by admin | July 19th, 2009
This short post is an update on my earlier posting on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). There are special requirements which may not require having a passport for some U.S. citizens falling into certain categories. For more details go to the Special Groups section of WHTI site. The following quote relates specifically to U.S. citizens on “closed loop” cruises from U.S. ports.
“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). Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the foreign countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.
If you travel on a cruise from Miami to Los Angeles, you will still need your passport. But if you take a round-trip cruise from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera, even though you stop in Mexico, you don’t need a passport.
It is always best to carry your passport with you. You never know when you might need it. It is still the best form of identification a traveler can carry.
