TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

RESPONSIBILITY ON OBTAINING THE PROPER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:

It is the traveler's solely responsibility to acquire and carry all necessary travel documents for international travel. Failure to have proper travel documentation can result in being denied boarding for flights or cruises, as well as entry to a destination, with no refunded travel expenses. These requirements are regulated and enforced by governmental policies.

This agency STRONGLY recommends that all travelers familiarize themselves with the required travel documents necessary to travel throughout the United States and abroad. 

DOMESTIC TRAVEL:

When traveling within the US states and territories, all travelers over 18 years old are required to present an identification with the Real ID requirements.  To learn more about the Real ID visit this link: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS:

When venturing outside the United States, possessing a valid passport is mandatory. If you don't have a passport, it's advisable to apply for one immediately, as new applications can take up to 3 months, and renewals can take 1 month to process. Verify that your current passport is not expired; adult passports in the U.S. are valid for ten years, while those for children are valid for five years. Note that many countries require your passport to be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your return date. Should you need detailed information about applying for or renewing a passport, refer to the following website: [State Department Passports].

For those planning international travel, it's essential to factor in the processing times for passports to avoid interruption of your travel plans. If time is a constraint, expedited service for passport processing is available at a premium cost and is not always guaranteed.

VISA INFORMATION:

A visa is an essential document for international travelers, granting them entry to their destination country. Without a valid visa, entry into countries with such requirements is prohibited. To find out if your destination has visa entry requirements, please visit [SherpaVisas link].

EUROPEAN UNION VISA GUIDELINES:

Starting in 2026, citizens of the U.S., Canada, and numerous other countries will be required to possess a pre-approved ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to board flights or cruises to any of the 30 European countries within the system. ETIAS, a visa waiver rather than a traditional visa, charges a fee of €7; however, individuals under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will not be required to pay. If you're planning European travel, it is crucial to have your ETIAS approval before booking your trip. For the latest updates and pre-registration, visit [SherpaETIAS link].

Certain countries have visa exemptions for U.S. citizens due to international agreements. Yet, some destinations do require a visa from U.S. travelers. To ascertain if a visa is necessary for your trip, please check [passportinfo.com].

UNITED KINGDOM ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (ETA): 

An ETA for American passport holders will be required to enter the United Kingdom UK (England) starting January 8th, 2025. Americans can apply in advance starting November 27, 2024.  

For application information visit GOV.UK. (Be aware of scams, use the official UK.Gov or download the app website to apply for your ETA).

The ETA will be linked to the traveler's passport and will last for two years or until the traveler's passport expires – whichever comes first.  An ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires.

To apply to the UK ETA visit this link: UK ETA

Note: Some locations within UK jurisdiction do not required an approved ETA, for example the area of Gibraltar.

The easiest way to apply is using the UK ETA app.  visit your phone app store to download the app:  

CLOSED-LOOP CRUISE TRAVEL:

For "closed-loop" cruises, starting and ending at the same U.S. port, U.S. citizens may travel without a passport. Entry and exit from the country can be done with proof of citizenship, like an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), birth certificate, or a government-issued ID for those 16 and older. Only the EDL allows reentry from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by land or sea. However, if you are a Lawful Permanent Resident but not a U.S. citizen, a passport and/or appropriate documentation reflecting your status are required for any type of cruise travel.

ADVICE TO CRUISE TRAVELERS:

Cruise Planners HIGHLY recommend that all tourists acquaint themselves with necessary travel documents for domestic and international travel. For any means of international travel, including cruises, acquiring a passport book is imperative. Situations may necessitate unexpected air travel back to the U.S., where a valid passport book is essential for re-entry. Not having a valid passport can complicate reentry into the U.S. significantly.

CRUISES STOPPING OR DEPARTING FROM CANADA (example, visiting Alaska or Quebec)

US citizens must carry proof of ciitizenship only, NO VISA or ETA is required.  US legal residents must carry proof of the country citizenship and proof of active legal status in the US.

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CHILDREN TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY:

Minors may travel to foreign countries without their parents but must have their passport, visa, or any adult-required international entry documents. Some countries also have stipulations for children departing without both parents or legal guardians, including possessing a notarized letter of consent. READ

VACCINATION UPDATES:

As of the latest updates, most cruise lines have discontinued mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements. However, some destinations around the world still necessitate proof of vaccination. Although not typically required for cruises departing and returning to the U.S. and most European ports, vaccination doesn't guarantee protection against infection during the cruise.

IMMIGRATION STATUS DISCLAIMER:

Note that our agency does not provide advice on immigration status. Please contact your local U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office for more information.