Mom and Daughter on lookout Cay
  • On Feb 25, 2026
    Anne from MD Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    When traveling with a birth certificate, does it have to be the original or can it be a copy? We have a passport too but the system was giving me an error message last night when trying to upload for check in.

    Hi there, Anne!

    Welcome to planDisney. Getting your paperwork organized before your Disney Cruise is a good idea! 

    I always prefer using a passport when sailing on the Disney Cruise Line. It makes the boarding process smoother and can be helpful in the unlikely event of a medical emergency requiring travel back to the United States.

    Documentation requirements vary depending on your itinerary and whether your sailing is round-trip or one-way. For itineraries that allow birth certificates, the current guidance specifies that it must be an original, state-issued certificate, and you will also need a physical government-issued photo ID (digital IDs aren't accepted). This option is typically available for round-trip sailings departing from Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, San Diego, and San Juan. I recommend reviewing the Passports and Travel Documentation page for requirements for your specific voyage. 

    I'm sorry you encountered an error message! Those can be so frustrating when you’re excited to check in for your trip. Try uploading your passport again, and if you were using the Navigator app, switch to the Disney Cruise Line website to complete check‑in instead. If the issue continues, it’s a good idea to call Disney Cruise Line for assistance.

    If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to download the Navigator app! It features a fun countdown, makes booking activities simple, and becomes an essential tool onboard. I use it constantly to plan my family’s daily schedule, check dining menus, and send messages to my family using the chat feature.

    Anne, I hope you have a truly magical cruise. Please visit planDisney again anytime you have more questions!

    Happy sailing!
    Jen
thumbnail image for Jen

Meet the Panelist: Jen, Nevada

Hello from Nevada! I'm Jen - a married mom, social worker, and lifetime collector of Disney experiences. Disneyland Resort has been my "home away from home" since I was a child, and Walt Disney World Resort has become one of my favorite vacations spots as an adult. Whether it's celebrating special occasions, dining with food allergies, or making use of digital tools, I love helping Guests maximize their time and fun while visiting Disney destinations!  Learn More About Jen

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