Although most people understand that a passport is required for international travel, it's important not to overlook the requirement of a tourist visa for entry into certain countries. This is not a credit card. It is a stamp placed in your passport, obtained by the embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit. Without it, a passenger may be denied boarding their cruise ship. Here are some popular countries that require a visa.
Tourist Visa for Brazil, Australia or China
Brazil - Although not all visitors require a visa to enter Brazil, citizens of the United States and Canada must obtain a Brazil Tourist Visa prior to their cruise.
Australia – For cruises to Australia, some cruise lines offer Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa processing for U.S. and Canadian passport holders. The ETA visa must be obtained prior to departure. Other nationalities must make their application in person at an Australian embassy in their residing country.
China – All visitors that do not hold a Chinese passport must obtain the appropriate travel visas to enter China. Single entry visas expire three months after issue. Cruise lines recommend obtaining a double-entry visa valid for six months to ensure validity throughout their stay in China.
Other Countries that Require a Travel Visa
Russia – When visiting Russia on a cruise, a visa is required if the guest intends to go ashore independently. If the guest is on a ship's shore excursion, a visa is not required. Passengers must present their passport to the purser's office prior to the ship's arrival for inspection by Russian immigration officials. Passengers need a photocopy of the passport when going ashore.
Vietnam – A visa is not required by the guest in advance of their cruise. A visa is issued by the Vietnamese immigration officials upon the ship's arrival. If a guest will be participating in an overland tour or ending a cruise in Vietnam, a passport size photo is required. A visa fee will be charged to the guest's stateroom account during the cruise.
Indonesia – A visa is not required by the guest in advance of their cruise. A visa is issued by the Indonesian immigration officials upon the ship's arrival. A visa fee will be charged to the guest's stateroom account during the cruise.
Egypt – A visa is not required by the guest in advance of their cruise. A visa is issued by the Egyptian immigration officials upon the ship's arrival. There is currently no visa fee. If the passenger is intending to extend their stay in Egypt longer than 72 hours, a visa must be obtained in advance of the cruise.
Most cruise lines state on their website that it is the guests' responsibility to identify and to obtain the necessary visas before commencing their cruise. Guests need to contact the Embassy (Consular Services) of each country on their sailing itinerary or the visa service of their choice for specific visa requirements, forms and fees for their nationality. Without the required visas, a passenger can be denied boarding their cruise with no refund.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
