passports
 

my wife and i plus my 17, 16 and 15 year old children will be traveling to aruba on the 4th of august. has anybody any problems with going there without passports. as it turns out the US govt is still processing our passports from march. Any response would be helpful.

Also does anybody know if the liquor stores or liquor is cheaper than in the us.

thank you

I wouldn't worry about it. We just went to the British Virgin Islands and my passport didn't arrive (my son's passport got put into bulk mail and took almost 4 weeks to reach us!!!) Just print out the proof that you applied, have a b.c. with a raised seal and driver's license for adults. The customs people joked about how many people were waiting for passports.
I didn't have any problems.

my original b/c's went with the passport app. according to jet blue all we need is drivers license and the passport processing forms. do you think were still ok?

thanks for the response

Aruba normally requires a valid passport (not just birth certificate and photo ID). I'm not sure if they are waiving that requirement in light of the difficulties here. Some destinations in the Caribbean are.

While I suspect JetBlue will know what documents you need, you should confirm with the Aruba consulate and no other source to make sure that JetBlue is correct. If they allow you to board and you do not have the proper documents for entry, then you'll be sent right back home.

Even with your drivers license and passport application receipt, you will still need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. You must still show proof of citizenship. Please don't go by what JetBlue says; you'll be denied entry. Always check with the state department or embassy.

I got additional birth certificates for my kids and myself. It doesn't take long and I would do this immediately!!! Do a google search for the register of deeds on the county you were born in and you can get the info online to get additional birth certificates. They definitely required the b.c., and proof you applied for passports, plus driver's license for adults on our trip!!

We applied for my wifes renewal in early May. Don't think it's going to get here before we go on a S. Caribbean cruise on August 19th. We have the proof of passport renewal printed. But, my wife is a naturalized US citizen and does not seem to be able to find her naturalization certificate. Unfortunately, applying for a copy has to be done through the same passport office. And, I am sure it will take as long as the passport.

The question is, can one get by on a cruise with just a valid drivers license and the proof of passport application? I will try to see if I can ask someone at Royal Caribbean.

If your wife is a citizen (naturalized or not), then proof of passport application and ID should suffice for a cruise. (She must have had her naturalization certificate to get her passport ... but perhaps this is a renewal.)

Yes. This is indeed a renewal. Has been a citizen for about 15 years or so. I thought she should be okay, but just want to verify.

Thanks guys. I called this morning and was told that they just finished processing it and will be in the mail today. I just went to check online and it says I should receive it on or around 08/01. BTW, I was not put on hold at all. They picked up right away. I was shocked! This was about 7:30 AM eastern time.