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Question: Do you need a passport to take a ferry from Florida to the bahamas?

Question Description:
I read on the US passport website that you need a passport to FLY to the carribean, mexico, bermuda etc. But doesnt say if you take a plane to Florida, then a ferry to the bahmas, if you need a passport. Does any one know for sure, from experience or working for the passport service or something? I am going on a trip in june and I just wanted to check.

Answer#1: I always travel on my passport, call your local consulate / embassy for the most current requirementsavoid disppointment=)

Answer#2: The rules state that if you depart from a USPort and return to a USPort on a ship, no passport needed only valid photoID and birth certificate. But you are asking about a ferry. That's different. You need to call the number on the Passport website and see if a passport is needed for a ferry from Florida to Bahamas. I know that you now need a passport to go from a USVirgin Island to the British Virgin Islands. Last year the BC and photoID was okay.Do yourself a favor and call and make sure, I would hate to see you rejected from boarding.Good Lucks

Answer#3: You can travel by sea out of the country until January 1, 2008. I am going on a cruise myself in October and checked in on this to be sure I could go if my passport does not arive on time. You will need your birth certificate and a valid drivers licence. After that you will be required to have a passport. Just remember that if you get hurt in the Bahamas you will need to take the ferry back as they will not be able to bring you home by air. Its a risk you will take by not having a passport.

Answer#4: As you said the US passport requirements for Mexico, Caribbean, Canada, etc is just for air travel.The land/sea passport requirement to these regions goes into effect next year, as "early as January 1 2008" but realize that has not been finalized (the US government is still working out conflicts with many Caribbean counties and Mexico who feel that the passport requirement for land/sea will dramatically negatively affect tourism). Please see the information from the US Dept. of Travel web site at the bottom of my posting.So for your case you can take a ferry (or cruise) to the Bahamas without a passport. You do need a valid drivers license or some photo ID and you should also bring your birth certificate for safe measures.I know this as I renewed my passport earlier this year and I had to familiarize myself with all the new requirements. You will also find I often post responses related to passports. I am a frequent traveler who wants to see the world! I have a Caribbean cruise scheduled for March.It is smart to have the US Embassy office information for Nassau for if you do experience any problems when in the Bahamas. The Embassy's web site is
http://nassau.usembassy.gov/ . I suggest witting down their # 242) 322-1181 . If in the event you get in an accident and need emergency service to Miami, the US Embassy will work with you. I also suggest that you register with the US Embassy in advance so they know you are traveling. The government really likes it when people do that so they are aware of Americans being oversees. You can register on line at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp FROM THE US DEPT of TRAVEL WEB SITE:As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.