VERY IMPORTANT!

New Passport Requirements:

Very important! Please read the following information regarding changes to passport requirements. These changes impact US Citizens and non-US Citizens. Please read the following information carefully.

All international travelers are urged to carry a valid passport. Government initiatives are being considered, which would require U.S. and Canadian citizens to be in possession of a valid passport for all destinations. We strongly recommend that all travelers secure and carry a valid passport.

Please see: U.S. State Department to learn how to obtain a passport.

MACHINE-READABLE PASSPORTS
Effective June 26, 2005, travelers from the 27 countries participating in the United States' Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a machine-readable passport to enter the United States.

If you are in possession of a passport issued by any of the 27 countries listed below, please contact the passport issuing authority to ensure that you are in possession of a machine-readable passport.

The 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Additional information regarding the Visa Waiver Program is available online at www.dhs.gov.

Please note that boarding any vessel may be denied to travelers from VWP countries that do not have machine-readable passports.

 

November 2006 - The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security have announced the official requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to present a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. The implementation schedule is as follows:

  • January 23, 2007 - Valid passport required for all air travel into or out of the United States.

  • As early as January 1, 2008 - All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by air, land or sea, will be required to have a valid passport.


The U.S. Department of State is considering alternative documentation that may be presented instead of a passport. However, no final determination has been made concerning acceptable alternatives. For more information, please visit www.travel.state.gov/passport or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TYY at 1-888-874-7793. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain details regarding current passport requirements. All travelers must have passports for travel terminating on or after January 1, 2008.

For U.S. and Canadian citizens whose travel will terminate on or before January 1, 2008, and who are not entering or re-entering the U.S. by air, the following documents are permitted for Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii or New England cruises:

EITHER


1. A valid passport


OR


2. A U.S. or Canadian government-issued picture identification; plus an original or certified copy of a U.S. or Canadian birth certificate, U.S. or Canadian Naturalization Certificate.

THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE CHANGING AS THE HOMELAND SECURITY REVIEWS BORDER CONTROLS. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A VALID U.S. PASSPORT BE USED.

For more information, please see the U.S. State Department website for passport information, and follow the links to "New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere duration of the cruise and necessary visas. Expired passports are not acceptable.

Although passports are currently not yet required for some cruises, we strongly recommend that you carry one while traveling. The unforeseen possibility of a medical disembarkation or early cruise termination may require that you have a valid passport to enable you to continue travel.

Non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens: You must have a valid passport and any necessary visas. Please carefully verify the existing identification requirements for your particular travel situation. In addition, non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as a Green Card. Resident aliens not in possession of this must obtain one at the nearest office of the U.S. Immigration Service.

Visas: Some countries require that you obtain official authorization (called a visa) before entering the country. Usually there is a fee required. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If your itinerary requires a visa prior to boarding, Holland America Line will send a visa information letter to your travel agent. The visa letter will have information for U.S. and Canadian citizens. Citizens of other countries should contact the nearest representative embassies or consulates for the proper information.

Non-US or -Canadian citizens may be required to hold a Canadian Visa when traveling to Alaska or Canada. Please visit the Canadian government website at http://canada.gc.ca to verify your nationality's requirements.

Schengen Visa holders (applies to those EU-Member citizens only): New requirements pertaining to proof of medical insurance coverage have been adopted for all Schengen Visa holders. This requirement does not apply to US or Canadian citizens. All guests should keep themselves advised of changes in government requirements. If you have questions about visa requirements, call Zierer Visa Service at 866-788-1100 or 954-791-1530.

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