Passports for Kids?

[imlazar]

Do I need passports or birth certificates for my kids (Ages 5 & 2 at time of departure?)

Thanks in advance!!

 

[scrapperjill]

you onle NEED a certified bc. But I think DCL is strongly suggesting if your going on the repo cruises to have a passport. With the BC you need to make sure they are the certified ones...not a hospital issued bc..

 

[markºoº]

In most states a "certified" birth certificate will have a raised seal on it.

 

[Stinasmom]

I heard recently that WEST COAST cruisers into Mexico are strongly encouraged to have passports. We DID get them for the kids. I have use BC's for them when traveling to Mexico but that was 2002 and things are getting tighter. They are only good for 5 years for the kids but we decided it was worth it.

 

[WorldlyWise]

get em now, the price is going up soon

 

[Az Pirates]

get em now, the price is going up soon

Actually, too late to beat the price increase. They went up by $12.00 on 3/8.

 

[tvguy]

Passports are always best. My kids have had theirs since age 2.

 

[Phyllisi]

If you only plan on going to the Caribbean Islands for the next five years, do not waste your money on a passport for your children. If you think you may need them because you plan on touring Europe with you children then purchase one. The Caribbean Islands do not require passports. While departing the Magic in Jan., I asked this question from the custom officials. They said they would not spend the money for their children if only going to the Caribbean. BTW, I also asked about my passport because it will expire 6 weeks before next years cruise. They said they would accept it as a form of identification for a Caribbean cruise since they do not require passports.

I was scheduled to go on one of the repo cruises but had to cancel because my daughter's school changed the start date for school. At that time I e-mailed Disney if I would need a passport for the cruise and was told no. That was 4 months ago.

 

[crisi]

On the other hand, that money won't be a waste if something happens. Should another 9/11 happen, passports may make re-entry into this country much easier through a much shorter line

 

[TootyJane]

I posted the following on another thread:

For all those wondering if they should get a passport, I saw this over on the Cruise Critic and thought I'd post it here. "In less than three years, you will need a passport or other federal ID to re-enter the US." USA Today.

HTH

 

[Serena6010]

I just bought passports for my 2 year old and soon to be 5 year old for the Repo Cruise in May.

 

[TheWog]

You don't NEED one, but they are good to have. If you can afford the cost, I would recommend getting them.