Check your passport

All travelers must have a passport, sufficient funds to support themselves, and a return airline ticket to depart the USA. You must have a valid visa for 6 months from the date of entry into any foreign country. You are responsible for ensuring they have the proper documentation to travel to each country on your itinerary, and for re-entry and return to their country. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to leave the country.

Please check with the appropriate consulate and your chosen airline carrier to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements. US citizens may visit the US Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov for more information.

The website also has information for consulates by country to assist with requirements. There are special requirements for children leaving the US, and many countries have adopted special needs for the protection of children. If you are traveling with a child that is not your own, a single parent with a child, a child with a different last name, or traveling without the child’s natural parents, you will require documentation proving your right to travel with children. Since regulations vary by country, contact your consulate or embassy of your country and visit the immigration site of the country you are traveling to for the requirements. Kids Sea Camp Reservation Office and staff will not assume responsibility for passengers not having the correct documentation.

It’s important to pack appropriately when traveling with kids on long hauls.

• Check your legal names and itineraries for seat assignments, and make any necessary ticket changes.
• Handle any special needs you might have before you get to the airport.
• Check that the contact information we have for you is correct.
• Check the expiry dates for passports or visas and review any essential travel documents, waivers, and vouchers you might need well in advance.
• Please check flight confirmations, times, and schedules 72 hours before travel. Then, check in for your flights on time, get your boarding passes, and check your bags.
• Use airline online Check-in or self-service kiosks to avoid long lines at the airport.
• Know your airport’s check-in requirements and travel restrictions. New laws and rules are in place due to COVID-19.
• Know the requirements for the security checkpoints where you’ll be traveling and arriving. Check the local immigration website of your destination country for travel restrictions and rules.
• Ensure you have the documentation required by your airline and the country you travel to.
• During Your Trip: Check the airport’s display screens and monitors to find your gate. Arrive at the gate early with your boarding pass and eTicket receipt. Keep an eye on our gate display screens in most airports. Listen closely for announcements at the gate.

Pack a small carry-on with just a few basics for you and the kids.

• Food or snacks as allowed by your airline
• Playing cards, books, puzzles
• Drawing paper and markers
• Small pillow
• Comfortable socks
• Toothbrush
• Bring your favorite food and snacks to the hotel room. Remember, the island does not always have the food kids like. Pack some things like peanut butter, mac and cheese, cookies, etc.
• Pack your medications and one day of things you can’t live without.

Passports

American passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State (http://travel.state.gov). You can even download the forms there (be sure to read the instructions carefully to determine which application form to use; there are two: DSP-11 and DSP-82).

Each person traveling must have their own passport; kids can no longer be in Mom’s or Dad’s passport. The most important things you’ll need for a Passport are proof of U.S. birth and a birth certificate (Americans born abroad or naturalized Americans will require different documents).

Know the consent details of traveling with kids

You will need to be aware of many details if only one parent applies for a U.S. passport for a child under 14. The details are all available from the U.S. Department of State. Either both parents must appear together and sign the passport application, OR one parent appears, signs, and submits the second parent’s written statement of consent authorizing passport issuance for the child, OR one parent appears, signs, and submits primary evidence of sole authority to apply.

This U.S. government requirement does not change the requirement that other countries impose, which requires one parent traveling with a child to show proof of custody/permission to travel from the non-custodial parent. Check with the Embassy of the country you will be visiting.

Very important

You will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the dates of your program for all travel to the British Virgin Islands and the Leeward Islands. US citizens can find downloadable passport applications and other helpful information on the State Department website. It’s a good idea to make a copy of your passport to keep at home while traveling in the Caribbean (or anywhere else).