OMG, I travel in 2 days and passport is expired

[dfecker]

I just read the expiration date on my passport and it expired 6 months ago. What are my options? I leave in 2 days from Galveston for Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica.

[Clarea]

Take a certified copy of your birth certificate and your driver's license.

Edited July 20, 2016 by clarea

[markeb]

Where are you in Texas?

 

Assuming you're a US citizen, Bob is absolutely correct. However, if you're in the Houston area, you MAY be able to do an expedited passport; two days is a little short, but you can give it a try.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/where-to-apply/agencies/houston.html

[dfecker]

Are there any hassles or restrictions when using a birth certificate?

[mtu_huskies]

I don't think so, you should be OK.

 

Traveling without the passport just comes with more risk. If you have an emergency you will run into road blocks trying to fly back from any of your ports of call.

[Clarea]

Are there any hassles or restrictions when using a birth certificate?

If you are a US citizen, it's perfectly fine to take a cruise that starts and ends at the same US port. However, if you need to fly home from a foreign country, you would have to get a temporary passport from a US Consulate.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

If you are a US citizen, it's perfectly fine to take a cruise that starts and ends at the same US port. However, if you need to fly home from a foreign country, you would have to get a temporary passport from a US Consulate.

 

In other words, don't miss the ship while in your ports of call.

[TC1957]

I just read the expiration date on my passport and it expired 6 months ago. What are my options? I leave in 2 days from Galveston for Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica.

 

You COULD go to Houston and "walk your application through"...getting it in one day. You need proof of international travel (hard copy of itinerary) and there is an additional fee. Call (877) 487-2778 for an appointment.

 

There may be other offices where this is possible.

[Doug S]

And a passport can expedite the disembarking process to some degree, (passport only lines) but that is a minor consideration in the grand scheme of things.

 

Not your question, but for others, if your passport is within 6 months of expiration, it is effectively 'expired' for all practical purposes. Gotta have that window left for many places to accept it.

[constable145]

I just read the expiration date on my passport and it expired 6 months ago. What are my options? I leave in 2 days from Galveston for Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica.

Really? You're just figuring this out now?

 

Try and get an emergency replacement. They'll need to see a copy of the itinerary. Royal may let you board, but the ports don't have to let you in.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[ryano]

 

Not your question, but for others, if your passport is within 6 months of expiration, it is effectively 'expired' for all practical purposes. Gotta have that window left for many places to accept it.

 

This is simply not true for anywhere in the Caribbean.

[PIR8LUVR]

A friend of mine went on a cruise out of Miami using a birth certificate and DL a few weeks ago. You'll be fine.

[ryano]

Royal may let you board, but the ports don't have to let you in.

 

None of the ports the OP is going to even require a Passport from cruisers. :confused: What do you mean by this?

Edited July 20, 2016 by ryano

[xxoocruiser]

I just read the expiration date on my passport and it expired 6 months ago. What are my options? I leave in 2 days from Galveston for Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica.

 

Copied directly from RCCL's website.

 

•United States citizens on cruises that begin and end at the same port in the United States can use a original government-issued picture ID (i.e. driver's license) AND an original government-issued birth certificate or original Naturalization Certificate.

 

 

OP- it's important to note a BC issued by a Hospital is not acceptable

[constable145]

None of the ports the OP is going to even require a Passport. :confused: What do you mean by this?

When I've travelled to Mexico by air, everyone had to present a passport. They typically don't check at cruise ports, but theoretically they could.

 

At least that is how it was explained to me by a customs officer.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Biker19]

They typically don't check at cruise ports, but theoretically they could.

 

but the chances of that happening are about the same as the OP missing the ship.

[cruisinfanatic]

And a passport can expedite the disembarking process to some degree, (passport only lines) but that is a minor consideration in the grand scheme of things.

 

Not your question, but for others, if your passport is within 6 months of expiration, it is effectively 'expired' for all practical purposes. Gotta have that window left for many places to accept it.

I have never seen a passport only line.

 

Not for a closed loop cruise

[cruisenfever]

When I've travelled to Mexico by air, everyone had to present a passport. They typically don't check at cruise ports, but theoretically they could.

 

At least that is how it was explained to me by a customs officer.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Entering a country by air from the US has different requirements for documentation needed because you have to go through C&I before you can exit the terminal. These requirements are not the same when entering a foreign country by sea.

[gjc1111]

Really? You're just figuring this out now?

 

I'm sure the OP found this remark helpful. Glad you are here to provide this type of guidance.

 

OP, listen to and take heart in the advise of those here trying to provide assistance -- like Bob -- DL and official BC (raised seal, issued by state, not hospital).

Edited July 20, 2016 by gjc1111

[cruisinfanatic]

Really? You're just figuring this out now?

 

Try and get an emergency replacement. They'll need to see a copy of the itinerary. Royal may let you board, but the ports don't have to let you in.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

total nonscense. If a passport was required for the port, it would be required for the cruise. Closed loop cruises don't require one

 

When I've travelled to Mexico by air, everyone had to present a passport. They typically don't check at cruise ports, but theoretically they could.

 

At least that is how it was explained to me by a customs officer.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Because you were flying internationally.

Has nothing to do with the OP's problem

Edited July 20, 2016 by cruisinfanatic

[Fouremco]

When I've travelled to Mexico by air, everyone had to present a passport. They typically don't check at cruise ports, but theoretically they could.

 

At least that is how it was explained to me by a customs officer.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Exactly. While these counties generally take a relaxed approach to cruise passengers, they decide what documents are required for entry, not the US government, let alone RCI. So if Jamaica decides tomorrow that passports are required for cruise passengers, that's what you'll need.

[myfuzzy]

We have been cruising for 25 years, DH has never gotten a passport, have been to most islands in the Caribbean. Actually he doesn't even have a drivers license, he has never had a "problem" per se, but a lot of "why don't you have a passport" Always travels with a state issued Enhanced Non Drivers ID now, which is a compliant ID, but before it was just his Non Drivers ID and his birth certificate.

[Paul65]

Are there any hassles or restrictions when using a birth certificate?

 

As long as the birth certificate is an official copy, and you're a US citizen, it will not be a hassle. But make sure you have a valid BC. If you do, relax and enjoy, and renew your passport when you get back.

[Zuissb]

For closed loop cruises leaving from the U.S. you only need to present an official copy of your birth certificate. I have gone on 3 cruises without a passport and have been perfectly fine.

 

From Royal Caribbean's website- "U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same port in the U.S.) will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued birth certificate and laminated government issued picture ID, denoting photo, name and date of birth."

[bouhunter]

total nonscense. If a passport was required for the port, it would be required for the cruise. Closed loop cruises don't require one

 

Because you were flying internationally.

Has nothing to do with the OP's problem

 

A voice of reason and facts!! Gotta' love passport threads, they bring to light so much good miss-information:D