Passport question
 

We are going on a cruise to Caribbean islands from December 15-22/07. My daughter's passport is valid until June 13th/08 (this is a few days less than 6 months remaining to expire from thr time of travel). I know that for some countries passports have to be valid for at least 6 more months to be able to travel. I searched websites for different islands but did not find any info.

Has anyone who traveled recently knows anything about this? We could try to renew her passport now but given the current situation with passport services, we would rather not risk it, unless it's really necessary.

Any information is greatly appreciated!

I think that the cruise line would be the best source for that information but if it is any help, I sent my renewal in on 12June and had it back in 15 days with the expedited service.

The only way to really know how strictly the "6 month rule" will be enforced is to check the immigration web-sites for each country (island) you are visiting - they all have different requirements. Any comments you get on this or other forums will be anecdotal at best. Whether or not you'll be allowed into a foreign country is ultimately up to the immigration official who checks your documentation.

Generally speaking though from my experience I doubt you'd have much of a problem on a Caribbean cruise if your daughter's passport has a few days less than 6 months left before her passport expires. Of course, if an immigration officer on a particular island decides to strictly enforce the rules your daughter may up staying on the boat - if that happens telling them that someone on thr Fodors Travel Forum said it was OK is not going to hold any sway.

What A_Traveller says.
Enjoy your cruise. If you can, let us know how it was.

Thanks to all of you. I'll let you know how it went.

I've always heard the 6 month "rule" if that's what it is. WHY? Doesn't make sense - if it says it's good until June 12, for example, why isn't it?

I agree that the 6-month rule doesn't make sense. I don't know the reason behind it.

The reason is really simple. Most countries that have the 6-month rule allow ta visitor to remain "in country" for up to 6 months without having to apply for "residency status" or an extende visa. It is not uncommon for a tourist to enter a country but then request an extention which is usually granted in increments of 30 days up to a total of 6 months. If a person's passport were to expire during that 6 month period they would be travelling in the country illegally and would have to leave immediately.

Your passport has a two fold purpose - first it identifies your a being a citizen of a certain country and second it allows you to get back into your country. The 6-month rule is for getting into a foreign country - you can return back to your own country using a passport that has less than 6 months left before expiration.

Thank you for that info A_Traveller. That makes sense now.