Do we need our birth certificates with us at all times?

[snowball22]

First, do we need to carry our birth certificates around with us all the time or can we just use our key cards as proof of who we are?IF we have to carry our birth certificates around with us all the time, where do you keep them? Do you put them in a business envelope, a see through plastic envelope or what? Thanks!!

 

[mmouse37]

No, you will only show your BC when you check in. Then you can keep them in the cabin safe. When you leave the ship at each port all you are required to have with you is your KTTW card and photo I.D. if you are over 18. Children only need their KTTW card.

MJ

 

[Robert and Kelley]

You need them to check in at Port Canaveral. I think we might have had to show them in St Thomas last year but I dont remember for sure. If your kids are under 18 they just need their kttw card onboard.

 

[Señor Ferrari]

You will need to present proof of citizenship on the morning of the St. Thomas call, in addition to when you check in at Port Canaveral. Other than that, a photo ID will get you on and off the ship.

 

[laurenk]

So, do you guys recommend getting a passport, or are we okay with birth certificates. It will be pretty expense to get 4 passports, but I am willing to if it is best.

Thanks!

 

[jilljill]

As long as you are a US citizen born in this country, your birth certificate will be fine. If you are in doubt call DCL to ease your mind. We use our passports because we travel to Europe and have them and my parents use their birth certificates because their passports are expired. I have a friend who was not born in this country and he will use his passport because it will be easier.

 

[ducklite]

Personally I wouldn't leave the US without my passport, even to go to Canada.

If there is a medical emergency, being repatriated without a passport can be difficult at best, especially if you are evac'ed to a country that requires a visa. Without a passport you can't get a visa, and without the visa you are in the country illegally, and will likely not be permitted to leave without the paperwork in order.

When we left the ship we took our passports (except on Castaway Cay.) It's just plain old common sense, especially in these times.

To me it's kind of like travel insurance. You might not ever need it, but if you do it will be the best money you ever spent.

Anne

 

[Grumbo]

Interesting... What about folks from other countries that must turn in their passports to Disney when you board?
Senor Ferrari mentions that you must provide proof of citizenship at St Thomas. That is my passport with landed immigrant status within.
Is there an immigration get together like on the last night of the cruise where we all stumble around at 6 am
or another way of doing this?
Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I have to agree with ducklite on the passport issue. It is just easier. In fact I just used it for DS at Secretary of State's office to prove his birthdate for Driver's license. I couldn't find his birth certificate (hadn't put it back in the fire safe, have now though!) and a passport has all of the necessary info.

Deb

 

[Señor Ferrari]

Originally posted by Grumbo
Interesting... What about folks from other countries that must turn in their passports to Disney when you board?
Senor Ferrari mentions that you must provide proof of citizenship at St Thomas. That is my passport with landed immigrant status within.
Is there an immigration get together like on the last night of the cruise where we all stumble around at 6 am
or another way of doing this?
Cheers,
Grumbo

Grumbo,

Since I have a US passport, I'm not positive, but I'm relatively sure that there is a separate place for non-US citizens to report for the Immigration check at St. Thomas, similar to the final morning of the cruise. Nobody can leave the ship at St. Thomas until everyone has reported to Immigration and they have cleared the ship. Very annoying.

None of my business really, but does "landed immigrant status" mean that you are not a Canadian national, but have permanant residency there (similar to a US Green Card)? Just curious.

 

[Grumbo]

No prob
I'm British and landed as an immigrant but have never gotten Canadian citizenship.
No need to register or anything else. Can't vote in national elections but otherwise everything is the same. Being a part of the Commonwealth number of things carried over for Brits coming to Canada.
I have a British passport but have lived here long time. Top and bottom of it all is too darn lazy to get my citizenship. (No lectures. Heard them all from my wife and this isn't the forum )
I SHOULD do it actually, can have dual citizenship and probably will this year.
Cheers,
Grumbo

 

[Señor Ferrari]

Thanks Grumbo. No lectures from me.

Due to a surprisingly large number of Canadians in Southern California, I have many Canadian friends. Several of whom have moved back to Canada with their American wives/husbands. I've heard the term "landed immigrant status" used a few times, and always meant to discover what it meant. Your bringing it up reminded me that I still didn't know, and as many on this board can probably attest, I hate not knowing. Thanks for clearing it up for me.....