Dave in the Frozen North
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- Aug 28, 1999
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TRAVEL DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR CANADIAN DISNEY CRUISERS (And Non-Cruisers)
I know that this topic has been raised on the Cruise Board as well as the Canadian Board and there has been some differing comments over the requirements for travel documents for Canadian adults and children heading out on a cruise (or to Florida). Trying to sort out the information, even from the Canadian government sources, is sometimes confusing, particularly with recent changes.
Michelle and Dave from Marietta have covered a lot of the basics on the original thread for Documentation. What follows is some of the information gleaned from Canadian government information sources aimed at helping the Canadian Disney Cruiser.
Disney Cruisers should be aware that requirements for Canadian citizens travelling to the U.S. were changed in December of 2001. Passport application forms and processes also changed in March of 2002. Accordingly frequent Disney Cruisers (of which there are many) must be especially aware that requirements may have changed since they last cruised.
Disney Cruise Line does not assume responsibility for the sufficiency of travel documents. Quote: Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the responsibility of the Guest.
What appears clear is that Canadian (and other Non-U.S.) Cruise Vacationers must have a passport. The requirement for passports (for cruise passengers) includes children. Canadian vacationers to Florida only (ie. - who are not cruising and only visiting Florida) do not, at this time, require a passport to travel.
The following information is provided based on information contained in the Consular Affairs web site, and the Passport Office web site of the Canadian Government (actual quotes are in bold).
Travelling to the U.S. Only Is a Passport Required?
If you are heading to the U.S. only but will NOT be on a cruise, a passport is not currently required but recommended. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs currently advises in their publication: The requirements of U.S. authorities for identification are becoming more onerous. While they currently do not legally require Canadians to carry a passport, that could change. The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly urges all Canadians travelling to United States to obtain a passport before leaving Canada. It is the only document that conclusively proves that you are a citizen of Canada with the right to return to Canada.
Travelling through Canadian and U.S. airports is no longer the same. If the Alert Status of the U.S. and Canadian Government rises due to FBI alerts, vigilance at airports for travellers is heightened even further. A passport, although not required, may very well make the difference between a smooth airport visit and a more difficult, unpleasant experience.
(It is important to note that the Canadian and U.S. government information does seem to place emphasis on the fact that passports are not currently required. Given the ever-changing nature of world issues and security, this requirement may change in the future.)
Travelling to the U.S. and THEN on a Cruise A Passport IS Required.
If you are a Canadian heading out on a cruise from a U.S. port you need a passport. You do not need a Passport to enter the U.S. the Passport is required because you are leaving the U.S. through a Port and returning to the U.S. The Passport Office web site confirms: Even though a passport is not required at this time for entry to the United States, it is essential if you decide to go on a cruise or to continue your travel to another country.
The Consular Affairs site states: Many Canadians enter the United States on their way to join sea cruises to other countries. You must have a valid Canadian passport for such a trip. Some of the countries you may be visiting will not permit entry without a passport. A passport is also important to re-enter the United States at the end of the cruise.
Children Now Require their Own Passports.
As of December 11, 2001, children require their OWN passports. Accordingly, Canadian families travelling to the U.S. for embarkation on a Cruise, require passports for their children. The Passport Office confirms: Canadians are required to complete a separate application form for each child requiring a passport, including newborns. The policy is in place to provide increased protection for children travelling abroad.
Children who are currently covered under their parents passport, which is still valid, do not need their own passport. The Passport Office states: If you are a parent who holds a valid Canadian passport that lists the name of your child, the passport will remain valid for you and your child until it expires. If your child travels without you, he or she will require his or her own passport. After the passport expires, the new application process for childrens passports must be followed.
A CAUTION. - An application for a Childs Passport must include an original proof of citizenship. For proof of Canadian Citizenship, applicants must provide an original copy of ONE of either a Birth Certificate, or a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. Copies will not be accepted. Often times, parents do not have, or cannot readily locate, a birth certificate for their children. Before applying for a Passport, an application for a provincial Birth Certificate is then necessary. As a result the total time frame in obtaining a passport before your cruise may be further lengthened. Starting the application process early is essential!
It should be noted that Canadian Passports for children have a limited period of validity depending on the age of the child. This is to ensure that the photo reflects the changing appearance of the child. The Canadian Passport office regulations state that a Passport for a Child under three years is valid for 3 years only. A Passport for a Child between the ages of 3 and 15 is valid for 5 years only. Check the date of your childs passport to ensure that it will not expire prior to or during your vacation.
Children Travelling Without Their Parent or Guardian.
In addition to a passport, the Canadian Government advises that you may require the following documentation when travelling outside of Canada if both biological parents are not travelling with a child:
- Birth certificates showing the names of both parents.
- Legal documents pertaining to custody.
- If the child is travelling with only one parent, a consent letter signed and dated from the other parent authorizing travel. (The consent letter should be notarized.)
- If the child is travelling with someone other than the parent, a consent letter signed and dated from both parents authorizing travel with that person. (Notarized).
- If the child is travelling alone, a consent letter signed and dated from both parents authorizing travel. (Notarized).
- If one of the parents is deceased, the death certificate.
Please note that when travelling to Florida on a Disney Cruise the executed consents from biological parents are required in TWO respects. Although the rationale for requiring the consents is really the same, the scrutiny to which your documentation may be examined may differ.
The FIRST is for Disney. Your cruise documents from Disney include a form to be completed for minors under the age of 18 travelling without their parent or legal guardian. This document will obviously be sufficient for the purposes of boarding your Disney cruise, (but having a copy of any Court Order or Separation Agreement might still be advisable).
The SECOND aspect of proof and consent is for the purposes of crossing the border into the U.S and re-entering Canada. The requirements at the Canada/U.S. border may be more onerous than the consent required by Disney when you board the ship. Canadian (or U.S.) immigration and custom authorities will be more likely to raise the issue with adults travelling alone with children. Due to increased vigilance for parent and non-parent child abductions in North America, a consent signed by a non-travelling biological parent and copies of documentation relating to custody issues is strongly recommenced when crossing the border or departing from a Canadian Airport to a U.S. destination in order to avoid potential problems.
The Consular web site does provide some guidance. If you require a consent signed by a biological parent when travelling with a minor, a sample consent letter can be found at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/Consular-e/Before_go/example_child-e.htm.
Many lawyers will assist in preparing the required consent for execution by the non-travelling parent(s). This is particularly necessary if there are any complex or disputed issues relating to custody or consent in matrimonial disputes. Time may be required to obtain certified copies of court documents relating to custody and to secure the written consent of the non-custodial parent.
In addition to the documentation, the process of navigating immigration and customs at airports should be explained in advance to children who have not travelled outside Canada. Children should be warned in advance that they may be questioned directly by officials and asked Is this your parent?, or perhaps (pointing to you) Who is this?. If they are asked, your kids should be told to respond with a simple direct answer. Younger children may be unable to understand why a stranger would even ask such a question. For older children, this would not be the time for Junior to try his hand at an impromptu comedy routine. Passports should always be retained by parents. Families should enter customs area line-ups as a group.
Customs and Immigration officials have the right to stop and question anyone travelling with children if they feel there are any concerns regarding paperwork for children. If you are relying on the consents granted by parents (see above) or there are custody issues, having the parent(s) on stand-by at home (about the time you are navigating the airport) may be a precaution worth taking to expedite things. Such a precaution could save time if the parent can be reached by phone to confirm the written consent to immigration officials. (The form of consent recommended by Department of Foreign Affairs includes a section asking the biological parent at home to provide particulars of where they can be reached.)
Special problematic issues involving planned vacations by either a custody or access parent who cannot secure the cooperation of the other parent, may require a visit to a lawyer for legal advice. Unfortunately family break ups sometimes involve an unpleasant lack of cooperation between parents which can lead to issues being raised when either the custodial parent or access parent wishes to take children on a vacation. Your rights and abilities to do so may be governed by a Court Order or Separation Agreement and the laws of your Province. Legal advice in these cases is strongly recommended if you cannot secure the cooperation of your ex-spouse.
Some Other Points:
Give yourself plenty of time to apply for your passport, particularly if you cannot attend to a Canadian Passport office in person. Advice from travel agents is not necessarily reliable (though it should be) and I am amazed at the number of times persons have received poor information from travel agents and are panicking because their travel documents are not in order as their departure date looms.
The new regulations have resulted in an increase in the number of Passport applications. The new passport applications now require additional identification documents (and if you don't have them, there will be delays in obtaining them just to get your application in the mail). There are now delays in processing passport applications. Checks by government offices on documents, Guarantors, and information contained in the application are now routine instead of random. I have acted as a Guarantor for many Passport applicants. The number of near misses where vacationers have almost missed getting their passport in time for their vacation were far too numerous for my comfort level.
There is a double whammy if your passport application is not processed in time for your departure. Applicants are required to surrender your original birth certificate with the passport application form, and if your application is not processed in time for your departure you are not only without a valid passport you have just lost access to the single most important piece of identification that would at least get you into the U.S.!
As has been commented already on the discussion boards, even with your passport in hand, you should also travel with photo ID, drivers license and your birth certificate available for use once your passport is surrendered to the Cruise Line.
Adult passports also expire of course. Travellers must examine the passport to ensure that it does not expire prior to, or during the vacation.
PLEASE NOTE -- This information provided here is taken from government information sources and is current to December, 2002. The information is offered as a guide only and YOU are responsible for ascertaining your own requirements for travel documents. Canadian cruisers should check the Government of Canada web sites for updated passport information. Travellers with specific inquiries should contact Canadian Government offices for information. Parents or relatives who encounter situations involving custody issues should consult with a lawyer.
The Canadian Passport office site is: http://www.ppt.gc.ca
The Consular Office web site is: http://www.voyage.gc.ca. A good overview brochure: Crossing the 49th Advice for Canadians Travelling to the United States can be found there.
Hope this information is helpful and your escape from the Canadian weather on your Disney Cruise is Smooth Sailing.
Dave in the Frozen North
I know that this topic has been raised on the Cruise Board as well as the Canadian Board and there has been some differing comments over the requirements for travel documents for Canadian adults and children heading out on a cruise (or to Florida). Trying to sort out the information, even from the Canadian government sources, is sometimes confusing, particularly with recent changes.
Michelle and Dave from Marietta have covered a lot of the basics on the original thread for Documentation. What follows is some of the information gleaned from Canadian government information sources aimed at helping the Canadian Disney Cruiser.
Disney Cruisers should be aware that requirements for Canadian citizens travelling to the U.S. were changed in December of 2001. Passport application forms and processes also changed in March of 2002. Accordingly frequent Disney Cruisers (of which there are many) must be especially aware that requirements may have changed since they last cruised.
Disney Cruise Line does not assume responsibility for the sufficiency of travel documents. Quote: Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the responsibility of the Guest.
What appears clear is that Canadian (and other Non-U.S.) Cruise Vacationers must have a passport. The requirement for passports (for cruise passengers) includes children. Canadian vacationers to Florida only (ie. - who are not cruising and only visiting Florida) do not, at this time, require a passport to travel.
The following information is provided based on information contained in the Consular Affairs web site, and the Passport Office web site of the Canadian Government (actual quotes are in bold).
Travelling to the U.S. Only Is a Passport Required?
If you are heading to the U.S. only but will NOT be on a cruise, a passport is not currently required but recommended. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs currently advises in their publication: The requirements of U.S. authorities for identification are becoming more onerous. While they currently do not legally require Canadians to carry a passport, that could change. The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly urges all Canadians travelling to United States to obtain a passport before leaving Canada. It is the only document that conclusively proves that you are a citizen of Canada with the right to return to Canada.
Travelling through Canadian and U.S. airports is no longer the same. If the Alert Status of the U.S. and Canadian Government rises due to FBI alerts, vigilance at airports for travellers is heightened even further. A passport, although not required, may very well make the difference between a smooth airport visit and a more difficult, unpleasant experience.
(It is important to note that the Canadian and U.S. government information does seem to place emphasis on the fact that passports are not currently required. Given the ever-changing nature of world issues and security, this requirement may change in the future.)
Travelling to the U.S. and THEN on a Cruise A Passport IS Required.
If you are a Canadian heading out on a cruise from a U.S. port you need a passport. You do not need a Passport to enter the U.S. the Passport is required because you are leaving the U.S. through a Port and returning to the U.S. The Passport Office web site confirms: Even though a passport is not required at this time for entry to the United States, it is essential if you decide to go on a cruise or to continue your travel to another country.
The Consular Affairs site states: Many Canadians enter the United States on their way to join sea cruises to other countries. You must have a valid Canadian passport for such a trip. Some of the countries you may be visiting will not permit entry without a passport. A passport is also important to re-enter the United States at the end of the cruise.
Children Now Require their Own Passports.
As of December 11, 2001, children require their OWN passports. Accordingly, Canadian families travelling to the U.S. for embarkation on a Cruise, require passports for their children. The Passport Office confirms: Canadians are required to complete a separate application form for each child requiring a passport, including newborns. The policy is in place to provide increased protection for children travelling abroad.
Children who are currently covered under their parents passport, which is still valid, do not need their own passport. The Passport Office states: If you are a parent who holds a valid Canadian passport that lists the name of your child, the passport will remain valid for you and your child until it expires. If your child travels without you, he or she will require his or her own passport. After the passport expires, the new application process for childrens passports must be followed.
A CAUTION. - An application for a Childs Passport must include an original proof of citizenship. For proof of Canadian Citizenship, applicants must provide an original copy of ONE of either a Birth Certificate, or a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. Copies will not be accepted. Often times, parents do not have, or cannot readily locate, a birth certificate for their children. Before applying for a Passport, an application for a provincial Birth Certificate is then necessary. As a result the total time frame in obtaining a passport before your cruise may be further lengthened. Starting the application process early is essential!
It should be noted that Canadian Passports for children have a limited period of validity depending on the age of the child. This is to ensure that the photo reflects the changing appearance of the child. The Canadian Passport office regulations state that a Passport for a Child under three years is valid for 3 years only. A Passport for a Child between the ages of 3 and 15 is valid for 5 years only. Check the date of your childs passport to ensure that it will not expire prior to or during your vacation.
Children Travelling Without Their Parent or Guardian.
In addition to a passport, the Canadian Government advises that you may require the following documentation when travelling outside of Canada if both biological parents are not travelling with a child:
- Birth certificates showing the names of both parents.
- Legal documents pertaining to custody.
- If the child is travelling with only one parent, a consent letter signed and dated from the other parent authorizing travel. (The consent letter should be notarized.)
- If the child is travelling with someone other than the parent, a consent letter signed and dated from both parents authorizing travel with that person. (Notarized).
- If the child is travelling alone, a consent letter signed and dated from both parents authorizing travel. (Notarized).
- If one of the parents is deceased, the death certificate.
Please note that when travelling to Florida on a Disney Cruise the executed consents from biological parents are required in TWO respects. Although the rationale for requiring the consents is really the same, the scrutiny to which your documentation may be examined may differ.
The FIRST is for Disney. Your cruise documents from Disney include a form to be completed for minors under the age of 18 travelling without their parent or legal guardian. This document will obviously be sufficient for the purposes of boarding your Disney cruise, (but having a copy of any Court Order or Separation Agreement might still be advisable).
The SECOND aspect of proof and consent is for the purposes of crossing the border into the U.S and re-entering Canada. The requirements at the Canada/U.S. border may be more onerous than the consent required by Disney when you board the ship. Canadian (or U.S.) immigration and custom authorities will be more likely to raise the issue with adults travelling alone with children. Due to increased vigilance for parent and non-parent child abductions in North America, a consent signed by a non-travelling biological parent and copies of documentation relating to custody issues is strongly recommenced when crossing the border or departing from a Canadian Airport to a U.S. destination in order to avoid potential problems.
The Consular web site does provide some guidance. If you require a consent signed by a biological parent when travelling with a minor, a sample consent letter can be found at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/Consular-e/Before_go/example_child-e.htm.
Many lawyers will assist in preparing the required consent for execution by the non-travelling parent(s). This is particularly necessary if there are any complex or disputed issues relating to custody or consent in matrimonial disputes. Time may be required to obtain certified copies of court documents relating to custody and to secure the written consent of the non-custodial parent.
In addition to the documentation, the process of navigating immigration and customs at airports should be explained in advance to children who have not travelled outside Canada. Children should be warned in advance that they may be questioned directly by officials and asked Is this your parent?, or perhaps (pointing to you) Who is this?. If they are asked, your kids should be told to respond with a simple direct answer. Younger children may be unable to understand why a stranger would even ask such a question. For older children, this would not be the time for Junior to try his hand at an impromptu comedy routine. Passports should always be retained by parents. Families should enter customs area line-ups as a group.
Customs and Immigration officials have the right to stop and question anyone travelling with children if they feel there are any concerns regarding paperwork for children. If you are relying on the consents granted by parents (see above) or there are custody issues, having the parent(s) on stand-by at home (about the time you are navigating the airport) may be a precaution worth taking to expedite things. Such a precaution could save time if the parent can be reached by phone to confirm the written consent to immigration officials. (The form of consent recommended by Department of Foreign Affairs includes a section asking the biological parent at home to provide particulars of where they can be reached.)
Special problematic issues involving planned vacations by either a custody or access parent who cannot secure the cooperation of the other parent, may require a visit to a lawyer for legal advice. Unfortunately family break ups sometimes involve an unpleasant lack of cooperation between parents which can lead to issues being raised when either the custodial parent or access parent wishes to take children on a vacation. Your rights and abilities to do so may be governed by a Court Order or Separation Agreement and the laws of your Province. Legal advice in these cases is strongly recommended if you cannot secure the cooperation of your ex-spouse.
Some Other Points:
Give yourself plenty of time to apply for your passport, particularly if you cannot attend to a Canadian Passport office in person. Advice from travel agents is not necessarily reliable (though it should be) and I am amazed at the number of times persons have received poor information from travel agents and are panicking because their travel documents are not in order as their departure date looms.
The new regulations have resulted in an increase in the number of Passport applications. The new passport applications now require additional identification documents (and if you don't have them, there will be delays in obtaining them just to get your application in the mail). There are now delays in processing passport applications. Checks by government offices on documents, Guarantors, and information contained in the application are now routine instead of random. I have acted as a Guarantor for many Passport applicants. The number of near misses where vacationers have almost missed getting their passport in time for their vacation were far too numerous for my comfort level.
There is a double whammy if your passport application is not processed in time for your departure. Applicants are required to surrender your original birth certificate with the passport application form, and if your application is not processed in time for your departure you are not only without a valid passport you have just lost access to the single most important piece of identification that would at least get you into the U.S.!
As has been commented already on the discussion boards, even with your passport in hand, you should also travel with photo ID, drivers license and your birth certificate available for use once your passport is surrendered to the Cruise Line.
Adult passports also expire of course. Travellers must examine the passport to ensure that it does not expire prior to, or during the vacation.
PLEASE NOTE -- This information provided here is taken from government information sources and is current to December, 2002. The information is offered as a guide only and YOU are responsible for ascertaining your own requirements for travel documents. Canadian cruisers should check the Government of Canada web sites for updated passport information. Travellers with specific inquiries should contact Canadian Government offices for information. Parents or relatives who encounter situations involving custody issues should consult with a lawyer.
The Canadian Passport office site is: http://www.ppt.gc.ca
The Consular Office web site is: http://www.voyage.gc.ca. A good overview brochure: Crossing the 49th Advice for Canadians Travelling to the United States can be found there.
Hope this information is helpful and your escape from the Canadian weather on your Disney Cruise is Smooth Sailing.
Dave in the Frozen North
I'm bumping this up to the top and will stick it at the top of the board as well in a bit.
Stuck threads tend not to get read as much, so I want to give it a little more time on page one so everyone can read this valuable information, and then will stick it at the top of the board. 
One thing you brought up, that I had seen elsewhere (and was confused about) was the "raised seal" on a birth certificate. Do you know what this refers to? Is it a notary seal? Is it required?
