Passports for Mexican Riviera Cruises

[DesertDiva]

I'm sailing on the Oosterdam over New Year's and will return early in 2008. Is my passport necessary for the Mexican border and customs or entry back into the United States?

I'm thinking it's for entry back into the United States when I disembark in San Diego.

[casavaha]

You need a passport for cruising in 2007.
The new rule for 2008 is not definite yet. It makes no difference because
to cruise back into the U.S. you need a passport. If you are walking
or driving you do not in 2007, maybe in 2008, but some immigration
officers have told me probably not until 2009.

Again, if you are cruising into the US you need a passport. You need
nothing more for Mexico.

Greg

[JimVrhovac]

Take it along and use it for ID

In the near future it will be needed whenever you leave the states

Ruth & Jim

[Sundagger]

You do NOT need a passport to travel in the Western Hemisphere by sea at the present time. You DO need one to travel by air. Due to problems that might arise regarding a cruise, it is highly advisable that you do get one.

Here is the link to the information on the HAL site:http://www.hollandamerica.com/guests/category.do?category=documentation&topic=passportrequirements

here is the link to the passport office:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

[kakalina]

Save yourself a lot of heartache and carry yours with you. It doesn't take up much space.

[DesertDiva]

Yes, I know I need a passport (already have one) - I just want to know for what country and why...

Is my passport necessary for the Mexican border and customs or entry back into the United States?

I'm thinking it's for entry back into the United States when I disembark in San Diego.

[terrydtx]

Even though it is not “required” yet for entry back into the US on cruise ships I have been told that entry through US customs with a passport is much faster and you are less likely to have any delays. I think that by the end of 2008 or first part of 2009 passports will be required on all cruise ships for entry back into the US. I never leave home without mine.

[noblepa]

Yes, I know I need a passport (already have one) - I just want to know for what country and why...

I don't believe that Mexico requires US citizens to have a passport for a day visit. It is the UNITED STATES that requires a passport to return to the country.

It is true that, right now, you can return by sea with only a birth certificate. However, if you miss the ship in a foreign port for some reason, some countries (don't know about Mexico) require a passport for a stay of more than 24 hours. So, while they didn't ask for one when you arrived, you may have trouble if you have to stay over.

Also, if you miss the ship and fly home, a passport IS required to return to the US by air. To make matters worse, the airline probably won't allow you to board the plane without a passport. If you get to the US and are denied entry, they have to fly you back to the point of origin, at their expense.

Now, there are emergency procedures in every country, including the US, to get emergency replacement passports and to allow citizens to return without the proper documentation. It is unlikely you would end up in a Mexican jail or become a "man/woman without a country", but why risk the hassle?

If you already have a passport, take it. I take ours along and take it when I go ashore, which some people don't. I leave a photocopy in the cabin safe. While the photocopy has no legal value, it can make it easier to obtain an expedited replacement. I also take a certified birth certificate. If I lose my passport, but make it back to the ship, for the time being, the BC will get me back into the US.