Monday, February 20, 2012

How is immigration handled in each port?

The immigration of passengers into each port of call and the final destination port are of concern to some cruisers. Typically it is a process which takes place behind the scenes. The ship typically has hours between ports in which the guest services crew is able to send advance arrival lists to the immigration authorities in each port well in advance of arrival.  This allows upon arrival a very fast clearance of the ship’s passengers to go ashore.

In some foreign ports (non-USA that is) each passenger will be provided with and must retain a landing card which is their tourist visa. These are most typically collected upon arrival back to the ship allowing a very quick count of # of visas distributed and returned to see if anyone is trying to overstay their visit. Of course anyone having an emergency while ashore is handled somewhat as an exception.  These ports tend to be in areas of the world where cruising is more of a new phenomenon and are infrequent.

Immigration issues are also one of those things that differ depending on where the passenger is from, as those from the USA face one set of immigration rules while those from other countries have totally different immigration rules. These rules vary on who must have an immigration/visitor visa when they visit a particular country. Also, it may be that some countries require a lot more work to get a visitor visa than is required of countries. Those with USA passports typically have among the easiest time getting VISAs issues ad needed for stops nearly anywhere in the world. There are a few places you can/should not travel on a USA passport though, and cruises don’t typically go there.

In most ports the passenger will never even know how their immigration takes place. In the Caribbean an official will come aboard the ship and look over some overall ship records and clear the ship or single out specific passengers. As I said before typically with advanced notice of who is arriving, any specific issues can be addressed fairly privately and without any real issues allowing folks to dash for their shore excursions. This is one thing that makes sailing the Caribbean so nice for many persons. In fact in some places arriving with just the minimum paperwork to sail a closed loop cruise from the USA will not even be enough to get you into the port should you arrive any way other than by cruise ship.

On Caribbean sailings typically travelers, with few exceptions, will retain their own passports. In some cases certain foreign passengers must surrender them to officials when traveling to certain ports. Generally though cruising the Caribbean is so well set up that it flows seamlessly for the passengers. Sail out of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other places around the worlds and often you will be handing over your passport to the ship’s authorities for handling in each port. This helps make the immigration process flow much better than if each person had to queue up and go thru immigration on their own.
What is important to know though is what the immigration rules are for your arrival into each country you visit. Don’t assume that the cruise line will ensure you have them ahead of time, you must be sure you have all of the proper documents for your trip. Also, if you book well in advance be sure to double check the documents requirements shortly before the cruise to again make sure you have all of the proper documents.  Your travel agent can help you with this as well.

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