Passport question

[kfr307]

I just read yesterday(8-26-05) on a news web page that the passport issue is being pushed to 2008. Is this a fact or just a dream to those of us that don't want the bother of getting a passport. I leave Feb on Valor and can't wait.

 

Thanks

KFR307

[benjidog]

If you do a search under "passports" you'll find quite a few threads on this subject. Lots of pros and cons. We're cruising in January and already got ours last month. Some folks feel they will still be needed. We're crusing Royal Caribbean. Those that have called or emailed them say that RC says they will require them as of 12-31-05.

[greatam]

Get the passport NOW!!!

 

There have been discussions by some of the Caribbean countries about the "phased" passport system being unfair to them. Carribean-2006, Mexico and Canada-2007 and EVERYWHERE-2008. There has been NO indication that the Caribbean countries will prevail in their arguments.

 

If I needed a passport (and everyone will in 2008), I would get it NOW. It would be a disaster to wait until December to see if the complaining is acted upon and not be able to get a passport, due to overload at the passport centers. This is one time where it is much better to be safe than sorry.

[CaptData]

I also have mine (got it in 2004). Reason is it can change at anytime and any country can change theirs without notifiying you. Just because the US can not make up their minds does not mean others will go with them. It is far safer to get it now then be inform by your TA a week before that Hati now requires it or St Maartin or Barbados.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Definitely get the passport. They are worth every penny. And it will keep your mind at ease with one less thing to worry about.

[Joyce and Tim]

I agree--get it now!--and can't imagine why anyone would resist getting a passport!

[kfr307]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I did however check the U.S. Dept. of State web site and it does state that it has been moved to 2008. Chances are I will go ahead and get one.

[Hootsie]

I just read yesterday(8-26-05) on a news web page that the passport issue is being pushed to 2008. Is this a fact or just a dream to those of us that don't want the bother of getting a passport. I leave Feb on Valor and can't wait.

 

Thanks

KFR307

 

Carnival is mandating them after 12-31 of this year no matter what the government says. You will NEED one to board this ship.

[joemedic]

Why do I hope we do not need to get passports for our upcoming cruise?

 

I am resisiting beacuase it would cost my family $450 ($90x5 people)...and 3 of those passports would only be good for 5 years. To me $450 is quite alot of money! I doubt my children would use them again before they expired.

[serene56]

"I am resisiting beacuase it would cost my family $450 ($90x5 people)...and 3 of those passports would only be good for 5 years. To me $450 is quite alot of money! I doubt my children would use them again before they expired.

 

Thats exactly why the government is changing the ruling.. to make it mandatory for passports will hurt the travel industry greaty. Especially with people with families.

[greatam]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I did however check the U.S. Dept. of State web site and it does state that it has been moved to 2008. Chances are I will go ahead and get one.

 

This is the direct wording from the State dept website:

 

When will the new travel initiative requirement be implemented?

 

The deadline for full implementation of the travel initiative requirements is January 1, 2008. In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future.

 

If you notice, it states FULL implementation in 2008-meaning EVERYONE. Then goes on to talk about phased implementation. It is my honest opinion (and our company attorney's) that it will still be Caribbean in 2006, Mexico/Canada-2007. We have drivers who travel to Mexico and Canada very frequently. It is rough getting the correct rules, but I am insisting they all apply (and pay for) a passport by no later than May 1, 2006. I don't want to have one of our trucks stuck at the border with a load of highly perishable strawberries on board.

 

Can you imagine if they let it go for everyone until 2008? 25 million screaming people, who procrastinated like most of us, crying because they can't go on vacation. Not a chance I would be willing to take.

[Mishelle]

I just took my children to get theirs. DH and I already had them. We are going in November. I have decided that they will eventually need them might as well get it over with and with everything that is going on these days I would just feel better having them. My son who is 6 cost 82.00 for 5 years. Michelle

[Chrisobrn]

Can the cruise companies make passports necessary before the state dept deadline of Dec 31st,2006? (for Caribbean) This is a HUGE issue for me also..we are a group of 30 going in April and most don't have a passport! (LOTS of money involved!!) Thanks for any help..

[Lori-n-NY]

Hootsie...did you talk to Carnival directly? I have called three times and each time they have said they are following the Federal government timeline.

 

I am not getting them for our trip in April, 06.

Joemedic...I'm with you on this. Why spend the money if you don't have too. If everyone saying just get them would give me $5 towards it then I would get it but to me $300 for something that is not mandatory is not making me see their side.

 

Flame away...I will continue to watch the passport website for updates, and I will call Carnival every few weeks and check but for now I'm not getting them.

 

 

Lori

[cruisinkeri]

We are travelling to caribbean and Mexico in Jan. 06 and our travel agent told us we definitely don't need passports. There are 16 of us and about half do not have them and she said that was fine, it will not be required yet.

[curlyjbs]

Why do I hope we do not need to get passports for our upcoming cruise?

 

I am resisiting beacuase it would cost my family $450 ($90x5 people)...and 3 of those passports would only be good for 5 years. To me $450 is quite alot of money! I doubt my children would use them again before they expired.

 

Same here!!!!

[Chrisobrn]

I'm with you on this..but I'm going on Costa to the Caribbean in April 06 and both their phone reps and website say that passports are required. I asked them if this was because of the original timeline (not the Dec 31, 2006) and they just keep saying "they are required". I'll have to think on this! (I have 5 people in my family alone..never mind the other 20 people who don't have a passport!)

[Sheffie]

I'm with you on this..but I'm going on Costa to the Caribbean in April 06 and both their phone reps and website say that passports are required. I asked them if this was because of the original timeline (not the Dec 31, 2006) and they just keep saying "they are required". I'll have to think on this! (I have 5 people in my family alone..never mind the other 20 people who don't have a passport!)

 

Here is the info from the Carnival web site. I found the same info on RCI and Celebrity, so figure Costa will have it, too. Looks like you will save some big time $$$

 

On 9/2/05, the U.S. State Department revised the original proposed "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative." The proposed rules will require ALL U.S. and Canadian Citizens to carry a passport (unexpired) for travel to or from certain countries/areas that were previously exempt. This includes children and infants.

The proposed implementation is as follows:

* December 31, 2006 - Passport required for all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Note: This will affect guests traveling on cruises that return to the U.S. after 12/30/06.

[maryevelyn]

I found the same statement listed on the govt. passport site. Looks like 2006 is the deadline for Caribbean cruises, Bermuda, South America, Mexico and Canada.

 

Mary

[AnnieB_cruizin]

I just spoke to a rep at RCCL who said that we will definitely not need to have passports for our LOS cruise leaving 01/14/06. This will save us about $400 in docs and pictures. She said that the govt is not able to process the volume fast enough and so dates were pushed back. We will begin securing them for us and the kids this year, but at least we can budget it out and do one every few months instead of 4 all at once!

[SWEETNLOW2005]

New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere

 

 

 

 

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future.

 

This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

[BARBARA J.W.]

I Have Mine Ordered..........

Look Forward To Getting It.............

[Cactuscruise]

Thats exactly why the government is changing the ruling.. to make it mandatory for passports will hurt the travel industry greaty. Especially with people with families.

 

 

Requiring passports will not greatly impact the travel industry. Not that the government is concerned about that anyway. Anyone who wants to travel will get a passport. It isn't likely many people will forego a trip simply because it necessitates getting a passport. Passports are required for security reasons. Having one is the best identification you can have. People really need to get over this phobia they seem to have regarding passports. It's the way of future travel. Only in America do people carry on so about getting a passport. Maybe it's just that so many people are resistant to change.

[AnnieB_cruizin]

It's not a fear -it is simply a resistance to expend dollars and energy if not necessary. Would you buy $100 designer luggage tags for all your travel party members if Samsonite would do? Maybe, but maybe not. If it were required that you have them, than you would, or else you would chose to take a trip that didn't require designer tags. If Birth Certificates work, we have been happy to travel with those that we have versus obtaining new documents and photos for a family of four. As it becomes mandated, well then it is an expense I must pay if I chose to travel out of US...or limit my travel to within the US. So it could impact travel in that way I suppose. At least with the extension, I am able to spread out the cost of obtaining the docs over a period of time.

[kerry26]

My husband And I got our passports in 3/2004 before we went on the Conquest ( wedding/ Honeymoon ) cruise. We thought it was worth it for peace of mind in case we missed to ship or something happened at one of the ports. You just never know what might happen. I understand it is alot of money for couples traveling with a large family.I sent my passport off on 8/25/05 to get it amended for my name change. There was no charge for it. I sent my marriage license,the amendment form, and my passport. I just got it back Monday. We are booked on the Holiday for 3/27/06. I booked directly through carnival and was told we needed our passports.They also told me I had the have my married name on it. I booked our cruise on 8/24/2005.Good luck to you all and Best wishes!

Kerry