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 U.S. 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 rule of thumb for any travel should be to make sure that they know what the current travel and passport laws are. Since June 2009, many laws have changed as they pertain to both passports and travel. The government is making a distinct effort to make sure that our borders are well protected and not knowing these laws may mean you end up wasting money on a vacation that cannot be fully enjoyed.
Obviously, anyone traveling to a foreign country, meaning a one way trip, would need to have a passport. However, there is still some flexibility in play for round trip cruises, depending on the destination. In most cases, the rules of the trip will be posted on the same pages that the cruise is listed on. If it is not, it would be best to check with the travel agent directly.
Additionally, people who are traveling to a different country to start their cruise are going to need a passport. For instance, someone taking a cruise to Italy would not be leaving out of Miami. Because they may have to travel to Spain or Greece from the outset to get on their ship, a passport would be required to get into the other country and of course, to return home.
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.
It is important to stay current on any expedited passport applications law changes. Passports for cruises to border countries or certain Caribbean Islands were not always necessary but under the new laws, with the exception of closed loops, people withoutnew passports could be denied access. It certainly would not be any fun to be stuck on the boat, so it is always best to be informed and prepared.
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