Passports needed for kids going to Alaska?

[Mare10]

We're planning a cruise to Alaska with our DD and two grandsons.... ages 11 and 14. My DH and I have been there before and have our passports but we're wondering about the kids. Seems like I've read somewhere that birth certificates are sufficient.

 

Also, DD is divorced but has full custody. Does she need a letter from her Ex?

 

Thanks for any suggestions!

[1025cruise]

Depending on the cruise line, the kids might indeed require passports. Some cruise lines are requiring that all members of a party that have a single parent have passports in case of emergency.

[Shmoo here]

We're planning a cruise to Alaska with our DD and two grandsons.... ages 11 and 14. My DH and I have been there before and have our passports but we're wondering about the kids. Seems like I've read somewhere that birth certificates are sufficient.

 

Also, DD is divorced but has full custody. Does she need a letter from her Ex?

 

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

Best answer - maybe.

 

Where does the cruise start/end? If you're flying internationally to get to/from the cruise, they need passports.

 

Some cruise lines can require a passport, even if the law states otherwise, so check with your cruise line.

 

Personally, I'd get the letter from the ex. I'd hate to show up and need it and not have it. And it's only a piece of paper. Doesn't take much space.

[Essiesmom]

If you want to take an excursion in Skagway (or from any Alaskan port) that takes you into Canada...other than the r/t White Pass & Yukon Railway...you will need passports. Also, it appears as though you are on Princess. You might check with Princess, as they have a rule that children traveling with only one adult must have passports. I read this as only one parent, others read it as grandparents qualifying. So, ask Princess. EM

[Keith1010]

I would contact the cruise line directly.

 

This is one of those issues that you really have to have the correct answer and it should be from the cruise line.

 

Keith

[sparks1093]

If you want to take an excursion in Skagway (or from any Alaskan port) that takes you into Canada...other than the r/t White Pass & Yukon Railway...you will need passports. Also, it appears as though you are on Princess. You might check with Princess, as they have a rule that children traveling with only one adult must have passports. I read this as only one parent, others read it as grandparents qualifying. So, ask Princess. EM

 

If Princess does have a rule requiring passports that would trump the DHS regulations, but according to the DHS regulations children under 16 arriving at a land border crossing only need a birth certificate:

 

(i) Children Under Age 16. A United States citizen who is under the age of 16 is permitted to present either an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services when entering the United States from contiguous territory at land or sea ports-of-entry

[Mare10]

Thanks for the all the replies! We will check with Princess for sure. Don't want to take any chances as this trip is a very special one for us.