UPDATED - Documentation Requirements from DCL

[Michelle]

DCL has just released a reminder about documentation requirements. This is especially important for Canadian citizens, who were able to travel withOUT a passport before. That is no longer the case. Here is the updated information:

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION REMINDER
We would like to clarify our position regarding acceptable documentation necessary to travel aboard our cruise ships.

All U.S.citizens must travel with proof of citizenship. These include one of the following:

• Valid U.S. Passport

• Certified birth certificate with acceptable picture identification. Copies of birth certificates without a raised seal are not acceptable.

• Certified Naturalization certificate with acceptable picture identification.

Acceptable forms of picture identification are state driver’s license, or federal, state or local government photo ID card. Guests age 17 and under who are U.S. citizens are only required to have proof of citizenship, excluding picture identification.

All non-U.S.citizens, including alien residents of the United States, must have valid passports and necessary visas at time of embarkation to ensure his/her ability to re-enter the U.S. upon the ship’s return. Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the responsibility of the Guest.

These guidelines are based on U.S. government regulations, which are subject to change at any time. It is the Guest’s responsibility to check with their travel agent, government agencies, embassies or consulates prior to their vacation to ensure that they have proper documentation.

Unfortunately, any Guest traveling without proper documentation, as mentioned above, will not be allowed to board the vessel . We hope this clarifies our position regarding acceptable documentation.

[Dave_from_Marietta]

When does that go into effect, Michelle? That could be a problem for Canadian cruisers sailing in the next couple weeks.


FYI for Canadians... here's the info you need to get a passport...

www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport

[Michelle]

As far as I know, it's effective NOW, Dave, so you're right, Canadians should get passports ASAP if they don't already have them.

[SuAnne]

Michelle do you know if children require their own passports as well? Currently my 9yr. old DD is listed on mine, so I'm wondering if that is okay or if I will need to get one of her own? Thanks!

[Michelle]

SuAnne, I'm not sure on that and I would hate to steer you wrong. I do know that my Canadian friend is getting passports for her 13-year-old and 17-year-old now, but I don't know if younger kids are okay on their parent's passports. I would recommend you call DCL just to be sure. :D

[Annie12345]

Thanks so much Michelle for the information, and to Dave for the link. I'm glad I've got a few months to get the passports in place.

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by SuAnne

Do you know if children require their own passports as well? Currently my 9yr. old DD is listed on mine, so I'm wondering if that is okay or if I will need to get one of her own?

Originally posted at the Canadian Passport web site (<a href="http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/passport/howto_e.asp"><font color=blue>link</font></a>)

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended a policy requiring every individual who travels by air to have his or her own passport. Canada supports this recommendation as a member country of ICAO.

Therefore, effective <b>December 11, 2001</b>, Canadian children who travel will need their own passport. This is to combat the traffic of millions of children around the world who are often sold into slavery, child prostitution or worse. By ensuring that all children who travel have their own valid passport with a photo and other identifying information, their protection is increased.

However, if you hold a valid Canadian passport issued <b>before</b> December 11, 2001, that bears the name of your child, the passport remains valid for you and your child until it expires.

[SuAnne]

Thanks Michelle and Dave. I did see that bit about kids on their parents passports issued before Dec. 2001 (of course after I posted my question!!) but I might just get one of her own just to have all my bases covered.

[gnewton]

quick?
If you take a passport do you still need your DL

thanks greg

[llachance]

I only showed my passport at the port but used my drivers license for getting on and off the ship because it was easier.

[Dave_from_Marietta]

If you bring a passport for checkin purposes, you won't <b><i>need</i></b> your driver's license... but it's a good thing to have along in case for some unforseen reason you need to rent a car. Plus, as llachance said, it's easier to use your driver's license for getting on/off the boat at the ports of call.

[Michelle]

Actually, for non-US citizens you DO need to bring BOTH a passport and a photo ID. DCL takes the passports of the non-US citizens at the beginning of the cruise and returns them the final morning. Non-US citizens will still need a photo ID to get on and off the ship. :D

For US citizens, it also much simpler to carry a separate photo ID rather than taking a passport with you on and off the ship.

[TXCruiser]

• Certified birth certificate with acceptable picture identification. Copies of birth certificates without a raised seal are not acceptable.


I keep seeing posts that mentions "raised seals" on birth certificates. My kid's birth certificates do not have the "raised seal". I called the gov't agency that mailed them to me (each document was mailed to me a month after each child was born) and they explained that the seal is made into the special paper and they haven't used raised seals in years. So according to them, I have the "official" certificate and not a "copy".
Does anyone see me having a problem at check-in time?
Thanks.

[grandmalinda]

Your situation regarding the seals is the same as mine. I've also read all the confusing posts on this subject. I'm taking my 2 granddaughters, 8 & 5, 7/27 and their birth certs. have different colored ink and say cert. copy (or something to that effect). No raised seal. My daughter says these are the originals she received. We'll have to go with it. Just to be on the safe side, she has also given me a notarized note with permission to take the children and to have medical care, if necessary. If you are going after 7/27, drop me an email and I'll let you know if we had trouble.

[MrsScooby]

Virginia has the same type of birth certificate. My DD was born in Va,but my New York one has a raised seal. I guess each state is different.
Laurie

[dgroet]

Let me get this straight....(we live in NY)

For my wife and I, we need 2 forms of I.D.? Obviously we have NYS drivers license, but do we have to take along a birth certificate as well?? Neither of ours have a raised seal, because NY didn't do that in the 70's. We have no other forms of picture I.D. Neither of us has a passport, as we have never traveled outside the U.S., except to Canada where a passport is not required to cross the border.

For the 3 kids, we have birth certificates, but we never take them out of the house. We have always travled with copies, so if we lost the copies it was no big deal. So this means i have to take all 3 original birth certificates.

I read the posts, but it's just not clear to me (sorry).

:confused:

[gottaluvdisney]

Yes - you do need to take the original or certified copies of the birth certificates. NO PHOTO COPIES.

Adults over the age of 18yrs will also need photo id.

DCL is just trying to stress that you cannot take photo copies of birth certificates. Do not worry about loosing them as you can always request a 'certified copy' from the vital records in the county in which you were born or thru vital check an online service.

[BeanoC]

The wording used for the policy on birth certificates bothers me.
It assumes that ALL states have raised seals on their certificates, which is not the case. California is one example. I order 10-15 certified documents every day from the county health dept., so I know from where I speak. What many states do now is use colored paper, usually purple/blue mix, and they photocopy your original B.C. onto that. Those are official, certified copies but you'll never get one with a seal because they don't have one!!

On our cruise last year, we presented these colored documents and they had no trouble accepting them. Just don't try to copy one on your home or office copy machine! That's what they won't accept.

Try not to worry too much about the raised seal issue, if you know your state doesn't use them. As long as it's on 'official' county paper and has wording to the effect that it is "a true and accurate certified copy", you're ok. For that matter - as long as it was issued by the county health dept. where you were born, you know it's as good as you can get.


'Beano' :cool:

[whytcrystal]

I contacted Disney this week regarding the 'raised seal' issue and was informed that as long as it is issued from the dept of vital statistics (the city clerk where I live), you will be all set if it has multiple colors OR the raised seal.

Christy
:bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :jester:

[iluvorlando]

Lets see, I was born in PA, DH in TN and DD's are FL. I don't think any of our certified b.c. have a raised seal. We did not have any problems in March, but we are considering getting passports for our next cruise. Michelle what do you think?

[gottaluvdisney]

I am not Michelle, but would like to give MHO.

Passports are the way to go these days. So if you have time, I would suggest getting them.

I was born in PA. The birth certificate I have is from the vital statistics and it is on yellow and blue paper. My parents lost the original prior to me being enrolled in school. It has the commonwealth of PA Department of Health 'seal'. And at the bottom it states 'It is illegal to duplicate this copy by photostat or photograph.' I have used this for 9 cruises and it was fine. However one time I checked it in my luggage by accident and Royal Caribbean let me on the ship by signing a waiver form stating that I was indeed a U.S. Citizen. They are NO longer doing this. You must have the proper proof of citzenship or you will not be allowed to board.

Bottom line - If it is issued by the state - in any form whether it has the 'raised seal', or is from vital statistics or vital records, etc - then you are good to go.

DO NOT TAKE PHOTO COPIES.

[CathyCanada]

As many have said, not all states have the raised seal type of birth certificate, but it MUST be the original, not a photocopy.

CC

[Michelle]

Just to add to what Cathy said, it must be the original OR a certified copy...whatever your state does to certify copies is fine. :D

And I agree, passports are the way to go, I'm finally renewing my very expired passport this year too. :D

[disneydeb]

can someone help me and dd have long form bc but dd friend has wallet sized one with raised seal, i went to town hall to check it out and they said wallet sized one is official document from ct, so i called dcl who said that if town hall issued it it was considered official, there is still some talk on boards that wallet sized one with raised seal is still no good anyone know for sure?

[kramer_clan]

My two kids have the same type of birth certificates from Maryland. It is one that you can fold and it would be wallet size. It is the actual certification of birth received from the state a month after they were born. It has the Maryland Seal (not raised) and actually says Certifcation of Birth. I am assuming that this is acceptable since this is the only birth certificate that I received. Can anyone shed any light on this.

I did call DCL and they said that what I have is acceptable.

Vicki

[PoohBWV]

We have been discussing proper documentation for Canadians on the Canadian visitors board. I called DCL and was told that Canadians need an original birth certificate and a valid photo ID. Someone else emailed them and were given the same response. I am not sure why we are being given this answer when obviously DU has been told otherwise.

[Toad]

PoohBWV - When I cruised DCL in 1998, we had both our passports and birth certificates. At check in we expressd concern to the CM about handing over our passports since we planned on getting off the ship in Nassau and did not want to be without them. She said it was no problem to just leave our birth certificates and a drivers license. No issue at all. I was hoping to do the same in September when I go again but obviously times have changed and they may be more strict.

[dgsnj]

Would you know what the rules are for children traveling without one or both parents? As US citizens I know that certain destinations (Mexico in particular) will not allow a child to enter without both parents unless they are carrying a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) stating their permission for the child to be traveling with the current accompanying adult.

I will be on the Western Caribbean itinerary and will most likely be in this situation.

Thanks for any help you can give!

dgsnj

[Cheese Please]

Has anyone with one of the non-raised seal birth certificates sailed since the "new" documentation requirements? The BRIGHT ORANGE sticker that now seals the cruise documents says the requirement is "Birth Certificate (original with raised seal), and a Picture ID issued by Local, State or Federal government ...... Copies of birth certificates without a raised seal are not acceptable. The bold is on the sticker. Just based on this statement one would conclude that a "certified copy" would NOT be acceptable. But that does not seem reasonable if all states do not use raised seals.

What has the recent experience been????

Dave

[blackgauldron]

Originally posted by WebmasterMichelle
Actually, for non-US citizens you DO need to bring BOTH a passport and a photo ID. DCL takes the passports of the non-US citizens at the beginning of the cruise and returns them the final morning. Non-US citizens will still need a photo ID to get on and off the ship. :D


We are non-us citizens. What can I use as a photo ID? I have an international passport witch will be taken by DCL and I have a passport and a european drivers license from Belgium both with photo, will this be good enough.

[Toad]

Blackgauldron,

This should be more than enough. I am a Canadian and although not thrilled about surrendering my passport, will do it. If your DL has a photo and you have your birth certificate or better still, a piece of ID with your address on it, you should be OK.
Have a great time!!

[Gillian]

I don't know if anyone is still answering questions here, but...

My DH just got a certified copy of his certificate from the city in NJ where he was born. It's a photocopy of the top part of his birth medical record, all handwritten in a printed form. It's from 1965. There is a raised seal. You can see that there was more to the record that was not copied. The vital records people this is medical information that is never included in the birth cert. It's just weird because it looks like it's cut off.

I am concerned about the handwritten part, and also that you can tell the original record is kept in a looseleaf book, because you can see the where the holes are punched!

It just looks awful but vital records assured me that this is the real thing. I suppose if you were faking docs, you'd make them look better, right??

[macbasset]

Hi, when we did our first DCL cruise in '99, we didn't understand what the raised seal birth certificates were either. my husband's was from new york, mine from pennsylvania, and my sons from maryland. all said official certified birth certificate (the original one that you receive in the mail after birth) but when I contacted the state officials at the capital of each those states, they said i had to request by mail with a fee the certified raised seal type, which i did. They look different and have a definite raised seal. My sister that same year had to fed ex. a copy of hers to WDW because when she checked in at the hotel for land and sea, it wasn't the right kind of birth certificate even though it was the original certified one. it did not have a raised seal. luckily, while she was at WDW, she called the state capital in PA. and they fed ex'd it to her in the hotel in time to make the cruise. barb