Please read below on the travel documentation required for US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, and for Non US Citizens. Most cruise lines will follow the same policy below. Please visit the cruise lines website to view their policy. If you have any questions feel free to email or call us so can assist you.

Travel Documentation: U.S. Citizens

Published 01/14/2016 05:23 PM | Updated 07/18/2019 02:54 PM

Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. Even though a guest has completed registration using Online Check-in, it is still the responsibility of the guest to present the required travel documents at the time of embarkation. Guests should check with their travel agent and/or government authority to determine the travel documents necessary for each port of call. Any guest without proper documents will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of proper travel documentation.

Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel (unless otherwise noted). This will enhance the debarkation experience as delays may be expected upon return to the United States for those without one. Additionally, this will enable guests to fly from the United States to meet their ship at a foreign port should they miss their scheduled port of embarkation and allow guests who must disembark the ship before their cruise ends due to an emergency to fly back to the United States without significant delays and complications.

Europe and Transatlantic Cruises
U.S citizens are required to carry a passport, valid for six months beyond the date of their visit. Guests are not required to have a Schengen Visa or other visas.

Domestic Cruises (including stops in Canada)
For cruises that begin and end in a U.S port, the following WHTI-Compliant Documents are acceptable for cruise travel. These standard forms of documentation will enable the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler. If a picture I.D. is not affixed to the WHTI-compliant document, a picture I.D. is required (a valid, unexpired government-issued photo I.D. for all guests 16 years of age or older). If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required.

Also acceptable for cruise travel (for cruises that begin and end in a U.S port), U.S. citizens can show proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate issued by a government agency and accompanied by government-issued photo identification.

Entry into Canada: If the cruise includes air travel to or from Canada, a valid, unexpired U.S. passport is required. Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada – for more information, click here.

Air Travel
All persons are required to carry a valid, unexpired U.S. passport for air travel to or from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix).

Names on Travel Documentation
It is important that the guest’s full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest’s non-expired government-issued photo I.D. they plan to use for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest’s photo I.D. as a result of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.

Note: For newly married or soon-to-be married brides, we strongly recommend that if the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, the cruise booking be made in the maiden name (do not include the married name); If the reservation was made in the married name, but the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate or marriage license. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.

Traveling with Minors
When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

Citizens of U.S. Territories and Commonwealth
Guests will follow the same travel documentation requirements. U.S. Territories and Commonwealth include: Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John), America Samoa, Swains Island and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Valid U.S. Passport
U.S. citizens may present a valid, unexpired U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea.

Guests may apply for passports at more than 4500 passport-acceptance facilities nationwide (passport agencies, clerks of court, post offices and public libraries). For information about U.S. Passports, visit http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html

Expedited passport services are also offered by VisaCentral. For more information, visit www.visacentral.com/carnival or call 877-559-4875 and identify yourself as a Carnival Cruise Line guest and mention ‘Carnival Account 75020’ for discounted rates on VisaCentral service fees.

The Passport Card
The passport card cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.
U.S. citizens may present a limited-use, wallet-size passport card. The passport card will only be valid for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.

State Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
The State Enhanced Driver’s License cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.
Several states are working with the Department of Homeland Security to develop an EDL for U.S. citizens residing in their states. This document will denote both citizenship and identity and will facilitate the entry process at land and sea ports of entry. The words ‘Enhanced Driver’s License’ as well as the American flag will appear on the license. The following states issue this type of WHTI-compliant document: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington.

A Driver’s license with a gold circle with star cutout in the right upper corner is a Real ID driver’s license; it is not an Enhanced Driver’s license and cannot be used as proof of citizenship but can be used as picture identification.

Original Certificate of U.S. Naturalization and a Government-Issued Photo I.D.
The Certificate of U.S. Naturalization (form N-550 or N-570) is a document issued by the U.S. government (USCIS) as proof of a foreign born person who has obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization (a legal process of obtaining a new nationality). Photo copies of the original document are unacceptable.

Native American Indians
These cards cannot be used to travel by air outside the United States.

Form I-872 American Indian Card
OR, Enhanced Tribal Card (when available)

Unacceptable Forms of Documentation

Copies of any WHTI-Compliant document
Driver’s License as the only proof
A temporary driver’s license (paperwork without a photo I.D.)
Voter’s Registration Card
Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) – may be used for photo identification use only
Baptismal Papers
U.S. Military I.D. and a photo I.D.
A Dependent Military I.D. that is issued to the spouse and children of military personnel is not acceptable
U.S. Military Discharge Papers
No Record of Birth certificate: a certificate issued by the Department of Health and Vital Statistics showing that they have no records on this person
Hospital certificate, hospital-issued birth notice, live record of birth or announcement of birth

Traveling with a Birth Certificate AND Photo Identification

Birth Certificate Information

The following are acceptable:

An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics
A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified.
Birth Certificate Card
A Consular report of Birth Abroad
Internationally adopted children (under the age of 18): If the adoptive parent was not issued a birth certificate, we will accept as proof of citizenship, a Certificate of Citizenship by the U.S. and adoption paperwork. A Certificate of Citizenship is issued by the U.S. once the adoption is finalized.

Guests may obtain a copy of a birth certificate by contacting: The Department of Health and Vital Statistics at: www.vitalchek.com. If the guest has laminated their birth certificate, it is acceptable.

Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship and are not accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo I.D. with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010.

AND

Photo Identification
A non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is required of all guests 16 years of age and older. The following are acceptable:

Driver’s License (a temporary Driver’s License with photo is acceptable)
Driver’s Permit
School/Student I.D. (acceptable for guests 16/17/18 years of age)
Government-issued identification card (city/state/federal)

Government-issued Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) – for photo identification use only.

Travel Documentation: U.S. Permanent Residents

Published 03/11/2015 10:50 PM | Updated 07/18/2019 03:05 PM

Carnival requires guests to provide proper travel documentation in order to travel. The documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise and is the responsibility of the guest. Our policy states that any guest traveling without proper documentation will be denied boarding the ship and will be under full penalty, and therefore, will not be offered a refund or a replacement cruise. Guests must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of Immigration requirements.

On occasion, U.S. Permanent Residents may be asked to surrender their Permanent Resident Card and/or passport at time of check-in. This document will be returned upon completion of the immigration inspection at the time of debarkation.

Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel (unless otherwise noted).

Domestic Cruises
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) does not pertain to U.S. Permanent Residents.

Guests are required to carry a valid Permanent Resident Card (also known as ARC or Green Card), that includes a photo I.D. In addition, U.S Permanent Residents must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of Immigration requirements.
Please Note: If a Permanent Resident Card does not have an expiration date on the front, then it is a very old version and it is recommended that the guest applies to renew it. Filing instructions and forms are available at www.uscis.gov.
Photo I.D. Information: If the Permanent Resident Card does not include a photo I.D., a non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is required of all guests 16 years of age or older such as a Driver’s License, Driver’s Permit or government-issued identification card (city/state/federal).

Cruises that Visit Canada or Transit in Canada

U.S. Permanent Residents must carry a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of their visit to Canada, from their country of citizenship and a valid U.S Permanent Resident Card.
U.S Permanent Residents may require a Canadian Visa depending on their nationality.
Guests who are not citizens of the United States, Canada, U.K., Australia or New Zealand, may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit or transit Canada.
As of March 16, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include travelers with a valid Canadian visa.
If guests are required to have a visa, it must be obtained in advance regardless of whether you choose to remain onboard or go ashore. Processing times vary by citizenship and may take up to 45 days. For more information regarding travel documentation requirements, please contact your local Canadian consulate or visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp.
Entry into Canada: Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada – for more information, click here.

Bermuda Cruises

U.S Permanent Residents must carry a valid Permanent Resident Card and a valid, unexpired passport from their country of citizenship.

Europe and Transatlantic Cruises
U.S Permanent Residents must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of Immigration requirements.

U.S. Permanent Residents must carry a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card and a a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of their visit to a Schengen country (see list below).
U.S Permanent Residents may require a Schengen Visa.
For itineraries that include countries (such as Turkey and Croatia) which are not part of the Schengen agreement, additional visas may be required for citizens of certain countries, including U.S Permanent Residents.

Schengen Visa Requirements
Under the Schengen regulations, citizens of certain countries will need a valid visa to visit or transit through any country in the Schengen area. There are currently 26 European countries that participate in the Schengen Agreement. The agreement eliminates all internal border controls between the participating countries. Once you enter a Schengen country, you may travel continuously for up to 90 days within the member countries.

The following countries are party to the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, (including Monaco), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Visa requirements vary depending on the passport under which you are traveling and the countries being visited. Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. We strongly suggest that guests visit www.schengenvisa.cc for additional Schengen Visa information and check with the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Be sure to provide the complete itinerary of the cruise so the embassy or consulate can provide the correct information. Guests may also contact a visa service agency for assistance.
Names on Travel Documentation
It is important that the guest’s full name (first name and last name) on the cruise and airline tickets be the same as the guest’s non-expired government-issued photo I.D. they plan to use for travel identification. In the event of a different name on the cruise/airline ticket and the guest’s photo I.D. as a result of a marriage, divorce or a legal name change, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate, marriage license or legal name change court document. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denied boarding.

Please Note: For newly married or soon-to-be married brides, we strongly recommend that if the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, the cruise booking be made in the maiden name (do not include the married name); If the reservation was made in the married name, but the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate or marriage license. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denied boarding.
Traveling with Minors
When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

Travel Documentation: Non-U.S. Citizens

Published 03/11/2015 10:50 PM | Updated 07/18/2019 01:26 PM

On occasion, Non-U.S. Citizens may be asked to surrender their passport at time of check-in. It will be returned upon completion of the immigration inspection at the time of debarkation.

Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel unless otherwise noted differently.

Domestic Cruises

Non-U.S. Citizens are required to carry a valid, unexpired passport and a Multiple Entry Visa, if applicable. In addition, guests must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of Immigration requirements.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Non-U.S. citizens that are eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program must have a valid, unexpired machine readable passport that includes specified security features (biometric identifiers). In addition, travelers are required to have an electronic travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Details on this program as well as the participating VWP countries can be found below.
Mexican citizens who are traveling with a Border Crossing Card must also present a valid, unexpired Mexican passport. Please click here for more details.

Cruises that Visit Canada or Transit in Canada

Non-U.S. Citizens must carry a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of their visit to Canada, from their country of citizenship.
Non-U.S. Citizens may require a Canadian Visa depending on their nationality.
Guests who are not citizens of the United States, Canada, U.K., Australia or New Zealand, may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit or transit Canada.
As of March 16, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include travelers with a valid Canadian visa.
If guests are required to have a visa, it must be obtained in advance regardless of whether they choose to remain onboard or go ashore. Processing times vary by citizenship and may take up to 45 days. For more information, regarding travel documentation requirements, please contact your local Canadian consulate or visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp.
Entry into Canada: Guests who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be allowed into Canada – for more information, click here.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from certain countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

All Visa Waiver Program countries are required to issue passports that include specified security features (biometric identifiers) in order to enter the United States. A biometric identifier is an electronic scan of a physical feature, such as an eye, hand, fingerprint, or face. It allows an immigration inspector to know for certain that the person appearing before them is the same person to whom a passport or visa was issued.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications may be submitted any time prior to travel. However, it is recommended that guests apply when they begin preparing their travel plans. We suggest that guests visit www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta for additional information regarding ESTA.

Guests will need to print and carry their Electronic System for Travel Authorization as it will need to be presented at cruise check-in along with their passport. An ESTA needs to be completed for each family member traveling on the cruise.

Citizens of the following countries (excluding U.S. Permanent Residents) that participate in the Visa Waiver Program must possess an ESTA for entry into the United States: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and United Kingdom*

*United Kingdom – only British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent residence in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are eligible to enter the United States with ESTA.

Note: Citizens of Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten (from the former Netherland Antilles) are not eligible to travel to the United States under the Visas Waiver Program, if they are applying for admission with passports from these countries.
Europe and Transatlantic Cruises
Non-U.S. Citizens must contact the appropriate embassy or consulate of the countries they will be visiting for specific travel documentation requirements. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising guests of Immigration requirements.

Non-U.S. Citizens must carry a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of their visit to a Schengen country (see list of countries below).
Non-U.S. Citizens may require a Schengen Visa.
For itineraries that include countries (such as Turkey and Croatia) which are not part of the Schengen agreement, additional visas may be required for citizens of certain countries.

Schengen Visa Requirements
Under the Schengen regulations, citizens of certain countries will need a valid visa to visit or transit through any country in the Schengen area. There are currently 26 European countries that participate in the Schengen Agreement. The agreement eliminates all internal border controls between the participating countries. Once you enter a Schengen country, you may travel continuously for up to 90 days within the member countries.

Please Note: For newly married or soon-to-be married brides, we strongly recommend that if the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, the cruise booking be made in the maiden name (do not include the married name); If the reservation was made in the married name, but the non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is in the maiden name, documentation (original or clear, legible copy) supporting this change is required (at embarkation), such as a marriage certificate or marriage license. Failure to bring documentation bridging the name differences could result in denial of boarding.
Traveling with Minors
When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the minor (due to sole custody, deceased, etc.) other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, death certificate, birth certificate naming only one parent, would be useful to bring in place of a signed letter. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

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Travel Documentation

Travel Documentation: U.S. Citizens

Travel Documentation: U.S. Permanent Residents

Travel Documentation: Non-U.S. Citizens

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