Is it worth getting a passport card?

Asked by: Dr. Deondre Cronin  |  Last update: October 4, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (73 votes)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights. Use the passport card when entering the United States at land-border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Do not use it for international air travel.

Is it worth buying a passport card?

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.

Is it better to get a passport card or book?

The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land. The passport book is the only document approved for international air travel.

Should I get both a passport book and card?

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.

What are two benefits of using a passport card?

CON: Passport Cards cannot be used for international air travel, even within the 19 (mostly Caribbean) countries that accept the cards at land or sea ports. PRO: Since it's the size of a credit card, the Passport Card easily fits into your wallet and can be used as proof of U.S. citizenship when flying domestically.

Do You Need a Passport Card? | Determining Whether it’s Worth the Cost

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Can you fly with a passport card?

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 cost for first time applicants is $65 for adults and $50 for children under age 16.

Can I use a passport card for a cruise?

You can use the passport card to reenter the United States at sea ports of entry from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, if you are not able to return on the cruise ship for any reason (e.g., for an emergency evacuation, you will need a passport book to fly back to the United States.

Do passport cards come faster?

The good news is a passport card is valid for the same time and has the same application process as a standard passport book.

How long does it take to get a U.S. passport card?

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.

What islands can you travel to without a passport?

Best Tropical Destinations You Can Visit Without a Passport
  • St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. ...
  • St. John, US Virgin Islands. ...
  • St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. ...
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico. ...
  • Culebra, Puerto Rico. ...
  • Key West, Florida. ...
  • Miami, Florida. ...
  • Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Can I use a passport card for a Carnival Cruise?

You can use a passport card as legitimate identification on your cruise if you're sailing exclusively to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries. As you'll be re-entering the U.S. through a seaport, the customs and immigration officials at the port will recognize your passport card as a valid travel document.

Can I use a passport book to go to Mexico?

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.

Do passports and passport card arrive separately?

We do not send cards via 1-2 day delivery services. I applied for both a passport book and passport card: You may receive three separate mailings; one with your citizenship documents, one with your newly-issued passport book, and one with your newly-issued passport card.

Why is the U.S. passport card not valid for air travel?

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.

Do I need a passport to fly in the US 2022?

US citizens do not currently need a passport for domestic flights. While most people present a state-issued driver's license or a military ID, the Transportation Security Administration lists several acceptable forms of identification.

Can I fly to Canada with a passport card?

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.

Do you need a passport to go to the Bahamas?

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.

What is the fastest way to get a passport?

Best way to apply for your passport

If you need to submit extra documents, the ten days processing time starts when we receive them. If you have already submitted a paper application, you cannot apply online. Passport Online is the fastest way to apply for or renew your passport.

How long is a passport card good for?

Passport cards cost less than passport books

They're only $30 for the application fee and $35 for the execution fee ($80 in savings). You'll be happy to know that both passport books and passport cards are valid for 10 years for those aged 16+ and for 5 years for minors.

What does a passport book and card look like?

Format and size

Passport books and passport cards have physical differences. Passport books are 3.5-by-5-inch booklets with blank pages for foreign immigration stamps and visas. Although they're pocket-sized, passport books are bulkier than passport cards, which are the size of a credit card or driver's license.

Can you use a passport card to fly to Cancun?

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.

Do you need a passport to go to Cancun?

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.

Can I use a passport card to go to the Bahamas?

Passport Requirements for the Bahamas

If you're traveling to the Bahamas by sea (as in a cruise), you can use a passport or substitute one of the following documents: a passport card. a Trusted Traveler card. an enhanced driver's license (sometimes called Real ID) with security features.

What countries accept the passport card?

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.

Can I use a passport card to fly to Jamaica?

For those traveling by sea, a passport card is acceptable for entry into Jamaica and return to the U.S. Passport cards are smaller and less expensive than full passports, and are accepted for travel by land or sea, but not air, within Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean islands.