Kids need passports

[cheerldrmom]

Just curious I'm sure they do but do a one and three year old need passports? Just seems strange as they are good for 10 yrs and they will change so much from one- 10

[Shmoo here]

Just curious I'm sure they do but do a one and three year old need passports? Just seems strange as they are good for 10 yrs and they will change so much from one- 10

 

If a passport is required for travel, everyone needs their own. A child's passport (age 0-15) is good for 5 years. Adult passports (age 16 and up) are good for 10 years.

[GTO-Girl]

Passports for kids 16yrs and younger are only good for five years.

 

No you do not have to have a passport but they must have a "certified" birth certifcate (not a hospital copy). Also any child over thr age of 16 who does not have a passport must also have a picture ID in addition to the birth certificate. But a passport is always preferred.....not necessary but preferred.

 

I see where you have a large family group going so be sure if both parents are not going you have a signed letter from the parent not going giving the other parent permission to take them and make all medical decisions for them.

[sparks1093]

Well, if the child is traveling on a closed loop cruise or crossing the land border they need their birth certificate. If they are traveling anywhere by international air they need their passport (good for 5 years). If they are traveling on some cruise lines (usually premium or luxury) the line requires a passport of all passengers on all itineraries. Of course the decision what travel document to obtain is a personal one based on individual travel needs.

[leaveitallbehind]

Well, if the child is traveling on a closed loop cruise or crossing the land border they need their birth certificate. If they are traveling anywhere by international air they need their passport (good for 5 years). If they are traveling on some cruise lines (usually premium or luxury) the line requires a passport of all passengers on all itineraries. Of course the decision what travel document to obtain is a personal one based on individual travel needs.

 

Just to clarify for the OP's cruise, for RCI with US based closed loop cruises (originating and ending in the same US based port) an original birth certificate and valid picture ID -or- a passport is required for boarding the ship. You should contact RCI to confirm the picture ID requirements for your children's ages.

 

A passport would only be required if you need to return to the US from a foreign port of call for some reason during the cruise.

[sparks1093]

Just to clarify for the OP's cruise, for RCI with US based closed loop cruises (originating and ending in the same US based port) an original birth certificate and valid picture ID -or- a passport is required for boarding the ship. You should contact RCI to confirm the picture ID requirements for your children's ages.

 

A passport would only be required if you need to return to the US from a foreign port of call for some reason during the cruise.

 

Picture ID's are only needed for those 16 and over, the 1 and 3 year old don't need them.

[leaveitallbehind]

Picture ID's are only needed for those 16 and over, the 1 and 3 year old don't need them.

 

Thanks - didn't think that was the case but its been a number of years since our kids were that young and I wasn't sure and didn't want to mislead the OP.

[paul929207]

Passports for kids 16yrs and younger are only good for five years.

 

No you do not have to have a passport but they must have a "certified" birth certifcate (not a hospital copy). Also any child over thr age of 16 who does not have a passport must also have a picture ID in addition to the birth certificate. But a passport is always preferred.....not necessary but preferred.

 

I see where you have a large family group going so be sure if both parents are not going you have a signed letter from the parent not going giving the other parent permission to take them and make all medical decisions for them.

The information about birth certificates is only correct if you are taking a "Closed Loop Cruise". That is one that starts and ends in the same US port. It can only visit countries in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and the near Atlantic Islands.

[whogo]

I think we are all assuming that you are US citizens.

[Hflors]

And that the op isn't going to St. Barts in the Caribbean. If you are a passport is required.

For peace of mind I would get everyone who is traveling their own passport.

[Hlitner]

After seeing two posts from the OP, one realizes that he/she is just beginning to learn the cruise travel "game." So welcome to CC where you can learn just about anything cruise/travel related :). When it comes to children (kids are people too) one should carefully consider a lot of factors related to family cruising. But all children (regardless of age) are required to meet the same basic document requirements as adults. And regarding the OP's other post, each cruise line has their own minimum age requirements (which generally vary from 3 mos to 12 mos of age) so its smart to just Google this issue and read the requirements for each line. Cruise lines also have varying kids programs with age requirements. And keep in mind that as a general rule you cannot take a diapered baby into a swimming pool (there are some exceptions for certain kiddie pools). Many folks would say that Disney is about the best family cruise line (especially for really young children) but they do tend to charge higher prices. RCI also has some terrific kids programs/facilities.

 

Hank

[zqvol]

Just curious I'm sure they do but do a one and three year old need passports? Just seems strange as they are good for 10 yrs and they will change so much from one- 10

 

 

At that age they are only good for 5 years, not 10, which makes it even worse. If you are on a closed loop cruise out of a US port, and are US citizens passports are not required, all you need for the little ones is a government issued certified copy of their birth certificate.

Edited January 18, 2016 by zqvol