cruise ends, is preferred. This travel document will provide the best embarkation and disembarkation experience, while also providing guests the ability to travel by air to or from the United States, if needed.

We recommend contacting your travel agent or department agency for detailed travel documentation requirements. Without the proper documentation, you may be denied boarding and no refund will be issued. MSC Cruises USA is not responsible for advising guests of documentation required for travel.

As required by Customs Border Patrol (CBP), please note that U.S. and Canadian Citizens sailing on ANY Caribbean Sailings within the Western Hemisphere can travel with any of the below mentioned Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) complaint documents.

Adult U.S. Citizens (16 years and over):

Required for itineraries visiting Martinique or Bermuda, include air travel to Canada or begin and end in different U.S. Ports
American Passport Card
Original or Certified Copy of Birth Certificate* along with a valid, unexpired, government issued photo ID**
Original Certificate of Naturalization along with a valid, unexpired, government issued photo ID (copies will not be accepted)

Adult Canadian Citizens (16 years and over):

Valid Canadian Passport

US Permanent Residents:

Valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Additionally, a passport from your home country is strongly recommended.

US and Canadian Citizen Children (under 16 years):

Government Issued Birth Certificate*
Consular Report of Birth Abroad

* Baptismal papers and hospital birth certificates are not acceptable. Puerto Rican birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not acceptable

**Voter registration cards or Social Security cards are not considered proof of citizenship.

We look forward to welcoming you on board MSC Cruises!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE ESTA DOCUMENT

Important information for russian tourist passport holders entering norway.

Please do note that, as per Official instructions received from the Norwegian relevant Ministry, all Russian Tourist passport holders cannot enter Norway from 29th of May .

After merging with Local Authorities, relating all cruises arriving in Norway through a Schengen Port (MSC Euribia, MSC Poesia and MSC Preziosa), all Russian Touristic passport holders in possession of a Schengen Visa issued ONLY by Norway after the 30th of May 2022 or with a valid Schengen Residence Permit (under renewal not accepted) and ONLY transiting Norway (not embarking/disembarking) will be exceptionally accepted onboard.

Holders of Diplomatic, Service, Special Passports need to receive pre-approval before showing up for the embarkation. For all other cruises calling extra-Schengen Ports before Norway (MSC Virtuosa), mentioned guests will not be allowed to embark.

VISITING QATAR IMPORTANT TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

Important information for guests visiting sokhna (egypt).

The Port of Sokhna serves as the gateway to Cairo. Please, note that as a commercial port, local regulations prohibit cruise guests from walking independently within the port premises. As no taxis are available within the port area, you will only be able to disembark if you purchase a shore excursion. MSC Cruises offers a wide range of excursions from Sokhna that will take you to Cairo and other exciting destinations in the area. You can book your excursions on our website to secure a seat in your favorite tour while saving up to 20%. In case you choose to book an excursion with a third-party operator, we kindly ask you to ensure that they have obtained the necessary permit from local authorities to access the port. Without this permit, they will not be able to enter the port premises.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CRUISES CALLING IN THE UK

Please note Guests must present only valid passport with at least residual validity 3 months at their arrival in the UK.
EU ID Card is not accepted , even in case willing to remain on board during the call in the UK.
Please check before embarking on Northern Europe cruises any visa requirements for UK.

IMPORTANT NOTE : Starting from 15th November 2023, Qatar Nationals must apply for an UK ETA. Starting from 22th Februrary 2024 also Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE and Jordan Nationals must apply for the UK ETA visiting the webstite: https://www.etauk.uk/

For all the other nationalities further information will be following.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CRUISES CALLING IN MALTA (FRENCH GUESTS)

Saudi arabia transit e-visa application instructions.

Please click here for instructions on how to submit a request for the Transit e-visa by Sea

Important : the https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/ website is in Arabic, to access the English version please click on the letter E in the top left-hand corner.

PASSENGERS BOARDING US CRUISES WHO HAVE VISITED CUBA SINCE 12th JANUARY 2021 SPECIFICATION

Please select your cruise destination to verify all the required documents SUMMER 2024

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After You Get Your New Passport

Find the answers to your questions in one of these categories:

General Questions

Children (under 16), social security number requirement, u.s. passport card, 1. i'm renewing my passport. do i get the old one back will i get a new passport number.

Yes. In most cases when you renew by mail, we will return the old passport to you. The old passport may not arrive for up to 8 weeks after you receive your new passport.

If you renew online, keep your most recent passport and do not send it to us.

If your old passport has a valid visa, you can still use the valid visa. You must travel with both your new and old passport in this case.

The number on your new passport will be different from the number on your previous passport.

If you have Global Entry, update your Trusted Traveler account with your new passport information.

2. My address changed. Do I need to update my passport?

Do not contact us if your address changed after you receive your passport.

Call us at 1-877-487-2778 (or 1-888-874-7793 if you are deaf or hard of hearing)

3. I already applied and need my passport sooner than I thought. What can I do?

Call us at 1-877-487-2778 (or 1-888-874-7793 if you are deaf or hard of hearing). You’ll need either your application number or your last name and date of birth.

Get expedited service for $60.
Get 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport book for $21.36. One-to-two day delivery is not available for passport cards. We only send cards via First Class Mail.

4. Do I need 6 months of validity on my passport to travel?

If you are age 16 or older, your passport is valid for 10 years. Your child's passport (age 0-15) is valid for 5 years.

Some countries require that your passport have at least six months of validity beyond the dates of your trip . Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

Check our Country Information page to learn how long your passport needs to be valid.

To learn about returning to the United States after your travel, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's website .

5. How long does it take to get a passport?

Go to our Processing Times page for more information.

6. How will you send my passport and supporting documents?

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

New passport book
New passport card
Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at 1-877-487-2778 to report that you have not received your documents.

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document.

7. I am recently married or divorced. How do I change my name on my passport?

For more information, go to our Change or Correct a Passport page .

If you are changing your name within one year of the date your passport was issued, complete Form DS-5504 .

If you are changing your name over a year after your passport was issued, complete Form DS-82 .

8. I am traveling very soon. How do I get a passport quickly?

Go to our Get My Passport Fast page for information on expediting your application, or making an appointment at a passport agency or center.

If you have a life-or-death emergency, go to our Life-or-Death Emergency page to see if you qualify for an appointment.

9. How much does a U.S. passport cost?

The cost of your passport depends on how fast you need it, and if you want a passport book, passport card, or both documents.

Go to our Passport Fees page for more information on how much to pay, and what forms of payment we accept.

10. How do I get the status of my application?

Enroll in emails using the Online Passport Status System . Learn about what each update means on our Application Status webpage .

11. My passport has already been issued and mailed to me, but I have not received it. What do I do?

If you have waited over two weeks since we mailed your passport, call us at 1-877-487-2778 (or 1-888-874-7793 if you are deaf or hard of hearing).

We will help you complete a special form (known as the DS-86 form ) which is a signed statement that you didn't receive your U.S. passport.

You must complete the DS-86 form within 90 days of the date we issued your passport. After 90 days, you must reapply and pay all fees, by law.

12. My passport has been damaged. Can I continue to use this passport?

If your passport is damaged, apply for a new passport. Replace your passport if there is:

Water damage
A significant tear
Unofficial markings on the data page
Missing visa pages (torn out)
A hole punch

Do not replace your passport if there is normal "wear and tear" which includes:

The bend of a passport after being carried in your back pocket
Fanning of the visa pages after lots of opening and closing

If you need to replace your damaged passport, submit:

The damaged passport;
A signed statement explaining the damaged or mutilated condition of your passport book and/or card;
Form DS-11 (including supporting documents, photo, and fees)

13. How many blank visa pages do I need, and can I add pages to my passport book?

Some countries require that your passport has two to four blank visa or stamp pages. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

You cannot add visa pages to a current passport book. If you need more pages, you must renew your passport book.

On your passport form, select the option for a "large book" so you can get a passport book with extra visa pages.

14. Can I use a passport to fly in the United States?

Yes. The U.S. passport book and passport card are alternatives to a state-issued REAL ID and can be used for domestic flights.

According to the Department for Homeland Security , residents of all states will soon have to use a Real ID compliant ID for domestic air travel. Not sure if your state’s driver’s license and ID are Real ID compliant? Check your state’s status . For a complete list of acceptable forms of identification to fly in the United States, visit REAL ID .

15. Can I get a second passport book?

Yes, but only if you have a valid U.S. passport book and you meet several requirements. Learn more to see if you are eligible .

16. I got a letter in the mail or an email about my application. What should I do?

We sent you a letter or email because we need more information from you to continue processing your passport. Go to our Respond to a Letter or Email page for more information.

17. Who should have a valid U.S. passport?

You should have a U.S. passport if:

You have family living or traveling abroad,
You are thinking about a vacation abroad, or
You have a job that could require international travel.

18. My new passport book has a QR code. What is it for?

The QR code gives you easy access to important passport and travel information on our website.

If you scan the code using your mobile device, it will link to our website. If you do not wish to scan the code, you can also access the information on our After I Get My Passport page .
Is the same on all passport books
Does not have personally identifiable information, and
Does not change the way border officials and airlines review your document.
Passport cards do not have QR codes.

19. What is the next generation passport book?

The next generation passport book has a polycarbonate, multi-layered plastic, data page. The passport number of the book includes both letters and numbers.

Passport books have a small integrated circuit (or “chip”) in the back cover.

The chip securely stores:

The same information displayed on the photo page of the passport,
A biometric identifier in the form of a digital image of the passport photograph, which is for facial recognition at ports-of-entry,
The unique chip identification number, and
A digital signature to protect the stored data from alteration.

If the chip fails, the passport remains a valid travel document until its expiration date. You will continue to be processed by the port-of-entry officer as if you had a passport without a chip.

20. What is the difference between an application fee and an execution fee?

When you apply for the first time or when you apply for your child, you pay both an application and execution fee. You always pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State. You pay the execution (or acceptance) fee to the facility which takes your application.

These acceptance facilities include libraries, local government offices, and post offices. They need to collect the execution (or acceptance) fee to pay for the services they offer to customers.

When you renew your passport as an adult, you only pay an application fee to the U.S. Department of State. You do not pay an execution fee.

21. I received an email or text message that I did not ask for. How can I tell if this is from Passport Services?

We are sending emails and SMS text messages to some customers. The emails and text messages will include links that take you directly to our website. Use the information below to confirm the email or text message is from us.

The emails may include a reminder to renew your passport from [email protected], or an invite to do a survey from [email protected].

If you get an email from [email protected], the subject line of the email may be:

Act Now - Renew Your U.S. Passport!
Act Now - Renew Your Child's Passport!
Act Now - Renew Your Passport Before Summer!
Act Now - Renew Your Child's Passport Before Summer!

If you get an email from [email protected], the subject line of the email will be "Your Recent Passport Application - We want to hear from you."

Text messages

We are sending messages to some customers who have passports expiring in the next year, and customers who are applying for a passport. The message will appear in your phone's SMS text app from 1-888-904-6435 and will begin with "U.S. Department of State."

22. How do I take a good passport photo?

If you are submitting a paper application, go to our Passport Photos page to learn requirements and see examples of photos. If you are renewing online, go to our Uploading a Digital Photo page for more information.

1. What should I do if my child is too young to sign a passport book?

On a passport for a child under 16, a parent should print the child's full name on the signature line. The parent should also sign their name next to the printed name of their child, and note their relation to their child (example: mother, father, or guardian).

2. What should I do if one parent or guardian cannot apply in person?

Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person.
If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child, you will need to show more documents.

Important : Submit Form DS-3053 and other notarized statements within three months of signing them.

3. Can I renew my child's passport?

No. You cannot renew your child's passport using Form DS-82. If your child is under age 16 , your child must appear in person with you and the child's other parent or guardian. You must submit your child's Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility, or a passport agency or center.

1. Do I have to provide my social security number on my passport application?

Yes. Federal law requires that you provide your social security number, if you have one.

If you do not provide the information, your passport application will be delayed and your application may be denied. You will also be subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the Internal Revenue Service. ( 26 U.S.C. 6039E ).

Contact the Social Security Administration for information about getting a social security number and card.

2. What if I or my children don’t have a social security number?

Submit a signed and dated statement. You must include the statement with the application, and include this text:

“I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I (or my child) have never been issued a social security number by the Social Security Administration.”

1. What is the passport card?

The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, and has the same length of validity as the passport book.

The card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries.

The card is not valid for international travel by air and is cheaper than the passport book.

You can apply for either the book or card, or both documents.

2. How do I apply for a passport card?

You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time using the same application. When completing your form, let us know if you would like to apply for one or both documents.

If you're renewing both your passport book and passport card, you must provide both documents. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card using Form DS-82.

3. Can I get a passport card if I already have a passport book?

Yes. If you already have a passport book and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card by mail as a "renewal" even if it is your first passport card.

You can do the same and apply for your first passport book by mail as a "renewal" if you already have a passport card.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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Requirements And Information

Required Documentation
Domestic Airline Travel ID Requirements for US Citizens
Cruising and/or flying through Canada
Visa Requirements

Travel Documentation Resources

Age requirements for travel, travel sanctions and regulations, required travel documentation and information for cruise holidays, required travel documentation.

Carefully read the documentation that each guest must present at the pier prior to boarding. Travel to some destinations may require special visas and travel authorizations before the cruise. If travelling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different visa or travel requirements, whilst we attempt to provide you with most up to date information below, we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be travelling to throughout your journey to familiarise yourself with their requirements. Please visit Norwegian Cruise Line global visa support centre for additional visa requirements for your cruise by clicking here .

For vaccination requirement details, please visit Sail Safe .

For country specific requirements, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country .

Travel Visa Requirements

Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with VisaCentral to provide our guests with comprehensive, accurate information regarding travel visas. Some of VisaCentral’s guest travel services include visa application kits and assistance with obtaining other visas where required. Visit the Global Visa Support Centre on the VisaCentral ( http://visacentral.com/Norwegian-cruise-line-splash?login=103407 ) page for assistance with visa applications.

United States Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) - for Citizens of Visa Waiver Programme Countries (VWP) Entering the United States Per the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) requirements, all VWP travellers must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ESTA) prior to boarding a travel carrier to enter the United States. This can be done by completing the online application on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. However, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. Passport holders from the below countries with biometric passports are eligible to participate in the US Visa Waiver Programme: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom All passport holders from the above countries must be able to present a valid ESTA or US Visa before boarding a cruise that starts, visits, or ends in the United States. Any person unable to do so will be denied boarding.

Schengen Visas - for Entry to the European Union for Applicable Nationalities The Schengen Agreement (effective March 26, 1995) is an agreement between several member states of the European Union (EU) to remove immigration controls for travel within their collective territories. This creates a "borderless" region known as the Schengen Area , which changes the procedures for entering, connecting or travelling between any of the Schengen States. Click here for more information.

There are four types of Schengen visas; Type C is the one typically needed by passengers, which can be issued by any one of the Schengen states and is valid for all the others. Due to the type of itineraries in Europe, The Schengen Agreement maintains that certain nationalities require a visa to enter the EU zone. Guests who are not US, Canadian, or European nationals are strongly encouraged to contact the nearest EU-member country embassy to determine if a Schengen visa is necessary.

Some European itineraries require a Multiple Entry Schengen visa because the ship leaves and re-enters the Schengen Zone.

Asia, Australia and South America Itineraries For sailings that visit Asia, Australia, and South America, a specific visa may be required for entry. Some must be obtained in advance; some can be obtained onboard; some will be handled by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Please visit Visa Central for support with obtaining these required visas.

Visas must be obtained in advance of departure if your cruise is visiting any of the destinations listed below.

Visas for the following countries will be obtained for U.S. and Canadian passport holders with the help of the cruise line while you are onboard. Costs may be associated with the processing of arrival visas. Any fees related to securing these visas will be charged to your onboard account."

Cuba ( click here for more info)

Contact VisaCentral for more information or for assistance with obtaining any visas that are required in advance of your cruise.

Visa Requirements for American Samoa

All guests of any nationality are welcome to go ashore whilst in transit in American Samoa ports, there are no visa requirements before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Angola

In transit guests visiting as a port of call do not require a visa before or during the cruise.

Passport holders from the below listed countries between the ages of 9 months and 60 years are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate , without it guests will be detained onboard.

Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Congo Republic, Cote d’ Ivory, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French-Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, and Venezuela

Visa Requirements for Argentina

Passport holders from the below listed countries do not require a visa for Argentina. Passport holders from all other countries not mentioned below will require a visa prior to the cruise issued by an Argentinean embassy or consulate. Guests without a valid visa will be denied boarding on embarkation day. It is not an option to remain onboard in Argentinean ports without a visa.

Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia Republic, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Mónaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Perú, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts And Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa (Ex Samoa Occidental), Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia Rep., Somalía, South Sudan, Sudan Rep., Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vanuatu, and Vatican City

The below nationalities may be eligible for AVE Electronic Travel Authorisation if they meet certain requirements:

Albania, Angola, Antigua And Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Rep, China, Dem. Rep. Congo, Congo, Rep. Pop., Côte D`Ivoire (Costa De Marfil), Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Rep, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (Swaziland), Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall, Islands, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Níger, Oman, Palau, Papúa New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Saint Vincent And The Grenadines, Salomon Islands, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Republic Serbia, Seychelles, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, and Zambia.

If the above nationals do not have a valid AVE Electronic Travel Authorisation they will require a visa issued by an Argentinean embassy or consulate prior to the cruise or be denied boarding on embarkation day.

Under the MERCOSUR agreement the following nationalities may travel with a Cedula or National ID that is valid and in good condition:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Visa Requirements for Australia

Anyone who does not carry a passport from Australia or New Zealand must have an Australian visa to go on any cruise that calls to an Australian port or they cannot sail.

Passport holders from the following countries are eligible to apply for the ETA via the app on their own. Third parties, like Visa Central cannot assist with the app set up as it has to be done on the mobile phone the applicant takes with them on the trip.

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States and Vatican City.

The Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is only available via an APP on your mobile device. This was introduced by the Government of Australia following the pandemic. The APP can be found in Apple APP store, ANDROID, or where you normally find APPS for your device. Here are some instructions on the APP for Australia ETA:

Once you download the app be sure to have your passport with you when you start the eVisa application process.
The App requires that the physical passport is scanned. The Passport Chip and Info Page scan line is read in real-time.
In addition to providing a scan of passport you will need to take a photo and answer a series of questions.
Cost is $20 paid on the APP. Fee is set by Australia government and subject to change
APP validity is typically multi entry, one-year validity with stay of up to 3 months. Please note, visa validity is always at the discretion of the Consulate.

All other nationalities not mentioned above must apply for a visitor visa that can be applied for using this link https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit

The cost for the visa is up to AUD150
The stay is granted for up to 12 months

Visa Requirements for Bahrain

Visa requirements for bermuda.

Based on Bermuda's immigration regulations, some passengers may require a visa to visit the country. Effective March 1st, 2014, guests who require a visa for Bermuda may enter Bermuda visa-free as long as they have a valid multiple-entry U.S. visa or U.S. Residence Card.

Learn More About Visas

Visa Requirements for Brazil

*Starting April 10th, 2025, passport holders from Australia, Canada, and United States will require an eVisa to enter Brazil. The application process is done online and can be found on this website https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/ . The eVisa must be approved in advance of embarkation.

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Brazil from an embassy or consulate before the cruise:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Australia*, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada*, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of the Cook Islands, Côte 'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, East Timor, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United States*, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Under the MERCOSUR agreement the following nationalities may travel with a Cedula or National ID that is valid and in good condition on sailings that remain in South America:

Visa Requirements for Brunei Darussalam

All foreign passengers must hold a passport with remaining validity of at least 6 months as of the date of entry.

All passengers are required to fill out and submit an Electronic Arrival Declaration Form for Brunei before embarking on any cruise that visits Brunei Darussalam.

Brunei Electronic Declaration (imm.gov.bn)

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in Brunei:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Laos, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Thailand, The Principality of Liechtenstein, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.

Passport holders from the below countries will be charged $20 per person for a Brunei visa upon arrival into ports in Brunei Darussalam. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Brunei visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard.

Australia, Bahrain, China, Kuwait, Qatar, Taiwan

Passport holders from all other counties must have a visa for Brunei from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Cambodia

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Cambodia:

Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam

Passport holders from the below countries will be charged $30 per person for a Cambodian visa upon arrival into Cambodian ports. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Cambodian visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Cambodian ports.

Albania, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Dem Rep of Congo, Rep of Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Passport holders from the below countries and any countries not mentioned above require a visa from a Cambodian embassy or consulate.

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan

Please note that electronic visas "e-visas" obtained online are only valid to enter Cambodia by air or land. These visas cannot be used to enter Cambodia by sea onboard cruise ships.

Visa Requirements for Canada

Click here for more information on Cruising and/or flying through Canada.

Visa Requirements for Cape Verde

Visa requirements for chile.

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Chile before the cruise. To apply for a Chilean visa please visit https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/Solicitudes/visa.aspx . Guests without a visa for Chile will be denied boarding on embarkation day. It is not an option to remain onboard whilst the ship is in Chilean ports:

Afghanistan, Angola, Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, China, Comoros Islands, Congo, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, East Timor, Ethiopia, Philippines, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mozambique, Myanmar, Morocco, Maldives, Mauritius, Micronesia, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papa New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Korea, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa Requirements for Colombia

Passports are required for all sailings that visit Cartagena as a port of call.

Canadian passport holders that embark or disembark in Cartagena will be charged a fee of CAD $85 by local immigration authorities. This fee does not apply to in transit guests visiting as a port of call.

Visa Requirements for Dominican Republic

Guests that are in transit and visiting Dominican Republic as a port of call only, do not require a visa to go ashore.

The following requirements are for guests that are embarking the ship in La Romana, Dominican Republic only.

All foreign and Dominican passengers entering or leaving Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the free electronic entry and exit form, which combines the Traveller's Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms. The form is available in different languages and can be accessed through the following link: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do . It must be complete up to 72 hours before the flight. This form is not required for transit guests.
Passport holders from the below countries are required to pay for a tourist card at the port of embarkation at La Romana under the following circumstances. If a guest flies into the Dominican Republic, and is in the country for over 24 hours when they board the ship, they will have to purchase a tourist card from authorities at the cruise terminal. The cost is $20 USD or 20 Euros which has to be paid in cash. They only accept these two currencies. If a guest is disembarking in La Romana and remaining in the Dominican Republic for more than 24 hours, they need to purchase a tourist card from authorities in the cruise terminal for $10 USD or 10 Euros cash. They only accept these two currencies. American Samoa, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba*, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadalupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Holland, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Hawaii, Ireland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Marshall Islands, Salomon Islands, Italy, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mauricio, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palau Island, Panama, Papa New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, San Marino, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Scotland, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Thailand, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Turks & Caicos, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, US Virgin Islands, Vatican City, Vanuatu, Venezuela.
Passport holders from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Peru, Uruguay do not require a visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.
Passport holders from Cuba and Haiti must be a valid United States Green Card holder to be eligible for the tourist card. Without a valid Green Card, those nationalities will require a visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.
Passport holders from all other nationalities not mentioned in the above categories, will require a visa to enter Dominican Republic from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Ecuador

All foreign passengers must hold a passport with remaining validity of at least 6 months as of the date of departure.

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Ecuador from an embassy or consulate before embarking a cruise visiting Ecuador.

Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, , Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Iran, Ivory Coast, Kenia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Chad, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea Bissau, Republic of Kyrgyzstan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

Passport holders from all other counties may visit Ecuador as port of call without a visa.

Visa Requirements for Egypt

Israeli passport holders require a visa for Egypt before the cruise.

No other nationalities require a visa to visit Egyptian ports by sea on a cruise ship. Some nationalities, such as Canadians, require a visa to fly to Egypt, but do not require a visa if entering Egypt by sea.

Visa Requirements for Faroe Islands

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Faroe Islands from an embassy or consulate before the cruise. Visas on arrival are not available, therefore any guest who does not have a valid visa before the cruise will be detained onboard whilst the ship is in Faroe Islands' ports. Please note Schengen visa is not sufficient for entry into Faroe Islands. Entry requires a visa specifically for Faroe Islands if the nationality is on the visa-required list below.

Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina*, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia*, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova*, Mongolia, Montenegro*, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia*, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan (citizens with a passport issued which contains an identity card number are exempt from the visa requirement), Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine*, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

*Only biometric passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement.

Visa Requirements for Falkland Islands

In transit guests visiting as a port of call do not require a visa for Falkland Islands before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Fiji

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Fiji:

Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cook islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Germany, Micronesia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Vatican, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Nauru, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, Marshall Islands, Romania, Russia, Samoa, Serbia, Slovakia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom & Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Passport holders from all other nationalities not mentioned above are eligible to apply for a visa on arrival. The visa cost is $99 and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already posses a visa for Fiji. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Fiji ports.

Visa Requirements for French Polynesia

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in French Polynesia ports. Passport holders from all other countries not listed below will require a visa for French Polynesia prior to the cruise.

Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Cyprus, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, St. Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Marteen, St. Vincent and the grenadines, Salomon Islands, Western Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timon, Tonga, Tuvalu, Trinidad & Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam

Visa Requirements for Gambia

Passport holders not mentioned in the below category will require a visa on arrival to go ashore in Gambia. Guests will be charged $150 USD per person for the visa. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Gambia visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Gambia ports.

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in ports in Gambia:

Algeria, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine.

Visa Requirements for Greenland

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Greenland from an embassy or consulate before the cruise. Visas on arrival are not available, therefore any guest who does not have a valid visa before the cruise will be detained onboard whilst the ship is in Greenland ports. Please note Schengen visa is not sufficient for entry into Greenland. Entry requires a visa specifically for Greenland if the nationality is on the visa-required list below.

Visa requirements for Guadeloupe

Passport holders from the following countries will require a visa to go ashore in Guadeloupe: Algeria, China, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Montenegro, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine.

These restricted nationalities must hold a resident card from a European country, a Schengen visa issued by French authorities or a valid visa from the United States. Guests without a visa will be detained onboard and unable to go ashore whilst the ship is in Guadeloupe.

Passport holders from all other nationalities not mentioned above do not require a visa to cruise.

Visa Requirements for Ireland

Passport holders from the below listed countries do not require a visa to go ashore in Irish ports. Passport holders from all other countries not mentioned below will require a visa prior to the cruise issued by an Irish embassy or consulate. Guests without a valid visa will be denied boarding on embarkation day. It is not an option to remain onboard in Irish ports without a visa. A Schengen visa or United Kingdom visa is not valid for travel to Ireland.

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City

Certain nationalities may be eligible for the visa waiver programme if they meet certain requirements, these include the following nationalities Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Montenegro, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, India, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

Visa Requirements for Israel

Passport holders from the following countries will require a visa from an Israeli embassy or consulate before the cruise:

Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros Island, Congo, Cook Island, Cuba, Djibouti, Dubai, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kirghizstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Laos, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Reunion Island, Rwanda, Samoa, St. Thomas, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra ¬¬Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Israel before or during the cruise:

Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Antilles, Argentina, Austria, St. Kitts & Nevis, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Falkland, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Georgia, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Lesotho, Macau, Macedonia, Malta, Malawi, Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Guinea, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Suriname, Taiwan, Turks and Caicos, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City.

Passport holders from the following countries are restricted from entering Israel. Guests from these countries are not allowed to go ashore and must remain onboard whilst the ship is in Israeli ports:

Aden, Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen.

Nationalities not mentioned in the above categories above must obtain a visa from an Israeli Embassy or Consulate prior to their cruise. Guests who do not possess the Israel visa must remain onboard in Israeli ports.

Visa Requirements for India

Anyone who does not hold a passport from India requires a visa to visit Indian ports. The visa can be an embassy-issued visa sticker or an electronic visa. Both types of visas must be obtained in advance, prior to the beginning of the cruise. Anyone who requires an Indian visa and is unable to present one at check in on embarkation day will be denied boarding. The e-Tourist Visa can be arranged online, please refer to this website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html to submit the application.

Visa Requirements for Indonesia

Passport holders from the below countries do not require a visa to visit Indonesia:

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam

Passport holders from the below countries require an e-voa or an Electronic Visa upon Arrival for Indonesia. This visa is mandatory and can be applied for here starting 60 days prior to entry into Indonesia. This visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard and must be applied for and received prior to sailing. E-VOA must be printed to be considered valid.

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hongkong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, and Vatican

Passport holders of the following countries require an Indonesian visa from an Indonesian embassy or consulate prior to sailing. Anyone who requires a visa for Indonesia and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day.

Afghanistan, Congo, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen

Passport holders from all countries not listed above require an Indonesian E-visa arranged online at the below website or through an Indonesian embassy or consulate prior to sailing. Anyone who requires a visa for Indonesia and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day. E-Visa must be printed to be considered valid.

https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/

Visa Requirements for Ivory Coast

In transit guests do not require a visa to go ashore before or during the cruise.

Guests over the age of 9 months and of any nationality are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate , without it guests will be denied boarding. A medical waiver will be accepted in lieu of the yellow fever vaccine.

Visa Requirements for Japan

Please refer to this website for the most updated visa policies to visit Japan by cruise ship. Anyone who requires a Japanese visa and is unable to present one at check in on embarkation day will be denied boarding. This visa cannot be arranged onboard the ship. It must be done through a Japanese embassy or consulate prior to sailing.

Click Here for More Information

Visa Requirements for Jordan

All guests of any nationality are welcome to go ashore whilst in transit in Jordan ports, there are no visa requirements before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Kenya

Passport holders from the below countries will be charged $55 USD per person for a Mombasa visa upon arrival into ports in Kenya:

Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil. Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Egypt, El Salvador, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Guyana, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Hong Kong, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malagasy, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldovia, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Palau Pacific Isles, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States, United kingdom, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

All guests of any nationality are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate , without it guests will be detained onboard. A medical waiver will be accepted in lieu of the yellow fever vaccine.

Visa Requirements for Madagascar

A visa is not required to visit Madagascar by cruise; this applies to all nationalities.

Visa Requirements for Malaysia

Israeli passport holders are prohibited from entering Malaysia and must remain onboard in all Malaysian ports.

All passengers are required to fill out and submit an Online Arrival Card for Malaysia before entering Malaysia by plane or ship starting 3 days prior to entry. Passengers should submit this form at the below website before embarkation where applicable: Malaysia Online Arrival Card (imigresen-online.imi.gov)

Passport holders from the below listed countries require a visa to embark or debark in Malaysia:

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo Democratic Republic, Congo Republic, Cote D'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, India, Liberia, Mali, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Western Sahara

Passport holders from the below listed countries and guests who have visited or passed through the below countries are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate in order to be given clearance to go ashore in Malaysian ports, without it guests will be detained onboard:

Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Colombia, Cameroon, Central Afrika Republic, Chad, Congo, Djibouti, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Suriname, Somalia, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela, Zambia, Zaire, United Republic Of Tanzania

Visa Requirements for Martinique

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Martinique before the cruise. A valid Schengen visa, United States visa or a Canadian visa is accepted to go ashore in Martinique. Any guest without the visa is required to remain onboard whilst the ship is in Martinique ports.

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Belarus, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bhutan, Brunei, Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia*, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldovia*, Mongolia, Montenegro*, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Papua-New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Serbia*, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine*, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

* Only biometric passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement.

Visa Requirements for Mauritius

If you are booked on a cruise that starts or ends in Mauritius, please read carefully the following visa requirements for your entry to Mauritius.

Passport holders from the below countries require a visa for Mauritius before the cruise from an embassy or consulate:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Laos, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestinian State, Saharawi Republic, Somalia, Yemen.

Passport holders from the below countries will require a visa for Mauritius. If you are booked on a cruise that begins in Mauritius, this visa can be obtained at the airport. If you are booked on a cruise that ends in Mauritius, this visa is eligible to purchase on arrival for $80 USD per person. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Mauritius visa.

Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cambodia, Cameroon, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Palau, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam.

All other nationalities not mentioned in the above categories do not require a visa before or during the cruise.

Visa requirements for Morocco

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in ports in Morocco:

Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgari, Burkina-Faso, Cote D’lvoire, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Colombia, Congo, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Gabon, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Hungary, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Mali, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Niger, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Portugal, Netherlands, Philippines, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, St. Marteen, Senegal, Singapore, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

Passport holders from countries not mentioned above will require a visa for Morocco from an embassy or consulate before the cruise. Guests without the visa must remain onboard whilst the ship is in Moroccan ports.

Visa Requirements for Mozambique

Passport holders from Canada, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Israel, United States of America, Russia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Netherland, United Kingdom, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Finland, Indonesia, Ireland, Singapore, Ghana, Senegal, German, France, Italy, China, Portugal and Ukraine will be charged $30 USD for the arrival visa.

All other passport holders from nationalities not mentioned above will be charged $90 USD for the arrival visa.

Visa Requirements for Namibia

Passport validity of 6 months is strictly enforced.

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to go ashore in ports in Namibia:

Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Denmark, Finland France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Moldova, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

All other nationalities not mentioned above require a visa for Namibia before the cruise from an embassy or consulate. Guests without a visa may remain onboard with no penalty.

Passport holders from the below listed countries and guests who have visited or passed through the below countries are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate, without it guests will be detained onboard.

Visa Requirements for New Caledonia

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for New Caledonia:

Albania*, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia*, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominique Islands, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Georgia*, Great Britain, Greece, Grenade, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia*, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova*, Monaco, Montenegro*, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Marianne Islands, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Salvador, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles Islands, Singapore, Solomon Island, South Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Christophe & Nieves, St. Marteen, Vatican City, St. Vincent, St. Lucie, Switzerland, Sweden, Timor Eastern, Tonga Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu Islands, Ukraine*, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu Islands, Venezuela. *Only holders of biometric passports do not require a visa

Passport holders from all nationalities not listed above require a visa for New Caledonia issued either, by a French embassy or a Schengen Visa issued by a French embassy, before the cruise. Guests without a valid visa will be detained onboard whilst the ship is in ports in New Caledonia.

Visa Requirements for New Zealand

All passengers debarking in New Zealand are required to download the New Zealand Travel Declaration App "NZTD" and fill out the privacy policy before embarkation. 24 hours before departing the last port before entering New Zealand, all guests will be required to fill out and submit the full travel declaration form on the "NZTD" app. Any guests unable to access the app may use the below website to fill out the and submit the New Zealand Travel Declaration.

New Zealand Travel Declaration Website

The government of New Zealand has recently launched an electronic visa called the NZeTA that will be required for all guests not holding New Zealand or Australian passports to obtain prior to their cruise.

The NZeTA visa will be available for purchase via New Zealand's immigration website, or their mobile app, called NZeTA. Guests will also have to pay what is called the International Visitor Conservation And Tourism Levy (IVL) which is done at the same time as the visa application.

NZeTA visa will cost 9 NZD if purchased via the mobile app, and will cost 12 NZD if purchased via the website. The IVL will cost 35 NZD, and price remains the same whether purchased through the mobile app or website. Therefore, total cost will be either 44 NZD or 47 NZD per person to get both the NZeTA and IVL.

WHO NEEDS THE NZeTA VISA?

All guests who do not hold passports from New Zealand or Australia require the NZeTA visa to enter New Zealand by sea (for cruises that start and end in Sydney). Australian permanent residents who do not hold Australian passports also require the NZeTA. All nationalities are eligible to enter New Zealand by sea on a ship with the NZeTA. However, only the visa waiver countries can obtain an NZeTA visa to enter New Zealand by air (for cruises that start in Auckland). Guests from all nationalities that are not part of the visa waiver programme (except for New Zealand and Australian passport holders) must get a visitor visa to enter New Zealand by air. This is a separate visa that is also obtained online.

All guests MUST have the NZeTA or visitor visa in order to take any cruise that visits New Zealand ports. It is not an option to detain a guest onboard in New Zealand ports if they do not have the required visa. For cruises that begin in Sydney, we will check for the NZeTA confirmation email from every guest at check in so please print or have the confirmation email available on your phone. Anyone who has not yet applied can do so at the pier, but will not be boarded if they do not receive approval before the ship sails.

Click here to view countries and territories that are visa waiver countries.

HOW LONG IT TAKES TO GET THE VISA:

It is recommended that everyone applies for the NZeTA at least 72 hours prior to travel, as it can take up to 72 hours for the visa to be approved for certain individuals.

Guests who are flying into New Zealand (for cruises beginning in Auckland) who are not from visa waiver countries, must get a New Zealand visitor visa prior to travel. This visitor visa is now obtained online by all nationalities, and it takes an average of 14 working days to be processed. The visitor visa can also be used to enter New Zealand by sea, so if a guest already has a visitor visa and is entering New Zealand by sea, it is not necessary for them to also get an NZeTA.

More information on the NZeTA can be found at www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta .

Visa Requirements for Nicaragua

Guests from the following countries require a visa to go ashore in Nicaraguan ports. If a guest does not have a visa, immigration in Nicaragua may allow the guest to go ashore if they purchase a visa for $64 USD. It is not guaranteed that the option will be given for guests to purchase a visa upon arrival to Nicaragua.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, China, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Timor Leste, Vietnam, Yemen

Guests from the following countries must have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate in order to go ashore in Nicaraguan ports, unless they are permanent residents of another country, not mentioned below.

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, and all African countries except Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia and Tanzania.

Visa Requirements for Norway

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to enter Norway. All other nationalities not mentioned below are required to hold a valid Schengen visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise:

Albania (applies to holders of biometric passports), Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda (BDTC passports), Bosnia and Herzegovina (applies to holders of biometric passports), Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia (applies to holders of biometric passports), Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Korea (Republic of), Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro (applies to holders of biometric passport), Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (applies to holders of biometric passports), Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, the Seychelles, Serbia (applies to holders of biometric passport), Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine (applies to holders of biometric passport), United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, United States, and Venezuela

Do I Need a Visa for Norway? - UDI

The Norwegian government has implemented new policies with Russians travelling to Norway. Russian passport holders cannot embark or disembark cruises that end start or end in Norway, even if they have a Schengen visa issued by the Norwegian government. Exceptions will be granted in certain cases, for example to visit close family (parents, spouses, cohabitants and children) living in Norway and for Russian citizens who will work or study in Norway or other Schengen countries. Russian passport holders that cannot prove their visit under the aforementioned exceptions will be denied boarding. Norwegian Cruise Line also has policies for Russian passport holders to sail which need to be met in addition to the Norwegian government policies. More information can be found below in our travel sanctions section.

Visa Requirements for Oman

Guests of all nationalities except for Israel will receive a visa upon arrival to Oman arranged by the shipboard team. If the ship is in Oman for only one day, the visa is free of charge. If the ship is in Oman for 48 hours or more, the visa cost is $29 per person, which will be charged automatically to all guests' onboard accounts. The visa cost will not be waived for guests who choose to remain onboard in Oman.

Visa Requirements for Peru

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Peru:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cook Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Granada, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Holly See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Lithuania, Lichtenstein, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Malta, Malaysia, Marshal Islands, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nauru, Niue, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Salomon Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Tongo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, UK, Uruguay, and Vanuatu

Passport holders from all other counties must have a visa for Peru from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Philippines

All passengers are required to fill out and submit an Electronic Travel Declaration Form before entering the Philippines by Plane or Ship starting 6 days prior to entry into the Philippines. Passengers should submit this form at the below website before embarkation where applicable.

eTravel - Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System

Passport holders from the below countries do not require a visa to visit the Philippines.

Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d' Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea (ROK), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Indian nationals with a valid Australian, Japanese, American, Canadian, Schengen, Singaporean or UK visa or permanent residence permit and Chinese nationals from mainland China with valid Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen or US visa do not require a visa to visit the Philippines.

Passport holders from all countries not mentioned above require a visa obtained from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Qatar

Passport holders from the below countries will receive a visa on arrival. For guests arriving by ship, the cost for visa on arrival is $75 USD per person:

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Brunei, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Ecuador, Finland, France, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Germany, Greece, Georgia, Guyana, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Malaysia, Malta, Macau, Macedonia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Turkey, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela.

For all other nationalities not mentioned above a visa will be required for Qatar, please visit https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/practical-info/visas/visa-details for more information on how to apply for a visa.

Visa Requirements for Reunion Island

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa to visit Reunion Island before or during the cruise. All other nationalities not mentioned below will require a visa before the cruise from an embassy or consulate. Any guest without a visa for Reunion Island will be detained onboard:

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Brunei, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenade, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, St. Kitts and Nevis, Vatican, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marina, Seychelles, South Africa, East Timor, Taiwan*, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Uruguay, Ukraine, United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu.

Passport holders from China and India are eligible for a visa voucher in lieu of a visa provided by an approved travel agency only. The visa voucher must be valid for the duration of the stay in Reunion Island. Please find the list of approved travel agencies attached.

Visa Requirements for Samoa

All guests of any nationality are welcome to go ashore in ports in Samoa, there are no visa requirements before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Sao Tome

Passport holders from the below countries do not require a visa to go ashore in Sao Tome ports:

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United States.

All other nationalities not mentioned above will require a visa upon arrival, the cost of the visa is $50 USD per person. The ship will process the visa on your behalf and charge your onboard account.

Guests of any nationality over the age of 9 years old are required to have a yellow fever vaccine certificate , without it guests will be detained onboard. A medical waiver will be accepted in lieu of the yellow fever vaccine.

Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabia

If you are booked on a cruise that visits Saudi Arabia as port of call, please read carefully the following visa requirements to go ashore. Passport validity of 6 months is strictly enforced.

Passport holders from Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Syrian nationals are prohibited from entering Saudi Arabia and must remain onboard whilst the ship is in Saudi Arabian ports. These passport holders are not eligible to apply for e-visa or visa on arrival.

Passport holders from all nationalities not mentioned in the above category are required to apply for e-visa. Eligible guests must apply for the e-visa online before the cruise using this website https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/LoginIndividuals . E-visa transit by sea, starts at just USD $25 and payment is taken online whilst completing your application. For comprehensive visa application guidelines, please refer to the attached document:

Passport holders from the following countries are eligible to purchase a visa on arrival at a cost of $128 USD per person. Guests holding a valid and used US, Schengen, or UK visas are eligible for a visa on arrival. We encourage all eligible guests to apply for the e-visa instead because the cost for the visa on arrival is significantly more expensive.

Australia, Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brunei, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Saudi Arabia before or during the cruise:

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates.

Guests without the visa may remain onboard with no penalty.

Visa Requirements for Senegal

Passport holders from the below countries will require a visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise to go ashore. Guests without the visa must remain onboard.

Afghanistan, Albania, Antigua & Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belize, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bhutan, Chile, China, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Eritrea, Georgia, Guyana, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Maldives, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sao Tome & Principe, Serbia, Somalia, Sudan, Southern Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

Passport holders from the following countries will receive a visa on arrival at no cost to go ashore.

Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Botswana, Brunei, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Gabon, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lesotho, Libya, Lichtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Switzerland, Suriname, Swaziland, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Passport holders from the following countries will not require a visa before or during the cruise to go ashore.

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Canada, Cape-Verde, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Germany, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, India, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Liberia, Malta, Mali, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Togo, Tunisia, United States of America, United Kingdom.

Passport holders not mentioned in the above categories will require a visa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

The yellow fever vaccine is no longer mandatory but it is recommended by the local health authorities to go ashore.

Visa Requirements for Seychelles

A visa is not required to visit Seychelles by cruise. This applies to all nationalities.

Visa Requirements for Singapore

All passengers are required to fill out and submit an Electronic Arrival Card before entering Singapore by Plane or Ship starting 3 days prior to entry. Passengers should submit this form at the below website before embarkation where applicable. ICA | SG Arrival Card

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa for Singapore from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen.

Passport holders from China, Hong Kong, India, and Taiwan may be eligible to enter Singapore without a visa if they meet both the below conditions:

Have a valid onward air/ferry/cruise ticket departing Singapore within 96 hours.

Have a valid visa or long-term pass issued by Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, or United States of America.

Passport holders from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Georgia, Turkmenistan and Ukraine may be eligible to enter Singapore visa free if they have a valid onward air ticket departing within 96 hours of entry. This only applies if departing Singapore by air, if departing Singapore by land or sea a visa from an embassy or consulate must be obtained before the cruise.

Passport holders from all nationalities not mentioned above do not require a visa to go to Singapore.

ICA | Check if You Need an Entry Visa

Visa Requirements for South Africa

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for South Africa issued from an embassy or consulate prior to the cruise. Passport holders not mentioned below will require a visa for South Africa from an embassy or consulate before the cruise. Any guest who requires a South African visa and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day.

Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados. Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guyana, Henderson, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Qatar, South Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa Requirements for South Korea

Passport holders from the below countries may be eligible for the K-ETA Electronic Travel Authorisation programme if they meet certain requirements. The below nationalities must have a K-ETA or South Korean visa issued from an embassy or consulate before the cruise if embarking or disembarking in South Korea.

Albania, Andorra, Antigua-Barbuda, Argentina, Australia*, Austria*, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium*, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada*, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark*, Dominica, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland*, France*, Germany*, Greece, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong*, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy*, Jamaica, Japan*, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao*, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands*, New Caledonia, New Zealand*, Nicaragua, Norway*, Oman, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland*, Portugal, Qatar, Republic Of Serbia, Romania, Russia, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore*, Slovak, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain*, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Surinam, Sweden*, Switzerland, Taiwan*, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, U.A.E, United Kingdom*, United States*, Uruguay, and Venezuela

Passport holders from all other counties must have a visa for South Korea from an embassy or consulate before the cruise.

*South Korea has provided the below 22 countries with a temporary exemption from the K-ETA from April 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024.

Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macau, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States

Official Notice of K-ETA Exemption

Visa Requirements for Sri Lanka

All passengers are required to obtain an electronic ETA visa prior to arrival to Sri Lanka. This visa is free of charge and must be obtained online at least 48 hours in advance. Anyone who does not obtain the ETA visa in advance must remain onboard in Sri Lankan ports. This visa must be obtained using this link http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ and click on “Transit ETA” to complete application.

Visa Requirements for Taiwan

Please refer to this website for a list of countries that do not require a visa for Taiwan.

Passport holders from Hong Kong, Macau, UK overseas must obtain a Taiwan Entry & Exit permit. There are different documents required depending on the place of birth and/or residence.

Chinese (People’s Republic of China) Passport holder must obtain Taiwan Entry & Exit Permit before boarding cruise, on-line entry permit is not available.

The below documents are required to enter Taiwan:

PRC Passport with validity at least 6 months after enter Taiwan
PRC Travel pass to Taiwan
Entry & Exit Permit Taiwan Republic of China

Passport holders from the following countries are eligible for an eVisa when they meet relevant criteria, by accessing this link eVisa Application (boca.gov.tw) :

Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Dominica, Ecuador, Kiribati, Kuwait, Mauritius, Montenegro, Oman, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

All other nationalities not mentioned above require a visa before the cruise from an embassy or consulate, anyone without a visa for Taiwan will be denied boarding.

Visa Requirements for Tanzania

Passport holders from many countries will require an e-visa to go ashore in Tanzania. Guests must apply for the e-visa prior to embarkation. There is a 10 day approval process on the e-visa, approvals may be granted whilst on the ship in transit to Tanzania. Please visit https://immigration.go.tz/index.php/immigration-services/visa-information to apply for the e-visa online.

Visa Requirements for Thailand

Passport holders from the following countries do not require a visa for Thailand:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam

Passports holders from the following countries can purchase a Thai visa on arrival onboard the ship for $80 USD per person. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests onboard the ship who do not already possess a Thai visa. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Thai ports.

Bulgaria, Bhutan, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu

Passport holders from all nationalities not listed in one of the above categories require a Thai visa issued by a Thai embassy or consulate prior to the cruise. Any guest who requires a Thai visa and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day. Applications for Thai VISA can be done online or in person at the Thai embassy or consulate in the country of departure of the applicant.

Visa Requirements for Turkey

If you are booked on a cruise that starts or ends in Turkey, please read carefully the following visa requirements for your entry to Turkey. Passport validity of six months is strictly enforced.

Passport holders from the following countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa that must be applied for online before the cruise using this website https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ :

Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Canada, China, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Haiti, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Oman, St. Lucia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Zambia.

Passport holders from the following countries require a visa before the cruise from an embassy or consulate:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kiribati, Republic of Congo, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Palau Republic, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zaire, Zimbabwe.

Passport holders that are visa free and do not require a visa for Turkey before or during the cruise:

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom*, United States, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Venezuela.

For cruises that visit Turkey as a port of call, a visa is not required for any nationality. However, passport validity of 6 months is strictly enforced. Any guest whose passport will expire in less than six months must remain onboard in Turkish ports.

Visa Requirements for United Arab Emirates

Passport holders from the following countries will receive a visa upon arrival to the United Arab Emirates free of charge. Passport holders from all nationalities not listed below require a UAE visa before the cruise. Please visit https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/uae-visa-information/ for more information on how to apply for a visa. Any guest who requires a UAE visa and does not have one will be denied boarding on embarkation day.

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexican, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, Romania, Russia, Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City.

Visa Requirements for United Kingdom

Passport holders from the below listed countries require a visa to go ashore in United kingdom ports. Guests from these countries that do not hold a United Kingdom Visa on embarkation day will be denied boarding. This visa must be arranged prior to your cruise through an embassy or consulate. A Schengen Visa or Irish Visa is not valid for travel to United Kingdom.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Zaire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome e Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkeminstan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa Requirements for Uruguay

All guests of any nationality are welcome to go ashore whilst in transit in Uruguay ports, there are no visa requirements before or during the cruise.

Visa Requirements for Vanuatu

Passport holders from the below listed countries do not a require a visa to go ashore in Vanuatu ports. Passport holders from all other countries not listed below will require a visa for Vanuatu prior to the cruise.

Argentina, Australia, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Botswana, Belize, Brazil, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cuba, China, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominica, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Ghana, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Hungary, India, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, Maldives, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Namibia, Nigeria, Nauru, new Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Pakistan, Palau, Papa New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Turkey, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tanzania, Uruguay, Uganda, United States, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Vatican City, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa Requirements for Vietnam

Passport holders from the below listed countries do not require a visa for Vietnam. Passport holders from all other countries require a visa to go ashore in ports in Vietnam. The visa on arrival will be arranged by the onboard team. Guests will be charged $50 USD per person. This visa is mandatory and will be charged to the onboard account for all guests on the ship with the exception of the below passport holders. The visa is required for both guests who go ashore and guests who choose to remain onboard. The cost of the visa will not be waived for guests who remain onboard in Vietnamese ports.

Belarus, Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Norway, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, and UK

Birth Certificates To obtain an original or state certified copy of a birth certificate, you can contact your hospital of birth or the Vital Statistics Department of the County where you were born.

Passports For more information on obtaining a passport, please visit the U.S. Passports & International Travel website, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , or VisaCentral .

Government-issued Photo I.D.’s You can usually obtain a state-issued photo I.D. from your local driver's license/Division of Motor Vehicles office. Contact your local office or visit your state's DMV website for more information and instructions. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to access their list of State Departments of Motor Vehicles.-->

Electronic Travel Authorisation Per the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) requirements, all VWP travellers must obtain an electronic travel authorisation prior to boarding a travel carrier to enter the United States. This can be done by completing the online application on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ’s website. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. However, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. In most cases you will receive a response within seconds. Potential responses include:

Authorisation Approved
Travel Not Authorised : Travellers must obtain a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before travelling to the U.S.
Authorisation Pending : Travellers should check the ESTA website for updates and final response.

An approved travel authorisation will be:

Required for all VWP travellers prior to boarding a travel carrier to enter the United States under the VWP.
Valid unless revoked, for up to two (2) years or until the traveller's passport expires, whichever comes first;
Valid for multiple entries but not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States at a port of entry.

Norwegian Cruise Line guests can contact VisaCentral for visa inquires or assistance with the visa application process. Norwegian Cruise Line guests receive discounted VisaCentral service fees. Be sure to access the VisaCentral website at http://visacentral.com/Norwegian-cruise-line-splash?login=103407 or calling (844) 834-5702 and reference account 75006 when calling to receive the discounted rates.

Note: These terms are effective at the time of boarding.

Travelling with Infants:

At least six (6) months of age on the day of boarding
At least twelve (12) months of age on the day of boarding if your cruise has 3 or more consecutive days at sea.

Travelling with Minors and Young Adults: Norwegian Cruise Line’s policy dictates that a minor or young adult must be accompanied in the same stateroom (or connecting stateroom) by a passenger 21 years of age or older at the time of boarding.

Minors – an individual under the age of 18 on the day of embarkation/boarding.
Young Adult – an individual between the ages of 18 and 20.

Note: Two people under the age of 21 may travel together in the same stateroom if they are a married couple and provide proof of marriage to a Norwegian Cruise Line representative at the pier prior to boarding.

Travelling with Minors Unaccompanied by Parent or Legal Guardian*:

For passengers under the age of 18 travelling with an accompanying adult, who is not the minor's parent or legal guardian, a Parent/Guardian Consent Form that authorises the minor's travel and further authorises medical treatment in case of an emergency must be delivered to a Norwegian representative at the pier during check-in. Failure to produce this letter at embarkation may result in boarding being denied. Both living parents/legal guardians must sign and complete this form and attach a copy of his/her driver's license or other government issued identification. Minors of the same parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may be listed on the same form:

Download and Complete the Parental Consent Release form (PDF)

Minors or the same parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may be listed on the same form

Copy of both parents/legal guardians Driver’s License or other Government Issued ID

Adoptive parents, legal guardians or persons separated or divorced are advised to keep legal and other relevant documents available in order to clarify custody rights.

*If travelling to Canada, you’ll need the following document in addition to items #1 and 2 (Alaska, Pacific Coastal, and Canada/New England Itineraries):

Canadian entry requirements stipulate that a child under the age of 18 travelling alone, or with person(s) other than both parents , should be in possession of a letter (preferably notarised) from the parents or legal guardian containing:

Authorisation for the child to travel with another person and to be outside the country;
The name and a 24-hour contact telephone number of the parents or guardian;
The destination and length of stay in Canada.

OFAC Sanctions/Regulations Please be advised that the United States Department of the Treasury through the Office of Foreign Assets Control ('OFAC') has issued a series of sanctions against these countries, certain nationals, and certain entities. These sanctions limit the ability of cruise lines to conduct business with these countries, their citizens, and any other entities designated by OFAC.

Sanctioned Countries are as follows: CRIMEA REGION OF UKRAINE, THE SO-CALLED “DONETSK PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF UKRAINE,” THE SO-CALLED “LUHANSK PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF UKRAINE,” CUBA, NORTH KOREA (DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA), SYRIA, OR IRAN.

High-Risk Countries are as follows: VENEZUELA, RUSSIA, OR BELARUS.

Accordingly, it is Norwegian Cruise Line’s policy that if you are a citizen or resident of one of these sanctioned or high-risk countries, Norwegian Cruise Line is entitled to cancel your booking and refuse boarding unless you can satisfy the following conditions:

Proof of citizenship in a non-sanctioned country; OR
Proof of residency** in a non-sanctioned country; AND
Evidence that you are funding the cruise, including all onboard charges by providing a credit card from a bank associated with a non-sanctioned country and a non-sanctioned financial institution.

** This must be in the form of a valid passport, temporary or permanent resident card, or national ID card including personal information and photography. Russian passport holders may also present a valid US visa. Documentation, such as a rental agreement, showing address, will not be sufficient. Venezuelan passport holders are only required to provide a method of payment from a non-sanctioned country and a non-sanctioned financial institution.

You must be able to satisfy the above criteria to sail on board a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. Please note that Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to cancel your booking and refuse boarding if there are any changes to the laws and regulations or other circumstances such that completing the booking would cause Norwegian Cruise Line to be in noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Do you need a passport to go to Canada?

T raveling to Canada from the United States is relatively straightforward, but the documentation required can vary depending on your mode of transportation and citizenship status. While a passport is the most widely accepted form of identification for international travel, alternative options are available for U.S. citizens entering Canada by land or sea.

What you need to know about traveling to Canada

So, what exactly do you need to cross into Canada? It really depends on how you’re getting there.

What documents do I need to cross the Canadian border by car?

If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada by land or sea, you have a few options for acceptable documentation:

Passport: A valid U.S. passport is the most widely recognized and accepted form of identification for international travel, including entry into Canada. It’s also the only document accepted for air travel to Canada.
Passport card: This wallet-sized card can be used to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports of entry. It cannot be used for air travel.
Enhanced driver’s license (EDL): Several U.S. states, including Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington, issue enhanced driver’s licenses that are designed to meet the document requirements for land and sea travel into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. EDLs are not valid for air travel.
Trusted traveler program card: U.S. citizens enrolled in trusted traveler programs like NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST can use their program card to expedite entry into Canada at designated land border crossings.

What do you need to enter Canada from the U.S.?

To enter Canada from the United States, you need to present one of the following acceptable documents:

Valid U.S. passport
U.S. passport card (land and sea travel only)
Enhanced driver’s license issued by an approved state (land and sea travel only)
Trusted traveler program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST) (land travel only)

Can I travel to Canada with my U.S. birth certificate?

No, a U.S. birth certificate alone is not sufficient for entry into Canada. Although it serves as proof of citizenship, it does not include the necessary identification information required for international travel. A birth certificate must be accompanied by additional approved documentation, such as a government-issued photo ID.

Can you get into Canada with an enhanced license?

Yes, an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) issued by an approved U.S. state is a valid document for entry into Canada by land or sea. However, an EDL cannot be used for air travel to Canada or any other international destination. For air travel, a valid passport is required.

EDLs are currently issued by the states of Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington, specifically to facilitate land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean destinations. These licenses incorporate additional security features and are approved by the Department of Homeland Security and the Canadian government for border-crossing purposes.

Before traveling, it’s always a good idea to check the latest entry requirements and regulations with the Canadian government, as these can change over time.

Bottom line

While a passport is the most widely accepted and recommended form of identification for travel to Canada, U.S. citizens have several alternatives for land and sea travel, including passport cards, enhanced driver’s licenses, and trusted traveler program cards. Regardless of the documentation used, all travelers need to meet Canada’s admissibility requirements and should familiarize themselves with the latest entry regulations before going on their trip.

The post Do you need a passport to go to Canada? appeared first on The Manual .

Royal Caribbean International

Birth certificate instead of passport? Please someone answer.

By Sadie cruiser , March 1, 2011 in Royal Caribbean International

Sadie cruiser

Did anyone use their birth certificate and driver's license instead of a passport? Specifically, I need to know if the birth certificate has to show a seal or can it be a certified copy from your home state Vital Statistics depart.. YES! I have been on the site of Homeland Security so I just want to hear from those people who traveled without passports. Thanks.

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shipshape sam

Can't specifically help you, but would suggest getting a passport. Then there is not an issue and you have the best form of Id and would not have to worry in future about picture Id, birth certificate, copies, etc.

doubledobles

As far as I know, you must have a passport to travel outside of USA.

You can use your birth certificate and driver's license if you are from the US. This is true for closed loop cruises such as the Allure (start and end in a US port). I am just wondering if it has to have the embossed seal or use a copy from the original (that wouldn't have a raised seal).

It is recommended that you get a passport, it makes traveling so much easier!

We did go on a cruise with just our drivers licenses and birth certificates, because we booked it last minute and didn't realize our passports had just expired. It was my understanding that it had to have the raised seal. You can easily order them online now, I think from all states. It was fine, we were okay. It was a shorter cruise, tho, so we felt like it was less of a concern.

We did go ahead and get full passports for all of us. For a longer cruise...I guess I felt like there was more of a chance. (Plus our kids are going along....I want us all to be covered for all potential issues this time)

Please remember that if there is an emergency, getting back into the US is VERY difficult if you don't have a passport. I have had emergencies such as someone dying back home, getting ill on the cruise and needing to get home for treatment, etc. In these cases birth certificates are not acceptable. Don't want to scare you, but these are real examples. I can't imagine anyone traveling out of the country at this time without a passport.

You need a long form birth certificate with a raised seal. Also, if you are married then your wife will need a copy of your marriage certificate to show her maiden name changed to her married name. They will not let you on if the name on your birth certificate does not match your license and birth certificate unless you have your marriage certificate.

cherylandtk

It must be a certified copy issued by the state or county. The certification can take the form of a raised seal, OR a watermark OR a hologram OR special paper. It cannot be a photocopy of a certified copy.

See what RCI has to say here: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/passportGuidelines.do

Luv2Cook2010

Hmmm...never heard of needing your marriage certificate.

Cruise Documents Q:* Does the name on my reservation need to match the name on my passport? A:* Yes. It is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. If your name has changed since your document was issued (e.g., marriage/divorce), it is required that you update the document with the new name or provide an official supporting document of the name change . Otherwise, it may result in delay or possible denial of boarding.

The current wording applies to both passport and birth certificates, and several posts in the last year have noted trouble on some RCI sailings without from/to proof of the name change. This is not a US requirement, just this cruise line's.

RCI has this on their FAQ page : The current wording applies to both passport and birth certificates, and several posts in the last year have noted trouble on some RCI sailings without from/to proof of the name change. This is not a US requirement, just this cruise line's.

Your drivers license can be used, as well. I did not need my marriage certificate.

Again, if you have time...try to get it. Ours just came in two weeks, but we did pay for expediting.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Can you travel to the Bahamas with a birth certificate instead of a passport?

1. can i travel to the bahamas with just a birth certificate, 2. what are the general requirements for traveling to the bahamas, 3. are there any additional documents i need to travel with a birth certificate, 4. what if i lose my birth certificate, 5. can i apply for a passport instead, 6. what if i am not eligible to travel with just a birth certificate, 7. are there any exceptions to the birth certificate requirement, 8. can i use a birth certificate as my sole form of identification, 9. what if my birth certificate is damaged, 10. can i use a photocopy of my birth certificate, 11. what other forms of identification can i use for travel, 12. can the rules regarding travel documents change.

If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful Bahamas, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to travel with just a birth certificate instead of a passport. While a passport is generally the preferred and most widely accepted form of identification for international travel, there are certain circumstances under which a birth certificate may be accepted for travel to the Bahamas. However, it’s important to note that these circumstances are limited and special requirements may apply.

Yes, in some cases, you can travel to the Bahamas with just a birth certificate. However, this option is only available for certain categories of travelers, such as children under the age of 16 and adults who were born in the Bahamas and hold a Bahamian citizenship. It’s crucial to check the specific requirements and restrictions to determine if this applies to you.

For most travelers, a valid passport is required to enter the Bahamas. This applies to both U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries. It’s always advisable to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date to avoid any complications.

If you are eligible to travel to the Bahamas with a birth certificate, additional documents may be necessary to support your trip. For example, if you’re traveling with a child and you’re not the biological parent, you may be required to provide a notarized letter of consent from the child’s parents. It’s essential to research and fulfill all necessary documentation requirements before your trip.

If you lose your birth certificate, it can be a significant inconvenience, especially if you’re planning to travel with it as your primary form of identification. It is highly recommended to obtain a replacement birth certificate or consider obtaining a passport to avoid any travel disruptions. Losing your birth certificate can lead to complications when trying to prove your identity, so it’s best to have a backup form of identification readily available.

Even if you’re eligible to travel to the Bahamas with just a birth certificate, applying for a passport is always a good idea. A passport is a universally accepted form of identification that allows for hassle-free travel to various countries worldwide. Additionally, having a passport grants you the flexibility to travel to other destinations without worrying about specific documentation requirements.

If you do not fall within the specific categories that allow travel to the Bahamas with just a birth certificate, you will need to obtain a valid passport. To apply for a passport, you will need to gather the required documents, such as proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and a passport photo. It’s advisable to start the passport application process well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Yes, there are exceptions to the birth certificate requirement for traveling to the Bahamas. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen and possess a valid Trusted Traveler Program card, such as a Global Entry card, you may be allowed to visit the Bahamas without a birth certificate. It’s important to review the specific entry requirements and exceptions based on your citizenship and travel circumstances.

While a birth certificate may be accepted as a form of identification for some travel purposes, it is generally advisable to have additional forms of identification. A passport is the most widely recognized and preferred form of identification for international travel. It’s always better to be prepared and carry multiple forms of identification to avoid any complications or delays.

If your birth certificate is damaged or in poor condition, it may not be accepted as a valid form of identification for travel to the Bahamas. It is recommended to obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from the appropriate government agency or consider applying for a passport as an alternative form of identification.

In most cases, photocopies or digital copies of documents, including birth certificates, are not accepted as valid forms of identification for international travel. It’s crucial to have the original document or a certified copy whenever possible. Travel authorities typically require official and authentic documents to ensure the integrity and security of the travel process.

If you are not eligible to travel to the Bahamas with just a birth certificate and do not have a passport, there are alternative forms of identification you can consider. These may include a valid government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license or a state ID card. However, it’s essential to check with the specific travel requirements and regulations of the destination country before relying solely on these alternative forms of identification.

Yes, travel regulations and requirements can change periodically. It’s crucial to stay updated with the most recent information regarding the necessary travel documents for your intended destination. Consult the official websites of the relevant government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of State or the Bahamian immigration authorities, for the latest guidelines and requirements.

In conclusion, while it is possible to travel to the Bahamas with just a birth certificate in certain situations, it is generally recommended to have a valid passport for easy and hassle-free travel. Always ensure you research and understand the specific requirements and exceptions before planning your trip.

About The Author

Ijaz Hussain

The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make With Their Kids' Passports

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

We asked experts to share the most common mistakes parents make with their children’s passports.

International travel already requires more planning than domestic trips, but things get more complicated when you add children and their passports into the mix.

“Applying for a child’s passport should be basically easy,” said David Alwadish, the founder and CEO of the passport and visa concierge service ItsEasy.com . In reality, however, the process can feel a bit overwhelming.

“It requires an original birth certificate, the child, and the parents who are listed on the birth certificate to all appear in person before an authorized acceptance agent for the gathering of the documents and witnessing of the parents’ oaths,” Alwadish explained.

But there are many things that can go potentially go wrong, leaving parents scrambling to get their child’s passport in time for an important family visit or big vacation. We asked experts to share the most common mistakes parents make with their children’s passports.

Ignoring the photo guidelines

“Parents often ignore the guidelines for photos in favor of capturing the cutest, most aesthetic passport photo,” said Lousson Smith, a product operations specialist for the flight alert service Going .

If you do periodic family photo shoots or an annual holiday card session, consider asking your photographer to snap a couple of passport photo options. Just remember the photo must show the child against a white background, and they must be the right distance from the camera and in clear focus.

“The No. 1 reason for rejected or delayed applications is poor quality photos,” Alwadish said. “The baby can have a natural smile, but not a giddy smile that distorts the natural flow and contour of face and eyes. The parent can’t be in the photo.”

He noted that your child can’t be wearing a bow, hat or anything on their head. Religious head coverings are acceptable if the parent provides a statement attesting to their religious purpose. Otherwise, the important thing is to ensure the child’s head is up, their eyes are open and they’re facing straight ahead with a non-exaggerated expression.

“Lay the child down safely on your carpet or bed atop a white sheet, so they never can fall, and wait for the perfect moment to take multiple photos until you get the right one,” Alwadish advised.

Submitting incorrect information

“Your mileage may vary but some custom agents will be very particular over information that doesn’t exactly match,” Smith said. “Ensure your child’s name, DOB, and passport information is 100% correct. Also, make sure the parental information is correct and that your own passport doesn’t expire soon.”

She recommended checking that your passport has at least six months of validity until the expiration date.

“ Another common error that parents make is they get a blank passport form and fill it out by hand,” Alwadish said. “This practice not only slows the passport agents down from processing the application, having to retype the entries, but also increases the risk of any unforced typographical errors in the finished passport.”

He recommended filling out passport forms online.

Not having both parents appear in person

To prevent international abductions and other issues, the State Department requires both parents or guardians to go with their child to apply for a passport in person. Extra paperwork is necessary when this is not possible.

“Problems start when both parents cannot appear in person and only one does, without the proper consent form, documentation or death certificate,” Alwadish said.

He noted that work conflicts, divorce, custody agreement issues, incarceration or guardianship arrangements might get in the way of both parents appearing in person to apply for the passport.

“If both parents can’t appear, in most cases there is a special form that the remaining parent who will not appear can sign and have notarized,” Alwadish said. “This form, known as a DS 3053 , commonly used when the parent that is unable to attend, will give permission to the remaining parent to appear with the child. The same form can be used by both parents to enable a guardian to represent and appear with the child.”

Thinking you can renew it

Don’t confuse the passport rules for children with those for adults. While adult passports are good for 10 years, kids’ passports are only good for five — so just because your passport is good to go for a vacation, your child’s might not be. Make a note in your calendar and remember you’ll need to use the same procedure you did for their first passport to reapply after the five years is up.

“Every passport issued to a child under 16 years of age is simply not renewable, so it’s a mistake to explore a renewal,” Alwadish said. “Any passport issued after a child’s 16th birthday, if it’s not lost and they hold it to full-term, is renewable, however.”

“When traveling, hold on to your kid’s passport to mitigate the chance they might lose it abroad and keep it with yours,” Smith advised. “Travel with photocopies and pictures of the passport just in case. If you lose it abroad, go to the nearest embassy to get an expedited replacement.”

In addition to safely keeping your children’s passports with yours, Alwadish also recommended getting a passport ID card for your child to carry in case you are separated. It’s more like a regular ID card than a passport, but it’s cheaper, smaller and allows holders to cross some land borders.

“Tape your cell number to the card and make sure it never leaves their person,” he said. “Will that card be the ‘end all’ for security? Probably not, but it is only $15! ”

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Stop by the neighbors: What to know about driving to Canada from Michigan

Few experiences resonate with the spirit of being an American traveler quite like a quick hop across the border to Canada. Residents of Metro Detroit frequently cross over to Windsor, Canada, our close neighbor to the north for a friendly visit.

Before you head across the border, here's what you need to know about passports and other documentation you'll need for you, your kids and your pets.

Do I need a passport to drive to Canada?

Whether you're crossing via the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or Ambassador Bridge, Canadian law requires that all persons entering the country carry proof of citizenship and identity, according to the U.S. Department of State website .

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, a valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card satisfies the requirements. U.S. citizens who are members of the FAST program may use their cards as proof of identity when arriving by land.

A U.S. enhanced driver's license on its own is not proof of citizenship but may be accepted with additional documents that support the traveler's identity and citizenship, according to Maria Ladouceur, media relations spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency.

"In all cases, before making a decision on whether or not to allow a traveller to enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency border services officer (BSO) will review and consider each traveller's unique circumstances, the purpose of the trip, and the documents presented at the time of entry," Ladouceur said. "BSOs use all of the information available to them when a traveller is seeking entry into Canada, to determine if the traveller is eligible to enter the country. It is recommended that U.S. citizens travel with a valid passport to facilitate their border crossing because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel."

Story continues below.

Do children need a passport to drive to Canada?

Children under 16 only need a birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship to cross into Canada by land. The birth certificate can be an original, a photocopy or a certified copy, according to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative . If you plan to travel with a minor for whom you don't have full legal custody, CBSA may require a letter of authorization from the minor's parents or legal guardian.

For groups of children under age 19 arriving by land and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, they may also present an original or copy of a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

The group should provide, on organizational letterhead:

The name of the group and supervising adult.
A list of the children on the trip, the primary home address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child.
A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child.

Do I need a passport to re-enter the US from Canada?

According to the Department of Homeland Security , U.S. citizens entering the United States by land are required to present a valid Western Hemisphere travel initiative-compliant document, which includes:

U.S. Passport
Passport Card
Enhanced driver's license
Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders
Form I-872 American Indian Card, or (when available) Enhanced Tribal Card

U.S. citizen children, ages 16 and under, arriving by land from Canada may present an original or copy of their birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be an original, photocopy or certified copy.

If the child is a newborn and the actual birth certificate has not arrived, a border officer will accept , according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

What if my passport has my old name on it?

U.S. citizens who change their name due to marriage, divorce, or because of any other circumstance, may travel using a passport or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative approved document in their prior name provided they bring proof of the name progression such as; a marriage certificate, a divorce decree or court documents showing a legal name change, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection .

Planning a group trip can be a headache: How this new Expedia tool makes it easier

What does it cost to go to Canada?

Crossing via the Ambassador Bridge to Canada will cost $6 and $8 when returning to the U.S. if you're traveling with a trailer, rates will vary based on weight and axles .

If you opt for the Detroit-Windsor tunnel, it costs $5.50 for automobiles and RVs, according to dwtunnel.com . On the way back, it's only $5.

The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel Bus will resume service Nov. 27, operate seven days a week and cost $7.50 each way, according to the City of Windsor .

Further north in Port Huron, it's $3.75 to cross the Blue Water Bridge into Canada.

And even further north in Sault Ste. Marie, it's $4 to cross the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge.

Can my dog or cat travel to Canada?

Dogs older than 3 months old joining your road trip can enter Canada if they're accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate and appear healthy, according to the Government of Canada .

If your dog is younger than 3 months old, you'll need proof of its age, which you can get from a veterinarian, and the dog must appear healthy. A rabies certification is not required for dogs under 3 months.

However, it's against the law to bring pit bulls into Ontario, according to Ontario law . The law does allow certain pit bulls to enter Ontario for recognized dog shows and flyball tournaments under limited circumstances.

If you're traveling with a domestic cat 3 months or older, you will need a valid rabies vaccination certificate or veterinary certificate.

If you're traveling with a domestic cat less than 3 months of age, a rabies certification is not required, but you'll need proof of the cat's age.

All pets must meet humane transportation requirements.

PSP Division
Passport Seva
Passport Offices in India
Mission/Post Abroad
Citizens' Charter
General Information
Chief Passport Officer
Passport Offices
Vigilance Unit
Visa Services
Consular / Visa
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Fresh ID Certificate in changed name
Citizen of India by birth: You are Citizen of India by birth if you are born in India subject to fulfillment of provisions in The Citizenship Act, 1955.
Citizen of India by descent: You are Citizen of India by descent if you are born outside India and either of your parents is a citizen of India at the time of your birth subject to fulfillment of provisions in The Citizenship Act, 1955.
Citizen of India by registration/naturalization: You are Citizen of India by Registration/Naturalization if you have been granted Indian Citizenship by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
Damaged Passport - Passport number is readable, name is legible and Photo is intact
Damaged beyond recognition
Original and self attested photocopy of your passport.
Documentary proof for any one of the Non-ECR (previously ECNR) categories - if you are eligible for Non-ECR. Please click here to check the Documents required for ECNR.
Proof of present address.
Passport in original with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page (previously ECNR) and the page of observation, if any, made by Passport Issuing Authority and validity extension page, if any, in respect of short validity passport.
For existing Ordinary Passport (if any): Proof / Certificate of Safe Custody done at your office.
For existing Diplomatic/ Official Passport (i.e. in Re-Issue applications) : the original Diplomatic/Official Passport for cancellation. If the same is kept in the safe custody of the Ministry of External Affairs, the original surrender/safe custody certificate. If the same has been cancelled by Ministry of External Affairs, the original cancellation certificate.
A copy of your Official Identity (ID) Card (or that of the Head of Office)
A copy of Certificate issued by the Head of Office in the format enclosed within the new Diplomatic/Official Application Form available in the website
The Official Request from Forwarding Officer in the format enclosed within the new Diplomatic/Official Application Form available in the website
The Political/PMO Clearance Certificate, if applicable
Proof of assessment of income tax and actual payment of income tax for last one year; or
Income Tax returns statement (with income tax being paid by the applicant) for last one year that is stamped by income tax authorities and a copy of the PAN card.

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Culpability in birth certificate mess in the Philippines

Sunday, 21 Jul 2024

Related News

Philippines 'to assert our rights' after China sea deal

Philippines eyes defence pacts with france, canada and nz: minister, both sides continue to recognise the need to de-escalate the situation in the south china sea, say philippines and china.

Philippine authorities have uncovered hundreds of cases of Chinese nationals who secured local birth certificates. — PSA

THE recent discovery of close to 200 falsified Philippine birth certificates issued to Chinese nationals from 2018 to 2019, all by the civil registry of one town in Davao, is solid, incontrovertible proof of what lawmakers have been warning about since the probe on illegal drugs and crimes perpetrated by unlicensed offshore gaming operators in the country started a few years back. Individuals, or more likely syndicates, are using the country’s late registration of birth to enable unwanted foreigners, most of them Chinese, to obtain valid Philippine passports, driver’s licenses, and other government-issued identification documents.

While the congressional investigations focused on big-time drug personalities and high-profile personalities such as suspended Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban town in Tarlac, it now proves that undesirable foreigners have been getting Philippine identities for various illegal activities on a bigger scale, and for many years now.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, citing information from within the Chinese community, claimed that a Chinese national had to shell out 300,000 Philippine pesos (RM24,080) to illegally obtain a valid Philippine birth certificate, passport, and driver’s licence. The senator said “valid”, which means these documents were officially issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Foreign Affairs Department, and the Land Transportation Office.

Finding culpability in this entire mess will be a tedious job that will require the joint involvement of many agencies in the Philippines. Gatchalian has raised the possibility that the erring individuals are within the PSA itself or the local government of Santa Cruz town in Davao del Sur, where authorities discovered the falsified birth certificates.

However, in its search for the persons or syndicates taking advantage of the late birth registration system, the government should look at the root of the problem. While the senator puts the crux of the problem squarely on the PSA and the local government unit, the authorities should start instead with the late birth certificate registration scheme.

The late registration process is a tedious one, if the rules are strictly followed. It begins at the Local Civil Registry (LCR) office of the municipality or town where a person was supposedly born. Under the law, a child’s birth must be registered at the LCR office no later than 30 days from the day the child was born; otherwise, the registration is deemed late or delayed. Unless a person’s birth is properly registered, he or she will not be able to obtain a birth certificate, the primary requirement in a number of personal transactions such as applying for a passport for the first time, securing a driver’s licence, enrolling in schools, and even for some financial transactions.

The requirements, as listed by the PSA, should include four copies of the certificate of live birth duly completed and signed by the parties (the physician or midwife in attendance at the birth or, in their absence, either parent of the child involved), and a duly accomplished affidavit of delayed registration done by the father, mother, or guardian. The late registration must be filed at the Office of the Civil Registrar of the place where the person was born.

The most important part of the process, it must be highlighted, is that the application for delayed registration of birth “shall be examined by the civil registrar”, including the certificate of live birth and other submitted documentary requirements. The pending application must then be posted for 10 days on the bulletin boards of the city or municipality where the birth occurred, as a notice to the public. If no opposition or disagreement is received, the LCR can then proceed with the evaluation of the documents submitted and if all goes well, the LCR can register the birth.

Lawmakers may suspect scalawags within the different government agencies issuing important documents and IDs such as passports and driver’s licences. However, if they zero in on the LCR, particularly of remote and faraway towns, perhaps they can find the answers to this frightening societal menace of undesirable aliens obtaining legitimate – but forged – documents and IDs. This may be a long process considering that data from the Interior and Local Government Department as of March 31, 2023, showed that there were 148 cities and 1,486 municipalities across the country, each with its own local civil registry office.

The PSA relies solely on the authenticity of LCR documents, or the official registration of birth. In turn, the other agencies issuing IDs and official documents rely solely on the authenticity of PSA documents. Therefore, ensuring the authenticity of the first document needed in all this, which is the birth registration certificate issued by the LCR, should be the starting point in addressing the whole problem. – Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network

Tags / Keywords: the Philippines , birth cert

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Federal appeals court says there is no fundamental right to change one's sex on a birth certificate

A federal appeals court panel has ruled that Tennessee does not unconstitutionally discriminate against transgender people by not allowing them to change the sex designation on their birth certificates

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A federal appeals court panel ruled 2-1 on Friday that Tennessee does not unconstitutionally discriminate against transgender people by not allowing them to change the sex designation on their birth certificates.

“There is no fundamental right to a birth certificate recording gender identity instead of biological sex,” 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jeffrey Sutton wrote for the majority in the decision upholding a 2023 district court ruling . The plaintiffs could not show that Tennessee’s policy was created out of animus against transgender people as it has been in place for more than half a century and “long predates medical diagnoses of gender dysphoria,” Sutton wrote.

He noted that “States' practices are all over the map.” Some allow changes to the birth certificate with medical evidence of surgery. Others require lesser medical evidence. Only 11 states currently allow a change to a birth certificate based solely on a person's declaration of their gender identity, which is what the plaintiffs are seeking in Tennessee.

Tennessee birth certificates reflect the sex assigned at birth, and that information is used for statistical and epidemiological activities that inform the provision of health services throughout the country, Sutton wrote. “How, it’s worth asking, could a government keep uniform records of any sort if the disparate views of its citizens about shifting norms in society controlled the government’s choices of language and of what information to collect?”

The plaintiffs — four transgender women born in Tennessee — argued in court filings that sex is properly determined not by external genitalia but by gender identity, which they define in their brief as “a person’s core internal sense of their own gender.” The lawsuit, first filed in federal court in Nashville in 2019 , claims Tennessee’s prohibition serves no legitimate government interest while it subjects transgender people to discrimination, harassment and even violence when they have to produce a birth certificate for identification that clashes with their gender identity.

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Helene White agreed with the plaintiffs, represented by Lambda Legal.

“Forcing a transgender individual to use a birth certificate indicating sex assigned at birth causes others to question whether the individual is indeed the person stated on the birth certificate,” she wrote. “This inconsistency also invites harm and discrimination.”

Lambda Legal did not immediately respond to emails requesting comment on Friday.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in a statement that the question of changing the sex designation on a birth certificate should be left to the states.

“While other states have taken different approaches, for decades Tennessee has consistently recognized that a birth certificate records a biological fact of a child being male or female and has never addressed gender identity,” he said.

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IMAGES

Can I use my birth certificate instead of a passport for a cruise
Where Can I Travel Without a U.S. Passport?
How NRIs Can Get Passport without Birth Certificate
Obtaining a Passport Without a Birth Certificate
FACTSHEET: How to travel with children into and out of SA (and what is
10 Questions and Answers to Using a Birth Certificate to Cruise

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13 July 2024
Is birth certificate mandatory for passport?
Can I cruise with a birth certificate or do I need a passport? #cruising #cruisetipsandtricks
Украина: откроют ли новые паспорта путь в ЕС?
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COMMENTS

Where Can US Citizens Travel Without a Passport?
In general, closed-loop cruises that begin and end in the United States do not require passengers to have a passport in order to reenter the United States, you can get on board with your birth certificate. Instead, passengers can return to the country by presenting a government-issued identification document such as an enhanced driver's ...
Before Your Trip
Groups of Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 19 arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization or sports team, may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.
Get Citizenship Evidence for a U.S. Passport
Delayed birth certificate (filed more than 1 year after birth) Must include: List of the records or documents used to create it (example: early public records) Signature of the birth attendant or an affidavit signed by the parent(s) If your delayed U.S. birth certificate does not include these items, submit it with early public records or ...
Travel With Birth Certificate Instead Of Passport
Ultimately, the decision of whether to bring a passport or a birth certificate when traveling depends on the specific situation. If the traveler is worried about losing or having their passport stolen, then they should bring their birth certificate instead. ... Can I use travel document instead of passport? The answer to this question is a ...
Do You Need a Birth Certificate for a Passport?
For a U.S. passport, you will need to provide proof of citizenship, which can include a birth certificate. However, there are alternative documents you can use.
10 Questions and Answers to Using a Birth Certificate to Cruise
Instead, your birth certificate and government-issued identification is all that's needed. Closed-Loop Cruises Usually Don't Require Passports. ... We actually suggest people always travel with a passport if at all possible. If you're going to request a document, get a passport. Otherwise, yes it would be a good idea to get a new birth ...
Can I use my birth certificate to fly?
A birth certificate is an essential document for many legal and official purposes, including travel. It can be used to obtain a passport, as proof of age for babies who are flying, and, in some cases, as a way to confirm your identity if your ID was lost or stolen.. However, it is important to know the appropriate situations when you can and cannot use your birth certificate to travel.
Birth Certificate Guidance
An electronic "Birth Certify" birth record obtained through NAPHSIS/EVVE. Document Requirements for Birth Certificates/Birth Certification Cards/Certified Abstracts of Birth. Issued by the city, county, or state of birth; Lists applicant's full name, date of birth, and place of birth; Lists parent(s) full names.
Guide to cruising with a birth certificate
We recommend cruising with a passport instead of a birth certificate, even when a birth certificate is permitted as your proof of citizenship documentation. Traveling to a foreign country without a passport puts you at risk for a variety of headache-inducing scenarios should you miss the cruise ship, require emergency transportation back to the ...
Traveling With Your Birth Certificate
Should You Travel with a Birth Certificate Instead of a Passport? Adults don't necessarily have to have their birth certificate when traveling; typically, all that's required is a passport. However, if you are traveling with children, ensuring their birth certificates are with you could make a world of difference.
Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
U.S. passport; U.S. passport card; DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents; Permanent resident card; Border crossing card; An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe; HSPD-12 PIV card; Foreign government-issued passport
Can I Cross the US Border by Land with Just a Birth Certificate?
For children under 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth group), a birth certificate (or other proof of citizenship) will suffice when entering the US via land or sea. This leniency does not extend to air travel, and a passport is required. US Citizens Crossing the Mexico Border by Land
IDs Needed to Request Passport Vital Records
Valid or expired, undamaged U.S. passport book or passport card ; In-state, fully valid driver's license or enhanced driver's license with photo; Certificate of Naturalization ; Certificate of Citizenship ; Government employee ID (city, county, state, or federal) U.S. military or military dependent ID; Prison or inmate ID; Current (valid ...
How precisely does my place of birth need to match my birth certificate
The passport application asks for the city, you put the city. It does not matter that the city is not specifically listed on your birth certificate but rather the county. The US Dept of State will not expect you to change the laws around birth certificates for your state just to get them to add the city to your birth certificate.
Travel between Canada and the USA for kids without a passport (land/air
Those kids can travel to the US without a passport, but they will need to have one of these documents: a Canadian birth certificate; a Canadian Citizenship Card ; a Consular Report of Birth Abroad; a Naturalization Certificate (The US also has more exemptions for organized group trips — like school trips — but I won't get into that here!)
Birth Certificate for Passport Application
In this article, we detail the types of birth certificates the U.S. Passport Agency will and will not accept to get a new passport book or passport card. Birth Certificate Requirements for a Passport Application. There are very specific requirements for an acceptable birth certificate when it comes to the passport application process.
Cruise travel documents and Visas
U.S. Citizens need either a valid passport, Passport Card, or Proof of US Citizenship (in the form of an original or certified copy of a US birth Certificate* or an original naturalization certificate) along with an original, valid, unexpired, government issued photo ID** Please more detailed travel requirements below
Frequently Asked Questions about Passport Services
Call us at 1-877-487-2778 (or 1-888-874-7793 if you are deaf or hard of hearing). You'll need either your application number or your last name and date of birth. Get expedited service for $60. Get 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport book for $21.36.
Required Travel Document and Information For Cruise Vacations
A Valid Passport. OR. Proof of Citizenship (see below) AND Government-issued photo ID . State certified U.S. birth certificate (Baptismal paper, hospital certificates of birth, and Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to 7/1/10 are not acceptable.) Original certificate of U.S. naturalization; Original certificate of U.S. citizenship
Can I cross the USA-Canada border with a birth certificate and a
If you are a US citizen by birthright, you can indeed cross into Canada using your birth certificate and a photo ID. For safety reasons, you may want to bring the original birth certificate, or at least a certified copy. If you are not a US (or Canadian) citizen or permanent resident, you cannot enter Canada without passport:
Do you need a passport to go to Canada?
Can I travel to Canada with my U.S. birth certificate? ... U.S. citizens have several alternatives for land and sea travel, including passport cards, enhanced driver's licenses, and trusted ...
Birth certificate instead of passport? Please someone answer
Did anyone use their birth certificate and driver's license instead of a passport? Specifically, I need to know if the birth certificate has to show a seal or can it be a certified copy from your home state Vital Statistics depart.. YES! I have been on the site of Homeland Security so I just want...
Can I enter the country without a US passport but with a US birth
A birth certificate is not a valid travel document. If your country of citizenship has any visa-free or e-visa or visa-on-arrival with a country that borders the U.S. (like Mexico or Canada) then your best bet would be to use that to get to the neighboring country and get yourself to the U.S. land border.
Can you travel to the Bahamas with a birth certificate instead of a
If you're planning a trip to the beautiful Bahamas, you might be wondering whether it's possible to travel with just a birth certificate instead of a passport. While a passport is generally the preferred and most widely accepted form of identification for international travel, there are certain circumstances under which a birth certificate ...
The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make With Their Kids' Passports
"It requires an original birth certificate, the child, and the parents who are listed on the birth certificate to all appear in person before an authorized acceptance agent for the gathering of the documents and witnessing of the parents' oaths," Alwadish explained. ... "When traveling, hold on to your kid's passport to mitigate the ...
Do I need a passport to drive to Canada?
Do children need a passport to drive to Canada? Children under 16 only need a birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship to cross into Canada by land.
Passport Seva Services
You have to apply for "Fresh Passport", if you were not issued passport last time and have never held a passport, however, if had earlier held a passport, you have to apply for re-issue of passport. Also, you need to provide the previous application details like file number, month and year of applying and name of the Passport Office where ...
Culpability in birth certificate mess in the Philippines
THE recent discovery of close to 200 falsified Philippine birth certificates issued to Chinese nationals from 2018 to 2019, all by the civil registry of one town in Davao, is solid ...
Federal appeals court says there is no fundamental right to change one
"There is no fundamental right to a birth certificate recording gender identity instead of biological sex," 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jeffrey Sutton wrote for the majority in the ...
Lost Passport Queries
But, if passport has been damaged beyond recognition, then you cannot apply under the Tatkaal scheme. Q7: I lost my passport in the U.S. and have been sent to India on Emergency Certificate. Can I be issued a new passport? If yes, what are the documents needed to get a passport? A: In case of lost passport, you need to apply for re-issue of ...

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Traveling with Children

Travel With Birth Certificate Instead Of Passport

What documents can I use instead of a passport?

Can US citizens travel without a passport?

Can I use travel document instead of passport?

Can I enter U.S. with birth certificate?

Can you cross U.S. border without passport?

Can I travel with my birth certificate in the US?

Can I re enter the US with my birth certificate?

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Travel between Canada and the USA for kids without a passport (land/air)

Right now, the federal government’s waiting list to get a Canadian passport (or renew one) can be very long. Anyone planning a quick trip across the border for the rest of the summer may need to cancel, postpone, or leave the kids at home if the kids don’t have a valid passport.

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Entering Canada with a kid to come back

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