* New Passport Rules
FINAL Passport Rule Issued for Land and Sea Boarders
The Departments of Homeland Security and of State issued final rulemaking concerning the requirements of passports for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After years of development following 9/11, this ruling is the end of the process and can be considered FINAL.
Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:
ALL U.S. citizens on cruise voyages will be REQUIRED to have a valid Passport or Passport Card in order to board their cruise.
Please feel free to contact
For up to date information on passports, go to www.travel.state.gov . For obtaining a passport quickly, go to www.getapassportnow.com .
Passports are good for 10 years and are certainly the PREFERRED form of travel identification.
Passports are required for children/babies - anyone traveling or flying outside the US already.
HINT: When traveling, it is recommended to leave a copy of your passport at home and also take a copy with you on the cruise. After showing your passport to immigration and customs officials, it is best usually to keep your passport locked in your room safe and take the copy with you when you leave for shore excursions.
I understand that beginning June 1, 2009; ALL travelers in my party will be required to have a valid Passport or Passport Card in order to travel outside of the United States. The cruise line/airline personnel will request to see the passport of all people in my party when checking-in for your cruise/flight.
I also understand that:
1. without a valid passport, the cruise line / tour operator will deny boarding,
2. it is the sole responsibility of the traveler(s) to obtain a valid passport for travel,
3. it could take 10 weeks (or longer) from date of application until I receive my passport,
4. the travel insurance will not reimburse me for my trip expenses if I am denied boarding for not having a valid passport.