Essential Information

The below information is current as of September 29, 2022. Because government travel requirements change periodically, we recommend that you check with your travel advisor, a visa service or the consulate of each country being visited.

2022 Grand Africa 

As a courtesy, Holland America Line provides the following information for guests holding a passport from the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Romania and Mexico:

• A visa may be obtained on board for entry to Jordan, Madagascar, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique, Ghana and The Gambia  for all nationalities listed above. Any associated fees with visas on board are subject to change and will be billed to the guest’s onboard account.  

• A visa is required prior to sailing for Namibia for guests holding a passport from Mexico or Romania. No visa is required for passport holders from the remaining nations listed above.

• No visa is required for Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Egypt, South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Cape Verde for all nationalities listed above.      

A United States visa is required for certain nationalities. If you are an eligible passport holder from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you will be able to enter/exit the U.S. without a visa provided you are in possession of a biometric passport AND pre-register online for the VWP through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 

ESTA applications may be made online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel; however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. 

IMPORTANT: For guests holding a passport from other nations we recommend you inquire with CIBTvisas or your local consulate.

2023 Grand World Voyage

As a courtesy, Holland America Line provides the following information for guests holding a passport from the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Romania and Mexico: 

• A visa may be obtained on board for entry to Jordan, Madagascar, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique, Ghana and The Gambia for all nationalities listed above. Any associated fees with visas on board are subject to change and will be billed to the guest’s onboard account. 

• A visa is required prior to sailing for Namibia for guests holding a passport from Mexico or Romania. No visa is required for passport holders from the remaining nations listed above.  

• A NZeTA is required entry to New Zealand for all nationalities listed above. More information can be found at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas.

• An Australian ETA is required for all nationalities listed above. More information can be found at https://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ETAS3/etas?submit=check.

• No visa is required for Jamaica, Panama, French Polynesia, Tonga, Manutius, Reunion, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Ireland or Bahamas for all nationalities listed above.     

A United States visa is required for certain nationalities. If you are an eligible passport holder from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you will be able to enter/exit the U.S. without a visa provided you are in possession of a biometric passport AND pre-register online for the VWP through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).  

ESTA applications may be made online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel; however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel.

IMPORTANT: For guests holding a passport from other nations we recommend you inquire with CIBTvisas or your local consulate. 

2023 Grand South Africa

As a courtesy, Holland America Line provides the following information for guests holding a passport from the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Romania and Mexico: 

• A visa is required prior to sailing for Chile for guests holding a passport from Australia. No visa is required for passport holders from the remaining nations listed above. 

• A visa is required prior to sailing for Stanley/Falkland Islands for guests holding a passport from Mexico. No visa is required for passport holders from the remaining nations listed above.

• A visa is required prior to sailing for French Guiana for guests holding a passport from Brazil. No visa is required for passport holders from the remaining nations listed above.

• No visa is required for Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Barbados, Dominica or Bahamas for all nationalities listed above.  

A United States visa is required for certain nationalities. If you are an eligible passport holder from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you will be able to enter/exit the U.S. without a visa provided you are in possession of a biometric passport AND pre-register online for the VWP through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 

ESTA applications may be made online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel; however, DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. 

IMPORTANT: For guests holding a passport from other nations we recommend you inquire with CIBTvisas or your local consulate.

NOTE: Every country has its own entry requirements, and guests assume personal responsibility for having the necessary documents when boarding.

Holland America Line recommends using a visa service to secure your required documentation and we have partnered with CIBTvisas to assist with the collection of necessary documents.

Contact CIBTvisas by phone: 
U.S. & Canada residents: 866-935-8472  
Netherlands residents: 0800-2524632  
Germany residents: 800 3202233  
Australia residents: 1300 964 164  
United Kingdom residents: 0800 1218239  
Belgium residents: 0902 150 45  
Singapore residents: 6603 1096
Spain residents: 902 113 829  
Switzerland residents: +41 (0) 22 884 18 70  
France residents: 0144107272

Learn more about CIBTvisa. 

Guests are responsible for acquiring all required vaccinations and we encourage guests to consistently review the Center for Disease Control website to stay informed about the latest guidelines, changes, and vaccination requirements for every country you will visit. 

More information on current traveler’s health protocols can be found at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel, and further details on our Holland America Line cruise health protocols on our Know Before You Go page in the “Identification Requirements” section.

Yellow Fever

The below information is current as of September 29, 2022. As a courtesy, Holland America Line provides the following information regarding Yellow Fever Vaccinations: 

2023 Grand World Voyage

Please be advised that a yellow fever vaccination is an international health requirement for all persons on this itinerary due to entry to Angola, Ghana and Ivory Coast. A valid, original Certificate for Yellow Fever Vaccination or waiver must be presented during check-in. The vaccine must be given at least ten days before your trip and is good for life. A booster shot is recommended every ten years but is not required. If you have a medical contraindication to the vaccine, you must bring a signed vaccine exemption letter issued by a licensed medical doctor. Please note photocopies are not acceptable. During the cruise, upon arrival at certain ports, this letter will be presented to local officials who will advise whether you will be allowed to go ashore or if you will have to stay on board while the ship is in port. 

As these requirements can change on short notice, we suggest you contact an approved public health travel advisory service at least eight weeks prior to sailing to verify the travel health precautions for your trip. Failure to present valid proof of vaccination or an exemption letter may result in denial of boarding. More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever. 

2023 Grand South America

Please be advised that a yellow fever vaccination is an international health recommendation for all persons on this itinerary due to entry to Devil’s Island. It is recommended that you carry a valid, original Certificate for Yellow Fever Vaccination or waiver. The vaccine should be given at least 10 days before your trip and is good for life. A booster shot is recommended every 10 years but is not required.

If you have a medical contraindication to the vaccine, it is recommended that you bring a signed vaccine exemption letter issued by a licensed medical doctor. Please note photocopies are not acceptable. During the cruise, upon arrival at certain ports, this letter may be presented to local officials who will advise whether you would be allowed to go ashore or if you would have to stay on board while the ship is in port. As these requirements can change on short notice, we suggest you contact an approved public health travel advisory service at least eight weeks prior to sailing to verify the travel health precautions for your trip. More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever.

Place articles in clear plastic bags inside your luggage to minimize handling by airport security. Put shoes on top to expedite the screening process and label the inside of your carry-on and checked luggage with your name and contact information. We also recommend that guests keep all medications in carry-on luggage during embarkation. Weapons and dangerous devices are prohibited items and may result in denied boarding.

Check the official website of the Transportation Security Administration for complete and updated information.

Don't forget your dressy attire! With so many extraordinary events on board, including a multi-course dinner in the Dining Room, you'll want to be prepared. Collared shirt and slacks for men, and elegant dresses, skirts or slacks for women are required in fine dining restaurants on Dressy Nights except on Lido Deck.