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.
Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your U.S. citizenship and identity and thus can be used as an alternative form of ID. But, if you intend to travel outside those 20 nations or via plane within the next 10 years, the booklet proves necessary.
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.
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.
While customers rarely have two passport books, they commonly have both a passport book and a passport card. The passport book is valid for all types of travel. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.
No matter where in the world you're traveling or by what means of transport, your passport book will be accepted as valid identification. But you have to pay fees for that flexibility. A passport book for adults is valid for 10 years and costs $145 for the first one and $110 for renewals.
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.
To learn more about the U.S. passport card visit travel.state.gov. Valid for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. A passport card can be used as ID for domestic flights. It cannot be used for international air travel.
Many forms of photo identification are accepted by the Bahamian government, including enhanced driver's licenses, passport books, and passport cards.
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.
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.
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.
The following must be accepted as sufficient documentary evidence of citizenship: (1) A U.S. passport, including a U.S. Passport Card issued by the Department of State, without regard to any expiration date as long as such passport or Card was issued without limitation. (2) A Certificate of Naturalization.
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.
While sailing in the Caribbean, you don't typically get your passport stamped as Customs usually clears the entire ship, not each individual person. But, with just a little bit of effort, there are several ports where you can get passport stamps.
PRO: The Passport Card is an excellent way to legally visit the following by land or sea: Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, ...
Passport cards can be used as a travel document for cruises but cannot be used when travelling by air, so a passport book is the best option in case a passenger must return home by air due to unforeseen circumstances.
Whether you have the jumbo passport or not, if you run out of blank pages for stamps the only option is to purchase a new passport. Everyone should have at least two blank pages when they travel to allow plenty of room, and if you don't have this, your passport could become invalid.
You should only carry your passport with you when you need it – otherwise, it should stay locked up. If you're going to take your passport with you, always keep it in a location that is hard to get to. If you carry it in your purse or travel bag, keep it zipped up in an internal pocket within your bag.
Japanese citizens now hold the most passport power, as they are able to enter 193 nations visa free, or with visa-on-arrival. South Korea and Singapore hold joint second place, with both countries' passports enabling their citizens to access 192 nations without restrictions.
Americans can travel to most European, Caribbean, and Central and South American countries without a visa, along with many other popular tourism destinations. Countries that U.S. passport holders need visas to enter include Russia, India, China, Vietnam, Turkey, and more, and others require e-visas to visit.
North Korea is by far the most difficult country to get a visa to visit as a tourist. To get a visa to North Korea, you have to apply for the visa through a tourist agency that has state-approved tours.
By Air: All travelers to Cancun by air must hold valid passports. Unlike road travel, where you can use a passport card or a book, you must have a valid passport book. This regulation also applies to minors.