Enhanced Driver license in Leiu of Passport

[mtebor]

NY state will have the enhanced driver license available later on this year. This will allow New Yorkers to enter and come back from Canada/Mexico without a passport. The cost for the enhanced driver license will be an additional $30.

 

I was wondering if this could be used instead of a passport. I called rccl and they sent me to http://www.travel.state.gov where I couldn't find anything.

 

I am currently booked for Dec 2009

 

Can anyone help?

[cruisinfanatic]

NY state will have the enhanced driver license available later on this year. This will allow New Yorkers to enter and come back from Canada/Mexico without a passport. The cost for the enhanced driver license will be an additional $30.

 

I was wondering if this could be used instead of a passport. I called rccl and they sent me to www.travel.state.gov where I couldn't find anything.

 

I am currently booked for Dec 2009

 

Can anyone help?

Forget the license. The cruise lines might allow it or might not. Get a passport.

[Sue L]

Passports are required as of June 1, 2009 ( currently). I can't see them accepting an enhanced license in lieu of it. My advice is to spend the extra 70$ and get the passport.

[cherylandtk]

Despite what Cruisinfanatic and Sue L. said, an EDL will have the same ability to get on and off a cruise ship as a passport card, but will also have the same limitations. Good only for RT cruises, cannot fly home in an emergency. And, the EDL must meet specific WHTI guidelines.

 

The correct website for everything passport rule related is the DHS website, as well as the subsidary CBP site; State just issues the cards and passports.

 

Here is the page stating an EDL will be accepted:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land_travel/chnge_in_proced.xml

 

as well as the linked DHS site:

http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/

[cherylandtk]

Passports are required as of June 1, 2009 ( currently).

Passports are NOT going to be required on most (92%) cruises as of June 1, 2009. Please see the DHS link in the above post, and read the entire page, including the headlines section Special Populations and the Cruise Passenger.