Documentation for Bahamas?

[Andy91]

Can anyone give us a clear answer as to what documents are required for the 3 day Soveriegn of the Seas cruise to the Bahamas? We have heard these four different requirements from different sources (RCI, US Government Travel web site, travel agent, friend):

 

- must have valid passport

 

- valid passport - or a passport that has expired in the last 5 years plus an original birth certificate and valid driver's license

 

- copy of birth certificate plus valid driver's license

 

- valid driver's license

 

Will the real document requirement please stand up!

 

Thanks

[honybunyyy]

I believe that passports are required now, even for the Bahama's. You will need a Drivers License. But with the passport, I do not believe that you need your birth certificate.

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

Until Dec 31, 2006 an original BC w raised seal and a valid photo ID will be OK.

 

Any cruise that will return after Dec 31 you will be denied boarding without a passport. If your cruise is scheduled Jan 01 and after, passports are mandatory. Period! :eek:

 

 

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[negc]

The only answer that counts is the one from the US government. Until the end of this year, you will need only a certified birth certificate and a government issued photo ID (ex. driver's license). Since you will eventually need a passport, you might consider beating the inevitable rush and apply for one now, but you will be good for the time being with just the bc and photo ID.

[Treven]

I just take my passport; I leave my driver's license at home - I'm not going to be driving anything. You can't get anymore gov't approved ID than a passport.

[cruisinfanatic]

I believe that passports are required now, even for the Bahama's. You will need a Drivers License. But with the passport, I do not believe that you need your birth certificate.

Bad guess.

[cruisinfanatic]

Until Dec 31, 2006 an original BC w raised seal and a valid photo ID will be OK.

 

Any cruise that will return after Dec 31 you will be denied boarding without a passport. If your cruise is scheduled Jan 01 and after, passports are mandatory. Period! :eek:

 

 

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Don't know why some posters keep hyping the raised seal thing. There are states in this country that don't issue certificates with a raised seals. The RCL requirement for documents states that you must have an original, notarized copy or certified copy of your birth certificate along with a government issued picture ID. Nothing about any raised seals.

[negc]

Don't know why some posters keep hyping the raised seal thing. There are states in this country that don't issue certificates with a raised seal.

 

You are right and that is just one reason that getting a passport is advisable. Unlikely that the person inspecting your documentation will question it if you have a passport, unlike a birth certificate which may or may not have certain characteristics (such as a raised seal) and still be official.

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

Don't know why some posters keep hyping the raised seal thing. There are states in this country that don't issue certificates with a raised seals. The RCL requirement for documents states that you must have an original, notarized copy or certified copy of your birth certificate along with a government issued picture ID. Nothing about any raised seals.

 

Simple, MOST original BC's have raised seals identifying them as the original. Can you imagine our shock returning from Alaska with my DH's "original hospital certificate with a raised seal" and were told this is not an original BC and had to do some fast talking to the US/Canadian customs agent???? That's when we got a certified copy of his BC and applied for passports!!!

Some states have BC's that may have colored ink stamps (like mine) and some have plastic credit card type. So the correct wording is the original BC.

 

But the important thing here is to get passports before 12/31/2006!! :D

 

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