I'm going on a cruise with a friend next spring to Mexico. I've had conflicting answers on whether a passport is required, and my local passport office can't (or won't) help- they just say all they do is bundle the forms and mail them off (and their chunk of the $100 fee is $30!). I went to a government website, but it just talked about contraband and air travel. Does anyone know? I really don't need to spend the $100 if it's not necessary. Also, someone said that you need to have either a doctor or lawyer who's known you for at least 2 years sign off verifying your application. I have neither a doctor or a lawyer, so is this true?
2006-12-12 07:00:45 · 6 answers · asked by pipsxlch 2 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Other - Destinations
A passport is required if you will be FLYING to or from the U.S.
So, where are flying to catch your cruise? Also, please ask your cruise line because some cruise lines are already requiring all their passengers to have passports regardless. This policy covers their *** because government regulations have been so confusing. Also, think about it. What if you get sick or for whatever reason the trip is aborted and you have to fly back home in the middle of your vacation. You will need a passport.
The doctor/lawyer signing off is nonsense. For a first-time adult passport all you need is proof of citizenship as in a certified copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID as in a driver's license. Now, if you just recently obtained your birth certificate, then you also need some supplemental documentation to support your identity. When you execute your application, the passport acceptance agent (at the post office or courthouse or passport agency) will sign off on a page two of the application that you are the person applying for your own passport. That's when you show your photo ID. The $30 you pay them at that time is for this signing off or swearing in or execution fee, whatever you want to call it!
2006-12-12 08:41:42 · answer #1 · answered by just_treva 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your local post office should be able to answer this question. From the information that I have read and heard. Yes you will need to have a passport to travel to all destinations outside of the United States. This policy goes in effect Jan 1, 2007. Also check with your cruise line or travel agent. As far as having a doctor or lawyer sign for you. I don't remember seeing that prerequisite. Then again the passport app is very detailed so read it again and go step by step as to what you need to do.
2006-12-12 07:14:30 · answer #2 · answered by Nicole S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The passport requirements are changing so much that it is understandable when a person becomes confused or gets mis-leading information. Below is what the current status is.
2007 - Sailing to and from a US port to a foreign port. A passport is NOT required. Only ID and original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
2007 - Sailing to or from a US port but ending or starting in a foreign port. A passport is required.
2008 - Passport required for all travel.
So if you do not have to fly in or out of the US for your cruise than you do NOT need a passport until 08.
You do not need verification signatures from a Dr. or lawyer to get a passport.
2006-12-12 07:05:30 · answer #3 · answered by missanglgrl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you must have a passport to travel to Mexico. The doctor or lawyer thing is bull, but the passport is true. I went to Cabo San Lucas several years ago and needed a passport then.
2006-12-12 07:10:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, as of January 2007, it will be required for any travelling to Mexico or Canada.
2006-12-12 07:05:11 · answer #5 · answered by hotdoggiegirl 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no...and u can swim back for free..or get back via the trunk of a 1971 Dodge Dart for a pack of newports
2006-12-12 07:05:15 · answer #6 · answered by italianone70 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋