By Cicely A. Richard
cruises are one of the most popular methods of travel when it comes to traveling to the
Caribbean. These packaged trips allow people to visit various locations for one price in a distinct period of time as outlines by them and their travel agent. Passport requirements for a Caribbean cruise vary according to where a person boards the plane or if they plan to get off the ship at any of the ports of call. Many of these passport requirements are outlined by the U.S. government and are communicated to travelers at the time of booking.
U.S. Citizen Passport Requirements
U.S. citizen passport requirements for a Caribbean cruise include having a valid passport or other documents that establish citizenship like driver's license or state ID. These documents are needed to enter and re-enter the United States. As of June 1, 2009, travelers from North America, multiple Caribbean islands, and Bermuda will need to apply for a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. To download a WHTI compliant application, check out the U.S Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs official Website.
Closed-Loop Cruises
The passport requirements for closed-loop Caribbean cruises are slightly different than the standard passport requirement. A cross-loop cruise is a cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port. These cruises only require two forms of ID, which is usually a government-issued photo identification, and a birth certificate or additional documents proving U.S. citizenship.
Traveling Minors
U.S. travelers under the age of 16 taking a closed-loop Caribbean cruise need to present original or certified copies of their birth certificates, Department of State Consular Report of Birth Abroad document, or a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Certificate of Naturalization.
Embassies
Upon booking, most cruise companies will provide specific information about each port of call. However, passengers needing additional information or clarifications regarding passport requirements should contact the individual consulates for the specific port. In some instances, to disembark from the vessel, additional documents may be required to comply with passport requirements.
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Tucson, Ariz., Cicely A. Richard has been writing since 1996. Her articles have been published in the “Arizona Daily Star” newspaper and “ForeWord Magazine.” Richard earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and journalism from Louisiana State University.
