New Passport Regulations

UPDATED March 30, 2008

It is the sole responsibility of the guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. The appropriate valid travel documents such as passports, visas, inoculation certificate and family legal documents may be required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries.

Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country and may be subject to fines. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper documentation.

Information below is provided as a guideline only and may change without notice.  For up to the minute requirements see the State Department’s Web site.

If you need a passport in a hurry see Passport Express


U.S. Citizen Passport Requirement (Subject to U.S. Government amendment)

The new passport rules for all U.S. citizens and other travelers coming to and leaving the United States will be put in place. The proposed rules will be phased in as follows:

Air Travel

  • October 1, 2007 - The departments of State and Homeland Security reestablished the valid passport requirements for air travel. Valid passports are required for air travel to / from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
    .

  • U.S. lawful permanent residents will continue to be able to use their Alien Registration Card (Form I-551) issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other valid evidence of permanent residence status to apply for entry to the United States.

  • On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI.  The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document. 

    • WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
      • Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
      • State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
      • Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
      • U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
      • U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
      • Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
      • Form I-872 American Indian Card

     

If you need a passport in a hurry see Passport Express

Cruise Travel Only  (Final) 
The good news for a majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port – is that the travel document requirements will remain largely unchanged from how the industry is operating today.

  • U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.

  • *Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State  Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth (except for new borns) are not acceptable. A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID

  • All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.

  • For U.S. Naturalized citizens, in the absence of a passport, Naturalization papers (either original or notarized copy) plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required.

  • A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship.

  • Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.

  • For International Travel a valid passport is required; visas are required where they apply. This includes Europe, Asia, Central and South America.

  • Royal Caribbean International strongly recommends that all guests be in the possession of a valid passport prior to taking their cruise to be able to facilitate onward travel plans and meet U.S. Government entry compliance requirements without concern or delay. An example, if you are on a cruise and need to return to the U.S. by air you will need a U.S. passport to re-enter.

  • For additional and up-dated passport information visit the State Department’s Web site. Or if you prefer, contact the passport service of your choice, such as Passport Express Services for applications and assistance or call 1.800. 858.8579.

Non-U.S. Citizens

  • You will need a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of your Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation the countries on your itinerary require due to your alien status.

Canadian Landed Immigrants

  • All Canadian Landed Immigrants (inclusive of those who are citizens of the British Commonwealth countries) who reside in Canada must have valid passports and US visas. Also required is your original Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) formally the IMM 1000 or with respect to any country on the itinerary any other travel documentation required because of alien status.

Visas

  • Please contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on your sailing itinerary or the visa service of your choice for specific visa requirements, information, forms and fees for your nationality.

Visa Waiver Program

  • Citizens from the Visa Waiver Program countries of: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunel, Denmark, Finland, France,Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom seeking to enter the United States will be required to have in their possession a machine readable passport valid for the duration of the voyage. A machine readable passport is one having an alpha-numeric code on the bottom of the picture page.

  • Example: P<<UKDOE<<JOHN<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<1234567890M1234567890M1234567890<1234567890
    Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after October 26, 2005 with passports issued on or after this date must present passports with a digital photograph. Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving in the U.S. on or after October 26, 2006 with passports issued on or after that date must present a biometric passport or obtain a visa for entry into the United States.

The above are just guidelines.  For detailed up-to-the-minute changes go to the State Department’s Web site.

 
HOME