Frequently Asked Questions
Visas
Some countries require that you obtain official authorization (called a visa), before entering their country. Usually, there is a fee required. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If your itinerary requires a visa prior to boarding, Holland America Line will send a visa information letter to your travel agent. If you booked without a travel agent, you will be receiving a visa information letter from Holland America Line. The visa letter will have information for U.S. and Canadian citizens. Citizens of other countries should contact the nearest representative embassies or consulates for the proper information.
New Canadian visa requirements affecting all Alaska sailings, Alaska tours and Canada & New England sailings that enter Canada:
If you are a NON-US or NON-CANADIAN citizen, you will be DENIED BOARDING without compensation if you do not hold the proper VISA documents! Regardless of what your Consulate official may advise, Canadian officials WILL NOT allow guests to remain onboard while in a Canadian port without proper documentation, so you will be denied boarding if the visa is not presented at the pier at the time of your scheduled cruise departure. To learn more, please visit: http://canada.gc.ca
U.S. citizens are NOT required to obtain a Canadian Visa. To verify if your nationality requires a Canadian visa, please visit the following Canadian immigration website, which may be useful to determine what is required: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html
Security and enforcement at the Canada-United States border has been heightened. For this reason, more U.S. and Canadian citizens with past criminal charges or convictions are refused entry into Canada. Almost all convictions (including DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, domestic violence (assault IV), shoplifting, theft, etc.) make a person inadmissible to Canada, regardless of how long ago they occurred. It is recommended that persons who have been charged in the past or who have past convictions obtain the necessary documents before attempting to enter Canada. To learn more about applying for these documents we strongly recommend you visit the following website for details: http://geo.international.gc.ca/can-am/washington/visas/inadmissible-en.asp
All guests, regardless of nationality, are responsible for obtaining all necessary documentation. All guests should keep themselves apprised of the changes in government requirements. Guests arriving at the pier without proper documentation will be denied boarding without compensation. Holland America Line is not able to make visa arrangements en route or upon arrival. Please understand that this is a requirement of the Canadian government, and NOT that of Holland America Line.
All guests should keep themselves advised of changes in government requirements. If you have questions about visa requirements, please call the nearest embassy or consulate or Zierer Visa Service at 866-788-1100 or 202-745-4470 (E-mail messages to: info@zvs.com ).
Packing and Baggage Information | Identification and Customs | Money Matters | ||
Baggage Allowance | Customs | Currency and Exchange | ||
Baggage Policy | Disembarkation | Deposits and Payments | ||
Baggage Insurance | Identification | Fares and Taxes | ||
Carry on Baggage | Immigration Form | Hotel Service Charge | ||
Clothing and Dress Code | Passports | Shipboard Account | ||
Leaving Home Checklist | Visas | Shipboard Credit | ||
Packing Advice | ||||
Packing for Alaska | ||||
Stateroom Furnishings | ||||
Travel Checklist | ||||
Misc Questions | ||||
Boarding Procedures | ||||
Booking Shore Excursions | ||||
Order Onboard Gifts | ||||
Shore Excursions |