Visas

[HongKongphooey]

We are going on a cruise, and the cruise company (Cunard) are being less than helpful about Visas. We've got an Esta each for USA but I'm not sure if we need visas for the other countries. These countries are Turks and Caicos Islands, Costa Rica, and Mexico. We've never been on a cruise, so it's all a bit new. If anyone knows if you need visas for these places it would be very helpful. I tried googling it, but its very vague

[Buenchico]

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has travel information for every country in the world on their website:

Scroll down to 'Visas' on each page:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turks-and-caicos-islands/entry-requirements

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements

[Hymie]

I’ve been cruising a number of times (around the Caribbean and to Canada via the USA), and it appears that there is some informal arrangement whereby cruise passengers do not need to go through any formal immigration process when entering each country (just get off the ship).

Things could have changed with regards Covid, and the need to show proof of inoculation – but I doubt it, as this would have been taken care of by entering the USA/cruise ship.

Besides showing your ESTA on entry to the USA, the cruise line will want to see this along with your passport etc on initial boarding of the ship – so don’t pack it in your luggage.

I suspect the reason that the cruise line is being vague, is that any country could change its policy to cruise ship passengers disembarking – which is outside the control of the cruise line.

[Hymie]

As a cruising virgin, I offer the following tips to assist with the trip.

After boarding, it can take a considerable time before your luggage is delivered to your stateroom – therefore ensure you carry anything that you might need during this time (medication, toiletries, change of clothes etc) with you.

Following the Costa Concordia sinking, it is a legal requirement that before the ship departs, passengers undergo a lifeboat drill. This entails going to your assigned muster station when the alarm sounds, and having your name checked-off (nothing more). It’s worth remembering the location should the worst happen.

Do your homework before you depart on each port of call, and decide what you want to do/see to maximise your enjoyment. The cruise line will offer various excisions (at exorbitant prices) – Mrs Hymie and I have often taken a taxi driving us around the local tourist attractions for considerably less than the cruise line wanted for the two of us travelling with hoards on a coach. But remember the cruise ship won’t wait for you if you are late back from a private tour.

[sddsddean]

If you are new to cruising, there is a wealth of information on www.cruisecritic.com

[HongKongphooey]

Thanks Guys, I am finding all these regulations and rules very stressful. The Turks and Caicos entry requirements say you have to fill in your details and upload a negative LFT test. Well we cant do that until the time of arriving in Grand Turk. I presume the cruise staff will organise this for passengers and provide tests to do.
Also Im getting stressed about the 'antigen Test' that cunard require
within 1 day of boarding. I have ordered 2 x LFT tests that can be registered with the company supplying them and they send you the result and a fit to travel Certificate. Do you think this is what they mean?

[Zacs-Master]

The Cunard website says:
'Please retain your proof of vaccination status throughout your holiday and keep this to hand when going ashore in case it is required.'

I think the 'in case' is the key here and I doubt you'll be asked to provide anything. It just looks like they're covering themselves. I think the 'informal arrangement' which Hymie mentions will come into play here as well.

[chelle7272]

There is a lot of info on the Cunard website here. Including how to buy tests on board.
https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/sailing-with-confidence/preparing-to-sail/before-you-board#vaccines
There is list of entry requirements including the ones you mention. For Costa Rica for example it does say they are awaiting current guidance
https://www.cunard.com/content/dam/cunard/marketing-assets/pdf/port-entry-requirements/CUNARD-A-Z-destination-entry-requirements.pdf