Final Identification Requirements Issued for Land & Sea Travel

Well its official. On March 27, the Department of Homeland Security and of State issued the final rulemaking regarding the ever confusing identification requirements for land and sea travel.

Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules will apply for cruise passengers:

U.S. citizens on cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port must show proof of citizenship and government issued photo identification. Valid proof of citizenship may include original or certified copy (raised seal) birth certificate. Valid photo identification will include driver’s license.

While passports are not technically required, Direct Line Cruises STRONGLY recommends all of our clients to obtain a passport and use this as your primary source of identification.

All other passengers and / or itineraries (such as cruises which disembark from one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport for cruise travel.

For more information about this policy or to obtain info on how to apply for a passport, simply visit this website: www.travel.state.gov.