Passports Necessary?

[cruisinsky]

I was wondering if passports are really necassary. I know the laws change about this December 31st. But what about till then?

It will be an added expense that we would rather do without.

We have photo ID licenses and Certified birth certificates.

We will be traveling on Valor in Oct 2006.

Any info on this would be much appreciated.

[BND]

You'll get answers both ways, but you're probably too close to sail time to risk sending in your birth certificate now. I think having a passport is much easier. So, for you, with your date constraints, it's pretty much a moot point right now. This topic has been beaten to death in quite a few other threads.

[Rob42]

You will be fineon your sailing as passports will not be required until the first of the year for sea/Air travel.....Enjoy your cruise.

[jleq]

Current regulations have them becoming necessary 1/2007

[NotAPirate]

Traveling the remainder of this year will only require a Birth Certificate and photo ID (and only a BC for travellers 15 and younger).

 

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative goes into effect on 01/08/2007, which will require ALL U.S. citizens (regardless of age) to have a passport for cruising.

 

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/New_Passport_Requirements.aspx

 

This is Carnival's information. Some cruise lines have already been requiring passports since December 2005...

[DiveCruiser]

You will need it after Dec 2006, my suggestion is get it mow if you have time then you don't have this to worry about.

 

Bob

[Lurkyloo]

For heaven's sake! If you only have one certified birth certificate, don't risk sending in for a passport now! If you didn't get it back on time you would be up a creek without a paddle!

 

For now, just be sure you have all the documentation you need with you when you sail... birth certificate, photo ID etc...

[Mysticks1]

As everyone else said you won't need them for this cruise but if you decide to cruise next year or after you will need them. If you do get them you should allow 2 months to receive them as a lot of people are being told 8 weeks wait time now.

[Cotton]

Worry about that next year.;)

 

Just make sure you have the correct (state certified) b/c and photo ID for this cruise.

[DqALEX]

I was wondering if passports are really necassary. I know the laws change about this December 31st. But what about till then?

It will be an added expense that we would rather do without.

We have photo ID licenses and Certified birth certificates.

We will be traveling on Valor in Oct 2006.

Any info on this would be much appreciated.

You should get a Passport. Chances are you will take another cruise or fly. Passports are also great ID for the DMV. We all know how much fun the DMV is.

[cruisinsky]

Thanks for all the info

it's not too late to get one tho. for an xtra 60$ you get it in 10 days.

that's 160$ per person (ouch!!)

I just don't want a major hassle for not having one.

[logbook]

Don't bother! You are set with your license and birth certificate. Worry about it when you get back and get them for the next trip.