Passport Requirements for Cruises
Documents Needed for Cruising in Alaska and the Caribbean
May 16, 2009
According to a U.S. law called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), starting June 1, 2009, most Canadian and American citizens will be required to present a passport or other approved document when entering the United States. Although the U.S. law took effect for air travel in 2007, the final stage of the WHTI will include travel by cruise ships (with the exception of closed loop cruises). Here is some additional passport information along with how to get a passport.
Passport Information for Canadians
- The cost of a 24-page passport for an adult is CA$87.
- Although the processing time for submitting a passport application in person is up to two weeks, an urgent request can be processed in 24 hours if applicant provides proof of travel (additional fee of CA$70).
- The requirement for eligible guarantor was changed in 2007 to allow family members and friends to qualify. As long as the guarantor has known the applicant for at least two years, is a Canadian citizen, is 18 years of age or older, and has a valid passport, then that person can be a guarantor for the applicant.
- Applicants can fill out the interactive application online, and be given a bar code that speeds up the process when bringing the forms to the passport office in person.
- For more information on how to get a passport, check out the Canadian Passport Office.
United States Passport Information
- The cheapest way to get a U.S. passport is to submit the application by mail for US$75. When submitting an adult application in person it costs US$100.
- Although the processing time for routine passport applications is approximately 4–6 weeks, applicants can get express passport service by a two-way overnight delivery. The additional cost is US$60 per application plus overnight delivery costs.
- For more information on how to get a passport, check out the U.S Passport Office.
Passport Information for Children 15 Years of Age and Younger
Both U.S. and Canadian children under the age of 16 have similar rules when it comes to the new passport rules to cruise. This age group will only require proof of citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate to cross the border by land or sea between Canada and United States. Although for all citizens to fly between countries, a passport is needed.
According to cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises, apart from the passport, there are other acceptable documents that can be used to prove both identity and citizenship when traveling by land or sea between Canada and the United States. For instance, the state or province issued enhanced driver's licence provides both proof of identity and citizenship.
 |
