immunization records

Probably sounds silly, but since our cruise is less than 2 weeks away, I am starting to freak out about any potential issues that might trip us up. I keep reading about what we MUST have to board the ship, but there is one thing I am unclear on... immunization records. We are US citizens flying into Vancouver to take a cruise to Alaska. I know we must have a passport but all I can find about immunizations is that you should be up to date. Are you required to get proof of vaccination from your doctor or will we just be asked to show our driver's license and passport when going through customs at the Vancouver airport and Canada Place terminal?

Probably sounds silly, but since our cruise is less than 2 weeks away, I am starting to freak out about any potential issues that might trip us up. I keep reading about what we MUST have to board the ship, but there is one thing I am unclear on... immunization records. We are US citizens flying into Vancouver to take a cruise to Alaska. I know we must have a passport but all I can find about immunizations is that you should be up to date. Are you required to get proof of vaccination from your doctor or will we just be asked to show our driver's license and passport when going through customs at the Vancouver airport and Canada Place terminal?

All you will need is your passport, not even a drivers license. Your passport is the most secure form of identification you own.

You will not be asked about vaccinations. From a purely practical standpoint you ought to keep them current, not only for travel but for good health as well.

"Should be up to date" - you'll probably find this wording on government travel websites across the globe. MUST have proof of vaccination X, Y, Z is how things get phrased when they're actually being checked for. Canada does not grill US citizens about your vaccinations as a matter of course, as anything that you guys have we do also. Frankly I'd like to see us (and you!) actually start asking as it would at least prevent anti-vaxxers carrying easily-preventable plagues across a border;-)

You are flying to a strong, well developed first world country, then getting on a ship back into the US. Not sure what diseases you think you might be exposed to.

There are no immunization requirements for entering Canada or Alaska from the US. Any effort or worry that you expend for this is a waste of energy. :cool:

You are flying to a strong, well developed first world country, then getting on a ship back into the US. Not sure what diseases you think you might be exposed to.

Socialised healthcare, a functional societal safety net, well-maintained infrastructure, recognition of tribal sovereignty and potato chip flavors such as Tandoori BBQ.

Socialised healthcare, a functional societal safety net, well-maintained infrastructure, recognition of tribal sovereignty and potato chip flavors such as Tandoori BBQ.

Awesome reply, VibeGuy![emoji4] With love from an east coast Canadian (currently packing for a flight to Vancouver and a cruise to Alaska) [emoji41]. Woohoo!

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Heh. We’re going to be in Canada Place at the same time. Martincath will tell you I’m a delight that should be avoided at all costs. ;0)

cherryharley: We have never been asked, on any itinerary, for immunization records on any cruise we have ever done. You will be just fine.

cherryharley: We have never been asked, on any itinerary, for immunization records on any cruise we have ever done. You will be just fine.

If you ever are on an itinerary that requires specific shots (like our Amazon River Cruise in 2010 that required yellow fever shots) you will be notified ahead of time, most likely repeatedly, that a specific immunization is required. Cruise lines don't want to deal with angry and disappointed passengers left at the dock because they lacked proper documentation. As everyone has noted, Alaska cruises have no such special requirements.

We were required to have extensive immunization records when we drove back from Langley, BC a few years ago. If everything wasn't in order they made it clear he would have a happy life with them at the border.

We were required to have extensive immunization records when we drove back from Langley, BC a few years ago. If everything wasn't in order they made it clear he would have a happy life with them at the border.

 

So cute!!!

We were required to have extensive immunization records when we drove back from Langley, BC a few years ago. If everything wasn't in order they made it clear he would have a happy life with them at the border.

 

Off topic, but really cute.

Oh my heart. <3

Heh. We’re going to be in Canada Place at the same time. Martincath will tell you I’m a delight that should be avoided at all costs. ;0)

Most entertaining afternoon tea ever!

You are flying to a strong, well developed first world country, then getting on a ship back into the US. Not sure what diseases you think you might be exposed to.

Oh, I am not worried about being exposed. I just keep seeing the notices on all of the cruise emails "If you do not have proper documentation you will be refused boarding and no refund will be issued." So I started to worry that my passport might not be all the documentation that I need.

We were required to have extensive immunization records when we drove back from Langley, BC a few years ago. If everything wasn't in order they made it clear he would have a happy life with them at the border.

 

No doubt this is the reason that I started to freak out. I'm a dog rescuer and volunteer transporter and we never even cross STATE lines without proof of vaccinations (Dept of Ag health certificates are required by law). I guess the authorities are more afraid of canine distemper than any human plague.

Thank you everyone for easing my mind!

Socialised healthcare, a functional societal safety net, well-maintained infrastructure, recognition of tribal sovereignty and potato chip flavors such as Tandoori BBQ.

And don't forget Hawkins Cheezies!! OMG, those things are absolutely addictive!

Lana (who feels very fortunate to live in Bellingham, WA, 13 miles from the Canadian border)

And don't forget Hawkins Cheezies!! OMG, those things are absolutely addictive!

 

Lana (who feels very fortunate to live in Bellingham, WA, 13 miles from the Canadian border)

and Timbits...how could you forget Timbits?

and Timbits...how could you forget Timbits?

The one item to be aware of at the boarder is to protect children.....

- Canada limits firearms

- The US limits kinder-surprise chocolates

The other thing both countries are very sensitive to is meat and plant material including fruit.