March 03, 2010 Connect Special

    If you will be traveling from the United States to an international port of call via the sea in the upcoming months, passport regulations updated as of June 2009 may cause some confusion.
    Individuals taking a cruise from a U.S. port who will be returning to the same U.S. port upon completion of the trip do not need a passport. This is called a closed-loop cruise.
    Passengers will be able to enter the states with a birth certificate (with raised seal) and government-issued photo ID. However, keep in mind that regulations for entering ports of call on the cruise vacation (such as if the cruise ship makes international stops in the Caribbean), may require a passport for you to enter different countries.
    Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents. Travelers flying to an international location to connect with a cruise will need to present a passport. Air travel is still governed under passport regulations.
    Passports and birth certificates aren't the only acceptable means of identification for sea travel. Travelers may also want to investigate other options.
    According to the U.S. Department of State, the relatively new wallet-size U.S. Passport Card is a travel document that may be a more affordable option than a regular passport.
    It can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. It cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card, which is $45 for a first-time adult applicant and $35 for children, is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, which is roughly $100. It is valid for the same duration of time as a passport book (10 years).
    U.S. Customs and Border Protection also informs travelers that there are other means of documentation. Several states and Canadian provinces/territories are issuing an Enhanced Drivers License or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the United States by land or sea. NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards are part of the Trusted Traveler Program and can speed your entry into the U.S. They are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea.

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