Do I need a passport for a cruise to Mexico?
by Michelle
(CIncinnati, Ohio)
Question: I am going on a cruise in two weeks and have never had a passport. I'm aware I can have one expedited using a service but don't want to incur extra costs, if not necessary.
Do I need a passport to get into Mexico off of a boat that sailed out of the US and returns to the US? Also, is there a place in Cincinnati that I can go to directly instead of using a service on the Internet?
Answer: While a valid passport book or
passport card is generally required to travel beyond the border zone of Mexico and to travel by sea, there are exceptions.
First, the consular services section of the
Mexican embassy states, "U.S. citizens entering Mexico by sea may enter without such documents if they are visiting port towns for a short visit. They should present a valid passport or passport card if they travel beyond these port towns."
Second, passengers of
closed-loop cruises are also not required to a passport to re-enter the United States. A closed-loop cruise is one that begins and ends in the same port city.
Having said that, a valid passport may still be required. It depends on 1) whether or not the cruise will stop at other locations that do require one and 2) whether or not the cruise line on which you will be traveling require you to have a valid passport.
If your cruise will stop at other places, please verify the
foreign entry requirements for each destination. You should also contact the
cruise line concerning their travel document requirements.
Finally, if you are required to obtain a passport, you would either have to visit a
regional agency or employ the services of a
reliable passport expediter in order to get it within two weeks.
There is no agency in Cincinnati. You would be required to travel to either
Detroit,
Chicago or, possibly, the location from which your cruise depart (e.g.,
Miami).
If you do need the assistance of a
passport expediting service, you should apply asap in order to get the best rate. Note, you can use a passport card on a cruise which has a much lower
application fee.
Return to Passports for Cruises.
Click for fast expedited courier service
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility.
Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.
Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.
Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.
If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment.
For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.
If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC.
A registered expedited passport courier can often assist in obtaining a passport as quickly as the same day. You can learn more about this service here.
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