Planning a complex international holiday requires meticulous attention to detail, especially regarding passport validity. This was the central concern for one family, whose query to travel expert Simon Calder highlighted a critical rule for visiting the Bahamas that could disrupt their entire 2026 Caribbean cruise.
Navigating Passport Validity for a Multi-Destination Voyage
A family consisting of a husband, wife, and two adult children has organised a significant holiday for January 2026. Their itinerary involves flying with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Miami for a brief stay. Afterwards, they will embark on a six-night Caribbean cruise, with scheduled stops in George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Nassau, Bahamas. The journey concludes with a return to Fort Lauderdale and a same-day flight back to the UK.
Their travel agent advised that each passport must have at least six months of validity remaining on the day they return to Britain. However, their daughter's passport misses this crucial deadline by approximately one week. Seeking clarity, the family turned to Simon Calder for his specialist knowledge.
Calder's analysis confirmed the agent was nearly correct. He broke down the requirements by destination: The United States accepts a UK passport with a valid ESTA right up to its expiration date. Similarly, the Cayman Islands and Mexico adopt a relaxed stance on passport validity. The complication arises with the Bahamas, which enforces a strict 'six-month rule'.
The Bahamian government mandates that visitors must present a passport valid for at least six months. Calder notes that while the UK Foreign Office calculates this from the intended day of departure, the distinction is irrelevant for this family as they arrive and depart Nassau on the same day.
Practical Advice and a Warning
Despite predicting that day visitors on cruise ships often receive a 'light touch' from authorities, Calder issued a firm recommendation. He advised the daughter to renew her passport to comply with the official Bahamian regulation. The potential consequences of not doing so are significant. The cruise line might refuse her boarding entirely. Even if permitted on the ship, she faces the real risk of being denied permission to go ashore in the Bahamas.
Fortunately, Calder pointed out that this time of year is ideal for passport renewal. By applying online, she can expect to receive her replacement document in 10 days or less, providing a straightforward solution to the problem.
New Flight Route and US Travel Record Troubles
In other travel news, Calder addressed the announcement from German airline Condor. Starting 1 April 2026, the carrier will operate three daily flights between London Gatwick and Frankfurt. With a lowest available fare of £160 return, Calder questioned the route's viability, noting that both easyJet and Lufthansa have previously abandoned it. He suggested Condor may need to discount seats more widely to fill its more than 500 daily seats and could offer attractive connections to its long-haul destinations like Mombasa and Zanzibar.
Another reader query involved a serious bureaucratic issue with US immigration. A couple who enjoyed a Virgin cruise from Miami to Barcelona later received an email from US authorities accusing them of overstaying. Despite providing proof of departure, their case was mysteriously closed.
Calder explained that the US, like the UK, does not physically check passports upon exit. Instead, airlines and cruise lines submit departure data to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and errors can occur. He advised the couple to first check their official travel history on the CBP i94 website. If the departure is not recorded there, the next step is to contact the US Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS.gov/trip) with evidence such as cruise confirmations. For future peace of mind, Calder recommended applying for a new ESTA; its approval would indicate the issue is resolved, though carrying proof of the previous departure is still wise.
