Are you planning on exploring Panama during your Carnival Cruise Line sailing? The cruise operator recently informed guests that anyone leaving the vessel must have a passport that’s valid for at least six months.
The rule only applies to passengers who want to disembark during their Panamanian port of call. This includes vacationers with scheduled activities in the Latin American country like shore excursions.
If you don’t have a valid passport by your embarkation date, you can still sail to Panama; however, you will not be allowed to disembark.
Carnival Ambassador John Heald posted the update on Facebook, “To comply with guidelines for going ashore, all guests (including infants) must carry a passport book that is valid for at least 6 months after the cruise ends.”
“Guests will be permitted to sail with other acceptable travel documentation, but they must remain on board when the ship visits Panama,” Heald added.
Cruisers carrying only Western Hemisphere Initiative (WHTI) documents, such as birth certificates and government-issued photo IDs, will not be allowed off the ship upon reaching the country.
Previous Guideline and Passport Processing Times
The new regulation replaces the old guideline which only required passports for open-loop sailings, itineraries that begin and end in different places.
If you have an upcoming Carnival cruise that will call on Panama, you can apply for a passport while keeping the US Department of State’s timelines in mind:
- Routine processing: 4 to 6 weeks
- Expedited processing: 2 to 3 weeks
- Urgent processing: Appointment required, available for individuals traveling within 14 calendar days
Passengers who booked onshore activities with Carnival but don’t have a passport will receive full refunds.
The cruise operator currently offers sailings to Panama through seven vessels: Carnival Pride, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, Carnival Venezia, and Carnival Dream.
Regardless of where you’re cruising, it’s recommended to travel with your passport and keep it safe during your journey.
