Cruise Passport Requirements – Update
November 6, 2007 
2 Comments
For 2008 the Government has pushed back the dates in which Passports are required for Cruises leaving out of the US. There is not an exact date yet, but summer 2008 is what is given. It is 100% the responsibility of the Traveler to know what documentation is required to travel. Checking the FAQ section of the cruise line you are booked on is a good way to keep up with the current regulations. We always recommend traveling with a Passport even if it is not required. Below is current verbiage from RCCL website:
If you are planning travel for 2007 or beyond, please take a minute to review the passport policy below. If you don’t already have a valid passport, be sure to avoid the rush and give yourself plenty of time to apply for one. Once you’ve got a passport in hand, the whole world is yours to explore U.S. Citizen Passport Requirement
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) once fully implemented will require all travelers entering or reentering the United States to be in the possession of a valid passport.
Anticipated ImplementationOctober 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.
As early as Summer 2008 – A valid passport will be required for all sea and air travel. And subject to U.S. Government amendment, U.S. and Canadian citizens 15 or younger with their parents consent may cross the U.S./Canadian border by land or sea with a certified copy of their birth certificate.
Post Written By:
I wondered about cruises lines that stopped a man that still had two years left on his passport and the cruise line didn’t allow him to go on his cruise because they wanted him to have more years on his passport. Is this true? As a Canadian our government only gives us a passport for five years, though the U.S. gives it for 1o years. I would hate to plan a cruise and then find out that my wife and I could not board the ship because we only have three years on our passports. Could you help me on this?
Hey Paul,
In some instances I have seen the travel provider require that the Passport not expire within 6 months of the date of travel. I have never heard of a requirement of more than 6 months with a cruise. While booking your cruise with a travel professional, proper documentation is typically discussed. Thank you for posting the question, I hope the answer helps, if you have specific questions on a specific trip please email: rich.tucker@cruisedeals.com