You will receive your passport card in six to eight weeks, not counting mailing time. Try to apply for your card at least ten weeks before your scheduled departure date to allow for unexpected delays in processing. You may apply for expedited processing if you are willing to pay an additional $60 for that service.
Note that there is no significant difference in processing time for a passport card versus a passport book. Both can be expedited, but some passport agencies do not expedite passport cards.
If you're a frequent traveler to Canada or Mexico by land or sea, then the passport card can be a budget-friendly option. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years, so if it fits your travel plans, the passport card can be a cheaper alternative. Passport books are $145 for adults and $115 for minors.
I applied for a passport card only: You may receive your newly-issued passport card and your citizenship documents in two separate mailings. You may wait 4 weeks after receiving your passport before you receive a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail.
You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel, but it is still a great ID to have in your wallet. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights.
The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card CANNOT be used for international travel by air.
CANCUN AIRPORT | IMMIGRATION
Visitors from the USA do not need a passport to enter Mexico. You may use: Birth Certificate or. Voter Registration Card or.
A passport card can be used as ID for domestic flights. It cannot be used for international air travel. Fits in your wallet, same size as a driver's license or legal permanent resident card.
The Postal Service does NOT issue or create passports. Customers CANNOT pick up passports from a Post Office™ facility; they are mailed to the customer from the U.S. Department of State.
Because the passport card will be specifically designed to facilitate land and sea border crossings, it is not compatible with the global air environment, which is already set up for passport books.
You do not need to have both a passport card and a passport book. You can choose which one suits your situation best. For example, your passport card will suffice if you are a frequent traveler across Canada and Mexico. But, if you are planning to travel to other international countries, you can get your passport book.
If you travel equally by air and land. If you're visiting Canada or Mexico by car, you might prefer a more compact document for traveling across the border. In that case, having a passport card for regular land-based trips would be useful. You can keep your passport book handy for international air travel.
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.
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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to The Bahamas, as well as proof of anticipated departure from The Bahamas. Those traveling to The Bahamas on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.
Traveling within Mexico or abroad
You must present an official ID to board your flight and go through airport security.
Therefore, the fastest and most convenient way of getting to Cancun is to arrive by plane. In order to fly in and out of Mexico, a passport is essential. It must be a proper passport booklet and not just a passport card, because the card cannot be used for international air travel.
Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel? No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.
Can I use my birth certificate to fly domestically? You cannot use your birth certificate as a primary document when flying domestically. However, there is one situation when it may be used as supporting evidence, and that is if your original identification was lost or stolen.
The approved documents include a passport, a passport card, a NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST trusted traveler program card, or a state- or province-issued enhanced driver's license. Travelers under age 16 need to present only a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship.
Most convicted felons and ex-felons can get a passport. However, even if you are issued a passport, it does not mean that you will be able to travel anywhere you wish. Many countries refuse to let convicted felons enter their borders, both for public safety and for political reasons.
A passport is not required. Citizens of Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must present a valid passport from their country to travel to the U.S. by air. When traveling by land or sea, they must provide the necessary travel documents outlined by the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.