Going on vacation is something that everyone looks forward to doing. Going on a cruise raises that level of excitement even more, as it is often the first and only time that people are going on a boat this large and actually leaving the country. However, anyone doing this should know the new travel laws that require expedited USA passports for cruises.
The best indicator of the necessity of passports for a cruise is whether or not the cruise is international. In short, passports are needed for international travel and are not needed for domestic travel. Passports are never mandatory for domestic travel, but passport laws can vary for different types of international travel.
First, it is important to stay up to date on passport law. As of June 1st, 2009, passports are required for all border countries. This is applicable to air, land and sea travel. However, there are different laws that relate specifically to cruise ships.
Obviously, anyone that is physically crossing the border into another country on a one way trip would need a passport, but they are also required in various other scenarios as they pertain to cruises. Even destinations that never required passports before are asking for them, but there are still some exceptions that can be noted.
Additionally, if someone is starting their cruise off in another country, they must have a passport. This is actually something that is not new and has always been required. For example, someone traveling on a Riviera cruise may have to travel to Italy or France to board their ship. Since they would be traveling via air to another country and physically crossing their border, they must have a passport.
Currently, many cruise lines offer what are called “closed loop voyages.” Usually, a closed loop voyage refers to a cruise that starts and ends in the same port. However, in terms of the legal implications, a closed loop voyage can refer to any cruise that starts and ends in the same country. Closed loop voyages have a unique set of passport laws.
Passports do not always have to be obtained for a closed loop cruise. If the trip is going to the Virgin Islands, Bermuda or several other specific destinations, the passport may not be necessary. However, it may be a safe bet to carry one just in case. If this type of trip is being planned, just ask the travel agent or check the Internet for travel laws as they pertain to these specific destinations.
Us Passports for cruises can sometimes be a tricky thing, but it is always best to err on the side of safety. Even if the traveler is only going on a trip to the Caribbean or other US Territory, it is a safe bet for travelers to bring their expedited passport applications as a secondary form of identification. Use the Boy Scout motto of being prepared to avoid any problems that may occur.