Please help ASAP. Do you need a passport (cruise) for Grand Cayman or Jamaica?

[EMom]

I do not cruise, but I always have a passport. A relative has never left the US, but is going on a cruise in a week or so and didn't realize a birth cert might not be enough. Do you need a passport to visit Grand Cayman or Jamaica or is a bc sufficient? Thanks!

 

[sonnyjane]

If it's a closed-loop cruise (starts and ends in same port) then she can get away with BC and another form of government ID, provided she is a U.S. citizen.

http://cruiseline.com/advice/cruising-101/all-about-cruising/do-i-need-a-passport-to-cruise

 

[sam_gordon]

And providing the cruise line allows you to sail with just a BC & ID (I understand a few require passports even if the countries themselves don't).

 

[EMom]

Thanks. I knew they were going on a cruise, but it never occurred to me that they would not get passports.

 

[SMD]

If it is a closed loop cruise that begins and ends in the same US port and if they are a US citizen that was born a citizen and not naturalized then they can use a birth certificate and government ID combo to leave and enter the US on a cruise, but not by air. Since 2009 both Jamaica and Grand Cayman require a passport to enter their country. You'll have to check with the cruise line, but they should be able to stay on the ship. Here are the locations that can process a passport if you are leaving within 2 weeks:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/information/where-to-apply/agencies.html

Have them get a real passport and not a passport card at the info sheet for Jamaica says they may not accept the cards.

 

[sonnyjane]

Since 2009 both Jamaica and Grand Cayman require a passport to enter their country. You'll have to check with the cruise line, but they should be able to stay on the ship. Here are the locations that can process a passport if you are leaving within 2 weeks:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/information/where-to-apply/agencies.html

Have them get a real passport and not a passport card at the info sheet for Jamaica says they may not accept the cards.

That's true for air travel, but the closed-loop cruise part still has the loophole that a birth certificate is ok with another ID. They can still get off the boat have your friend confirm with the cruise line for peace of mind but Jamaica and GC both still allow passengers from cruise ships without a passport.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I absolutely would have a passport. If an emergency arises when in Port it is best to have one. I've read too many horror stories not to travel with one in a foreign port.

 

[usnuzuloose]

The only problem not having a full passport is if you got stuck on the island somewhere and needed to fly you need a full passport.

 

[EMom]

Turns out, one member of the family traveling had trouble getting a passport, while the others were approved. Too long to go into here, but they kept having to submit additional paperwork in hopes of satisfying the requirements. The office needed "more" but would not tell them what "more" was. So they will travel with a certified birth certificate and a DL and cross their fingers.

 

[chisnpeke]

If it is a closed loop cruise that begins and ends in the same US port and if they are a US citizen that was born a citizen and not naturalized then they can use a birth certificate and government ID combo to leave and enter the US on a cruise, but not by air. Since 2009 both Jamaica and Grand Cayman require a passport to enter their country. You'll have to check with the cruise line, but they should be able to stay on the ship. Here are the locations that can process a passport if you are leaving within 2 weeks:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/information/where-to-apply/agencies.html

Have them get a real passport and not a passport card at the info sheet for Jamaica says they may not accept the cards.

We went on a cruise to Jamaica and Grand Cayman in 2010 without a passport with no issue. We have gotten passports for our cruise this year. Better to be safe than sorry in case of an emergency!