• Any State Department Passport Agency or a designated U.S. Post Office.

• Most cruise lines require at least a state issued drivers license or some other picture I.D.  Soon, even if your cruise stays in U.S. waters, you'll need a passport.  Of course, if the ship is going to another country, you’ll need that passport.  The passport requirement for all destinations, even Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, was to take effect January 1, 2007.  It has been temporarily delayed until 2009, but get the passport now and use it !  It's still the best form of I.D., especially in today's security conscious world. 

• It is different from a passport.  A visa is the permission, stamped in your passport, to allow you to enter the country that you wish to visit.  It verifies that your passport has been checked and that everything is correct and acceptable.  The visa gives you permission to visit a country for a specified period of time and for a specific purpose

• Most countries visited on cruises don't require a visa.  But, to be safe, ask your travel consultant well in advance and check the cruise packet to make sure that you’ll have the proper paperwork needed.  Usually, visas take several weeks to process.  Again remember, all travel documents are the responsibility of you, the passenger.

• https://help.cbp.gov/app/home  Try the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs Foreign Entry Requirements web page. It lists the entry requirements of all foreign countries. It lists the addresses and telephone numbers of foreign embassies and consulates in the United States.  This is a good reference point, but remember that the information is subject to change. Check directly with the embassy or consulate of the country that you are planning to visit.

• Soon, even if your cruise stays in U.S. waters, you'll need a passport.  Of course, if the ship is going to another country, you’ll need that passport.  The passport requirement for all destinations, even Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, was to take effect January 1, 2007.  It has been temporarily delayed until 2009, but get the passport now and use it !  It's still the best form of I.D., especially in today's security conscious world. Foreign travel always requires a passport.  Often it's easier to enter some countries than to re-enter the United States.
  

• Just assume that the foreign travel you are planning will require a passport or visa and plan accordingly.
  

• Your cruise packet will provide information and specific instructions on what type of paperwork you’ll need.
  

• Remember, the passenger is totally responsible for all travel documentation.
  

• If you don’t already have a passport, be sure to apply at least 3 months before you plan to travel.
  

• If you have a valid, current passport, make sure that it will still be valid for the entire length of your trip.
  

• If your passport has an expiration date within the next six months, consider re-newing early. Some countries require that passports be valid six months after returning to the U.S.

• You will need to appear in person the first time, at one of the official locations mentioned above. You'll also have to appear in person if it has been more than 15 years since your previous passport was issued or if you were under 16 years of age when it was issued. Applicants under 14 are required to appear in person along with both parents or one parent and a guardian.
  

• You will need one of the following to provide proof of U.S. citizenship.

1. A certified copy of your birth certificate with a U.S. State or county embossed seal. OR

2. Your naturalization/Citizenship certificate. OR

3. Your previously issued and expired passport. If your name has changed from the one listed on your previous passport, you must submit the sealed legal document showing the name change. (Marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.)

• Two identical, recent, color photographs, 2x2inch front view facial, from the bottom of your chin to top of head, including hair.  No hats or dark glasses, or other head coverings can be worn.  Some exceptions, for health or religious reasons apply.  Have them taken professionally.  Use a passport shop since personal snapshots or those taken at  a photo machine are not acceptable.  Get a few extra since they can be used for international driver's permits or other documents. Having extra photographs with you on the tr[p, also makes it easier to replace the passport if it's lost.
  

• You'll need a driver’s license or Military I.D. issued within the last six months. State I.D. cards are acceptable only with other forms of I.D.  A parent’s I.D. can be used for a minor child.
  

• The completely filled out, official passport application form.
  

• The current passport fee.  It will be listed on your application form.  Be sure that the form and amounts are both current.