The Disney Cruise Line has updated its policy regarding birth certificates for cruisers on closed loop cruises. These are cruises that begins and ends in the United States and doesn’t require a passport. They are also known as round trip cruises.
Previously, the Disney Cruise Line would allow for travelers to utilize a copy of their birth certificate. This is no longer the case. Travelers will now need to utilize an original state-issued birth certificate. Along with no longer allowing for a photocopy of a birth certificate, a hospital birth certificate cannot be used either. Birth certificates from Puerto Rico that were released prior to July 1, 2010 are also not acceptable.
The updated policy was sent out in an email to future cruisers that was shared by the Disney Cruise Line Blog. It also is reflected on the Disney Cruise Line website in its policies for Before You Go.
The Disney Cruise Line continues to grow with four new ships recently announced during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. As the Disney Cruise Line continues to expand, it also continues to enhance its policies to make for a safer and more secure cruising experience for its guests. This will allow for all who are aboard a Disney ship to enjoy the magic even more, rather than on specific travel details and eventualities.
The new birth certificate policy for the Disney Cruise Line reads as follows:
The Bahamas, Caribbean, Pacific Coast, Bermuda or Canada – Round Trip Cruises
Sailing from/to: Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, San Diego and San Juan.The following guidelines are based on government regulations, which are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries on your cruise itinerary.Travelers can visit the US State Department’s website for more information. All documents must be valid for the entire length of the voyage, unless otherwise noted. Guests without proper documentation will be denied boarding. When dropping off luggage upon arrival, please keep all documents in your possession to present during check-in at the terminal.Adults traveling with minors for whom they are not the parent or legal guardian must present a completed Minor Authorization Form signed by the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian, authorizing the adult permission to take the child on the specific cruise, supervise them and allow emergency medical treatment to be administered if necessary.US Citizens (Including Children)
OR
- Original valid US passport OROriginal valid US passport card OROriginal valid Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, FAST)
Children 15 years of age and younger are required to present one of the documents listed above, but do not need to present a government-issued photo ID.Social Security Cards and Global Entry are not acceptable proof of US citizenship for purposes of traveling outside of the US.US Legal Permanent ResidentsGuests who are legal permanent residents of the US must present a valid original Permanent Resident Card. Photocopies are not acceptable.Canadian Citizens (Including Children)
- Original state-issued birth certificate AND a physical government-issued photo ID (digital/mobile state-issued IDs are not acceptable to sail)
Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the Department of State AND a physical government-issued photo ID (digital/mobile state-issued IDs are not acceptable to sail)Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services AND a physical government-issued photo ID (digital/mobile state-issued IDs are not acceptable to sail)
- Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to July 1, 2010, are not acceptable.Hospital-issued birth certificates are not acceptable.
Citizens of All Other Countries (Including Children)
- Original valid Canadian passport OROriginal valid Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, FAST)
Many countries require an entry visa based on your nationality. It is the Guest’s responsibility to identify and obtain all necessary visas before commencing their cruise.If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you are required to have a valid machine-readable passport and obtain 72-hour advance travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding carriers by air or sea to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. A copy of the approved ESTA application should be brought with you when traveling. View a list of applicable countries and registration requirements.Guests should be prepared to present a copy of their I-94 arrival record upon request. A digital copy of this record can be obtained at the US Customs and Border Protection website.
- Original valid passport
A similar policy is in place for cruises to Alaska that begin and end in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada.
Dear Guest,
We are reaching out with important information about the citizenship documentation required for Guests planning to sail using their birth certificates and a government issued photo ID.
For round trip sailings departing from the U.S., Guests using a birth certificate as citizenship documentation are reminded that only an original state-issued birth certificate is acceptable. Guests 16 years of age and older are also required to present a physical government-issued photo ID. Children 15 years of age and younger will need to present an original state-issued birth certificate but do not need to present a government-issued photo ID. Photocopies of birth certificates will not be accepted.
Please be sure to review the documentation requirements for your sailing on our Passports, Visas & Citizenship Documentation page. Guests without proper citizenship documentation will be denied boarding.
In addition, for a carefree boarding experience, we strongly recommend that Guests complete Online Check-In ahead of time by uploading their valid citizenship documents and arrive during their designated Port Arrival Time. Online Check-In for your sailing will be available approximately 30 days prior to sailing.
Sincerely,
The Cast and Crew
Disney Cruise Line
