Information from US Customs and Border Protection

[DandytheCop]

This is an informational post. For all of those cruisers that need information about the new WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) requirements. This is the section that would apply to cruisers starting and ending their cruise at the same port and on the same ship.

"Closed Loop" Cruises: U.S. citizens who board a cruise ship at a port within the United States, travel only within the Western Hemisphere, and return to the same U.S. port on the same ship may present a government issued photo identification, along with proof of citizenship (an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization).

For those of you wondering, a government issued ID: an example is a drivers/non-drivers License from any state with a picture.

This applies to US citizens only. Not for Canadians or any one else. The Passport is required for them and depending on the country a visa may be needed also.

The only problem would be an emergency and/or the need to be evacuated from the ship or one of the ports of call. Flying back to the US from a foreign country you will need a passport.

Hope this helps out those that have concerns.

[eric813]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what the proceedure is if you were sailing on a closed-end cruise and for some reason (i.e medical emergency or missed boat) had to fly back to the states and did not have a full passport (i.e. used birth certificate or passport card)?

 

Eric813

Future Cruises -3

Carnival Pride (CCL) - June 6-13, 2009

Pride of America (NCL) - November 7-14, 2009

Rhapsody of the Seas (RCI) – June 4-11, 2010 (tentative)

Past Cruises - 9

Norway (NCL) - December 1980

Festival (CCL) - December 18-25, 1982

Rhapsody (Paquet) - December 1983

Britanis (Chandris) - December 1985

Inspiration (CCL) - July 14-21, 1996

Imagination (CCL) - June 12-17, 2000

Explorer of the Seas (RCI) - November 6-13, 2005

Jewel (NCL) - July 2-9, 2006

Holiday (CCL) - March 3-8, 2007

[firefly333]

someone said something about getting hold of the US ambassador in that country, yikes.

 

Yes, it can be done, and has been, but you would need extra work to get it handled.

[poobears]

The exemption applies to your cruise travel only. If you had to fly back you would have to adhere to the flight regulations which is a passport required. You'd have to go to the US embassy wherever you are at and pay for a passport.

[Psweets]

How does the rule apply to children, is there an ID I can get for them?

[travelntreats]

How does the rule apply to children, is there an ID I can get for them?

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Passport Requirements became effective June 1, 2009, for land and sea borders. While the WHTI requires a valid passport for land and sea travel, a final ruling was issued allowing leniency for “closed-loop” cruises, i.e., sailings that both originate and terminate in the same U.S. port.

 

Recent guidance received from the Department of Homeland Security indicates the documentary requirements under WHTI for “closed loop” cruises are not limited to cruises that travel only to contiguous territories or adjacent islands. This means U.S. citizens calling on ports in Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica and Belize will also be exempt from the passport requirement.

 

U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport, but will need proof of citizenship such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) as well as a government-issued photo ID. Children are also required to bring proof of citizenship, and if 16 and over, a photo ID is also required. Canadian and Bermudian citizens are required to have a passport for air, land and sea travel, including all Carnival cruises.

[nosmothj]

Same problem can arise if you miss the ship. I have read a few threads that this was talked about. It can be very hard to get out of the Port if you do not have a passport.

[firefly333]

How does the rule apply to children, is there an ID I can get for them?

 

If they dont have a passport, they would have to have their official Birth Certificate. Id bring a school picture ID, unless they are so young you dont have any picture ID and they arent even in school yet.

[Psweets]

Thank you! I wanted to make sure. We are leaving out of NY on the Miracle and traveling to Grand Turk, HMC and Bahamas and do I do not want to have any problems.

 

Pam

[LemurCat]

How does the rule apply to children, is there an ID I can get for them?

 

If your kid is 15 and under, they don't need a picture ID. If they are 16 and over, they need a picture ID. If the school doesn't issue a picture ID, you can got to your local DMV office and get a state-issued non-driver's ID for a minimal charge.