Posted by SoCal_Money on 5/9/06 12:45pm
Msg #118601
For Megan Rowlands - regarding birth certificate
Hopefully, you already got the birth certificate issue resolved. If not, here is what you need to know. You MUST have a BC or passport, no exceptions. I was a travel agent from 1996 until last year. Even if the cruise line accepted something notarized (99.999999%) sure that they won't, Bermuda customs will not. When the ship comes into port, customs for the country you are entering takes over the ship. If you do not have the required documents, you can not legally enter their country. In other words, you will be stuck on the ship. I have had clients (my own and other travel agent's clients) to call me from the pier to say "I didn't realize that it had to be an ORIGINAL birth certificate" I don't know of any cruise line that will accept a copy of a BC. If they won't accept a copy I highly doubt if any will accept anything notarized. Under proof of citizenship in the back of your brochure, or in your cruise ticket packet, it will list the acceptable documents. I can guarantee, if it is a major cruise line (holland america, princess, royal carribean, carnival or norwegian) they will NOT accept a notarized statment. Use http://www.lavote.net/RECORDER/BDM_Records.cfm website and CALL THE CRUISE LINE IMMEDIATELY!!!! They will tell you what is acceptable. Good luck to you... I sincerely hope everything works out for you.
Ps. Years ago, I had someone use a service that went to the hall of records in Norwalk (los angeles county) to pick up the birth certificate for someone in Northern Calif. They were able to send it overnight. Sorry but I don't remember the name, I would check with a travel agent in LA county for assistance.
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Reply by Brenda/CA on 5/9/06 1:53pm
Msg #118618
I just went on a cruise to Mexico in February, I had to obtain an original certified copy of my birth certificate from the county recorder. I have booked another cruise for the same time next year, and have been informed that all cruises sailing after 1/1/07 will no longer except birth certificates, they will accept passports only.
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Reply by Marlene/USNA on 5/10/06 9:39am
Msg #118807
Re: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
By 12/31/06, all air and sea travelers to destinations in the Western Hemisphere will be required to have current passports or biometric identification cards such as the Border Crossing Card (BCC). By 12/31/07, the requirement will apply to those who travel by land as well.
Also known as the "laser visa," the BCC is currently approved for use in place of passports and visas for citizens of Mexico traveling to the U.S.
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