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Will I Need a Visa?
Together with our preferredvisaprovider CIBTwe are pleased to provide you a simple online solution to all your World Cruisevisarequirements atwww.cibtvisas.co.uk/cunard.
· Details of required documentation needed to support your applications
· Application forms available for you to print out and send toCIBT
Please note the online portal will replace our previous postal information pack andthis information applies to British passport holders who reside in the UK at the time of the application.Yourvisarequirements may differ if you do not hold a British Citizen passport, should this be the case, you can contact the relevant embassy or consulate for advice. Alternatively you can contact our recommendedvisaserviceCIBTon 0207 620 6487. Be sure to advise that you are travelling by sea, as yourvisarequirements may be different to the standard advice supplied for air travel.
Fines may be imposed if you travel without the correct documentation and it is important we point out that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documents prior to travel or when in transit to the countries included in your itinerary. Failure to have the correct documents will result in denial of boarding or repatriation, in line with government regulations. Please be sure to check your itinerary and obtain thevisas required for the specific countries you will be visiting during your cruise.Visas are required when embarking/ disembarking or staying on board.
Visarequirements for British Citizens in possession of a full British Citizen Passport
The below is correct at time of publishing and pertains to UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI) passport holders and should be used for guidance only. Please note, some "British Isles" passports issued in the Isle of Man or the Bailiwicks of Jersey or Guernsey, do not have the samevisaexceptions as a full UK passport and guests holding either of these passports should check this withCIBTspecifically for the countries they are visiting on their itinerary.
CIBTare experts invisaand passport arrangements and can providevisas onlineatwww.cibtvisas.co.uk/cunardor by phone 0207 620 6487.
Anyvisathat is obtained on board are charged in dollars, this will be converted to Pounds Sterling (and charged at the conversion rate of the day) to your on board account.
VisaInformation - Your Responsibilities
Please note that there may be avisarequirement for your cruise and it is the responsibility of each guest to ensure that they are in possession of all travel documents required for their itinerary.Guests who do not possess the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship or from entering a country.In some cases this may lead to large fines which you will be required to pay and/or immediate repatriation to your home country at your own expense. Please ensure you check your requirements carefully before you travel to avoid unnecessary expense and inconvenience. Please also ensure you read theImportant Informationbelow:
Important Information
- When applying for yourvisayou must ensure that all guests' full names are exactly the same as they appear as in their passport. If there is any difference, you may be refused entry onto your flight/cruise.
- Passport andvisarequirements may change and vary by destination. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any flight, cruise or into any country, or otherwise suffer any difficulties or incur any costs as a result of not having the correct passport and/or any requiredvisa(s).
- It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents before departure. You must pay all costs incurred in obtaining such documentation. Certain Port Authorities may require photo identification when you depart the ship during the cruise. We strongly suggest that you take photocopies of your passport information page with you in addition to but separatelyfrom your passport itself and that you carry the photocopy with you each time you depart the ship in order to minimise any inconvenience this may cause and to provide an official means of identification whilst ashore in case it is required or due to loss/theft of your passport.
- The information is correct at time of publishing and is subject to change at any time. UK passport information applies to British Citizens, holders of another UK passport must check with the relevant authority. There is often a stipulation on having a minimum amount of validity left on your passport and a number of clear pages in order to gain entry, which can be up to a 6 month requirement. Again, please check with the relevant authority.
- With the exception of Russia (StPetersburg), please note that if there is requirement to obtain avisaprior to travel for a particular country, and a guest chooses to not disembark the ship, then the guest is still required to obtain the necessaryvisa.
SchengenVisa- Non-European passport holders may require aSchengenVisafor entry into Continental Europe. The United Kingdom is not aSchengenState member*. British Citizen passport holders do not require aSchengenVisa. Please ensure you check your entry requirements for Europe prior to embarkation.
*SchengenState members are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
For all other countries, please contact the relevant embassy for details.
Visas obtained on arrival:
Country- Approximate cost(where applicable)
Egypt- No charge
UAE- No charge
Visaapplicationtime scales
Visatime scales may be longer during periods such as Christmas and/or when embassies are closed. In addition, your own personal circumstances may affect timescales quoted. We recommend that you obtain yourvisaas early as possible.
Disclaimer
Visaand passport information can change so it is important that you recheck your passport andvisarequirements no later than 3 weeks prior to your holiday departure. The information provided on this site was correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to travel with the correct travel documentation.
Australia
If your itinerary includes Australia, you will be required to obtain an e Visitor or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Whether you are staying on board, going ashore, in transit, embarking or disembarking. You must ensure your Australianvisais valid for your entry into Australia.
Please note-the Australian Government require the majority of guestsover the age of 75 yearsto partake in a medical before issuing anyvisa. Our recommendedvisaservice,CIBT are unable to assist you in your application if you fall into this age group and you will therefore need tosend your passport and medical reports directly to theEmbassy.
Canada
British citizen passport holderswho travel to Canada byAIRwill need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Entry requirements for other methods of travel (land, sea) have not changed. If you are travelling by land or sea, you won’t need an eTA when you enter Canada, therefore this will not apply to our guestscalling at Canada on one of our cruises.
However, if you arejoining in Canada and arriving by air youshould visit the dedicated website (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp)to check if an eTA will be required.
Cape Verde
If arriving by sea novisais required for the visit to Cape Verde as the ship is classed as 'in transit'. If you are embarking/disembarking in Cape Verde you must obtain avisaprior to travel.
China
A 15 day freevisastay is available to all in transit guests (guests who sail in and out of Shanghai on the same vessel). Please note that restrictions apply:
- Guests have to participate in a tour (at least 2 people) organised by travel agencies that are legally registered in China. These can be ship organised tours or independent tour agencies. The ship will apply for the 15 day freevisastay for tours booked on-board. If you have booked an independent tour please ensure your travel agency applies on your behalf.Please note:guests are not allowed to leave the tour group (even to join another vehicle) and special approval will have to be obtained in case of an emergency.
- Thevisafree stay is valid for the duration of the tour(s) and you will have to leave Shanghai on the same day with the vessel.
If you wish to go ashore independently in Shanghai a Chinesevisais required. Guests without a valid Chinesevisaand without an organised tour booking will be detained on-board for the duration of our stay in China.
Please note: China has introduced the collection of fingerprints for those guests wishing to obtain a Chinesevisa, therefore a visit to the Chinese Embassy is required when obtaining a Chinesevisa.
Those guests (of 51different nationalities) starting their cruise or ending their cruise in Shanghai are entitled to make use of the 144 hour Chinese visa exemption but only if the following conditions are met:
- Your stay in China is within Shanghai city, Jiangsu province or Zhejiang province, and not exceeding 144 hours (6 Days). You either have an onward flight confirmation to a 3rd country (outside China) or a cruise ticket confirming that the next port of call is outside China
- Your arrival/departure is via one of the below mentioned entry/exit points and you are able to hand-over a copy of your onward travel arrangements to the Chinese Officials on arrival or the Ship staff when finally disembarking (Ship staff are required to present documentation 48 hours in advance to our Shanghai agents)
· Shanghai Pudong international airport
· Shanghai Hongqiao international airport
· Shanghai railway station
· Shanghai Wusongkou international cruise terminal
· Shanghai port international cruise terminal
· Nanjing Lukou international airport
· Hangzhou Xiaoshan international airport
Remember that the 144 hours is from the moment you arrive in China to the moment you leave Chinese Territories. If you have any pre or post cruise hotel stays booked in China or your onward itinerary includes additional Chinese ports, you will need to make sure that your time shoreside, and on board does not take you over the 144 hour limit, if it does you will require avisa.
Please note:If you are not staying in one of the above mentioned areas or not arriving/leaving from the mentioned exit/entry points you will need to obtain a Chinesevisa.
Also this exemption does not apply to guests travelling in and out of Shanghai on the same vessel. (In transit guests) as those guests will be able to make use of a 15 day freevisastay, but only when booked on an organised tour.
Dominican Republic
If entering Amber Cove by sea there are novisarequirements. If entering the Dominican Republic via air, a tourist card must be obtained on arrival at the airport.
Egypt
A Quick Stampvisafor Egypt will be issued upon the ship’s arrival in Egypt. Therefore, you are not required to obtain an Egyptianvisain advance of your cruise. There is currently no charge for the Quick Stamp Egyptianvisa.
India
Guests visiting India by ship are required to have a valid Indianvisa, whether you intend to go ashore or remain on board the ship. India has introduced electronicvisas (E-visas) which are now accepted at the ports visited by Cunard. To obtain your E-visa, please visithttps://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
Please bring a print out of your E-visaconfirmation showing ‘GRANTED’ at check-in for immigration purposes. You will also be required to show the print out when attending immigration checks on arrival into India. Please ensure the information on your E-visaconfirmation matches your passport information. Guests who arrive without a valid Indianvisawill be denied boarding.
Please note: Cunard requires all guests visiting India to obtain avisain advance whether they intend to go ashore or remain on board the ship. This position has been taken to protect guests from any restrictions that are imposed by the Indian authorities, in the unlikely event of having to disembark the ship in India due to an emergency or for any other reason.
An Indian touristvisa(sticker in passport) is also acceptable should you wish to obtain this instead, however the E-visais easier to obtain and less expensive.
Please be aware thatvisas will be processed by Indian Immigration officials on arrival intoyour first Indian portwhich may delay going ashore. Please allow time for this when planning your day.
Indonesia
Guests travelling to Indonesia are required to obtain an electronic visa on arrival (e-voa) prior to entry into Indonesia. Please visit https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/ to apply. Please note applications for the e-voa can only be made 90 days prior to arrival in Indonesia.
New Zealand
International travellers, who areVisaWaiver nationals, may enter New Zealand without avisaafter obtaining an approved New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
Please note that all guests travelling with an NZeTA must present a print out of a successful NZeTA application at check in
Obtaining NZeTA approval, for most travellers, will be simple and easy. To apply for your NZeTA, please follow this link to the NZeTA application websitehttps://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/.Thecost of obtaining an NZeTA is currently NZ$12.00 (however this is subject to change at any time) and payable during the application using a credit or debit card.
Approved NZeTA applications are valid for a period of two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and multiple trips to New Zealand without the traveller having to reapply for another NZeTA.
When applying for you NZeTA, a tourism levy of NZ$35 must also be paid which is valid for the same length of time as the NZeTA.
Should you require assistance applying for your NZeTA, our preferredVisaprovider, CIBT are available on 0207 620 6998.
Oman
Visastamps for Oman are compulsory and will be issued upon the ship’s arrival by the local Port Authorities, whether you are staying on board or going ashore. There is currently no charge for thevisastamp.
South Africa
Althoughvisas are not required please note that your passport should contain two blank passport pages for the South African entry and exit stamps. Prior to applying forvisas for other countries, please ensure you have adequate blank pages to allow for these stamps. Should you have limited blank pages, Cunard strongly suggest you obtain a replacement passport before applying for yourvisas.
Parents travelling with children into or out of South Africa will be asked to show the child’s unabridged (full) birth certificate. Where only one parent is accompanying, parental or legal consent for the child to travel (e.g. an affidavit from the other parent, a court order or – if applicable – a death certificate) will be required. Further requirements for children travelling unaccompanied or with adults who are not their parents may apply, for more information; contact the South African High Commission or the South African Department of Home Affairs.
Please see the question-What are the regulations for travelling to South Africa with children?
Turkey
Cruise ship guests who are joining the ship in Turkey or are leaving the ship in Turkey to travel homeare required to obtain an e-visaprior to travel. If you are visiting Turkey as part of your cruise itinerary but arenot joining the ship in Turkey or disembarking to travel home, avisais not required.
To obtain an e-visafor Turkey please visithttps://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/for further information and the official channel for applying for the e-visa
Guests of all nationalities are required to have at least 60 days validity on their passport from the day they enter Turkey. Guests who are either embarking or disembarking (beginning or ending) their cruise in Turkey and therefore require avisa, need to ensure their passports have at least 180 days validity otherwise thevisawill not be issued.
United Arab Emirates
TransitVisastamps for Dubai are compulsory and will be issued upon the ship’s arrival, whether you are staying on board or going ashore. You do not need to obtain thesevisas in advance of the cruise. If you are joining your cruise in the United Arab Emirates you may need to purchase avisaon arrival at the airport.
United States of America (and territories)
International travellers, who are nationals ofVisaWaiver Program (VWP) countries, may enter the USA without avisaafter completing anElectronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) –please see the instructions for how to apply at the end of this section. You may check to see if you are eligible for this programme by visitinghttps://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. Some of the conditions for entry into the VWP are listed below, however if youdo not hold a full British Citizenpassport or a passport from another country eligible for the VWP, your situation may be different and you should check to ensure you have the correct documentation for your holiday.
Obtaining ESTA approval, for most travellers, will be simple and easy. To apply for your ESTA, please follow the link to the ESTA application website athttps://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta. A third party, such as a relative or Travel Agent, is permitted to submit an ESTA application on behalf of a VWP traveller. The cost of obtaining an ESTA is currently USD$14.00, this is subject to change at any time. All payments must be made directly to the official Department of Homeland Security ESTA website above using a credit card or debit card.Please do not use any other website as they may charge you a higher fee for the same service.
Please note a biometric passport is required when applying for an ESTA. Kindly present at check-in a copy of your ESTA confirmation as evidence for Immigration purposes. Please ensure the information on your ESTA confirmation matches your passport information.
British Subject*passport holders are required to obtain a full USvisaprior to travel.
*These are mostly people who were born in British India before 01/01/49 and did not become citizens of India, or who were citizens of Eire and British subjects before 01/01/49 and have made a claim to retain British Subject
