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Passport Requirements Effective 1/8/07, you will need a valid US passport to travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda or Central/South America, Canada or Mexico if you are traveling by air. The requirement for a passport for land and sea arrivals (traveling by auto, motor coach across borders or traveling by cruise ship) has been set for June 1, 2009. Since most cruises departing domestic ports call at Caribbean, Canadian or Mexican ports, you will need a passport or passport card for your cruise beginning in June, 2009. Passport cards are now being issued and can be used for sea travel or land border crossings only. A passport card can be obtained at passport acceptance facilities (local post offices are generally closest) and cost less than a passport book; passport cards are a good alternative to a passport book if you never expect to travel by air into or out of any foreign country. HOWEVER, WE RECOMMEND YOU ALWAYS HAVE A PASSPORT BOOK IF YOU'RE TRAVELING OUT OF THE UNITED STATES AT ANY TIME. If you have never had a passport, you can apply at many different passport agencies, including most post offices. You will need: a certified birth certificate if you were born in the US, a valid form of identity such as a driver's license, a completed application and 2 color photographs. The application processing time is approximately 4 weeks. The fee for children under 16 is slightly less. Renewals of passports can be handled by mail and the fee is also slightly less. If you need a passport in a short time, you should review the procedures on the State Department web at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Applications can be obtained from the State Department web at the above link or at many passport issuing locations. The State Department web site has a listing of all locations that accept passport applications also. If you still have questions about the need for a passport or documentation and policy requirements, please contact the US State Department. The cruise lines will adhere to this policy strictly. Floating Fantasies highly recommends you have a passport for ANY travel to a foreign country. Even if you are cruising and a passport is not required at this time, you would need a passport to return to the US from any foreign port in the event of an emergency. |