Passport card vs passport book isnt the passport card restricted in some countries. Even closed loop cruises often require passengers to have a valid passport. The card provides a smaller, more convenient, and less expensive alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or sea. Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. The primary differences determine where and how the holder may travel. Daniel sellers decided to surprise his wife with a princess cruise to the caribbean.
However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Passport book vs passport card norwegian cruise line. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. Differences between passport book and passport card tweet key difference. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. Passport books or passport cards are both valid for 10 years after issue for adults, and five years for travelers under age 16. The passport card can be used for identification purposes. Passport card is a walletsize travel document that can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean whereas a passport book can be used for international travel to all destinations by air, land, or sea. I am in the process of getting passports for my kids and wondering if i should just get the card since it is cheaper.
The 4 kids need their passports renewed before our fall cruise. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. The passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. You did not indicate where your cruise is going to so i would check the locations in which the passport card is good for as from what i read they are only good for 34 places. You should take your photo id with you but you will not need your passport. To protect yourself against emergency situations, go with a passport book, which covers all international travel by air, sea or land. Would like opinions on the difference and if we should go with the passport card. The state departments website offers complete details and an online application form.
We would like to send my inlaws healthy 77 and 80 y. While there are similarities between a passport book and passport card, it is crucial that those holding either the passport book or card and individuals needing to obtain a passport for the first time know the differences. S citizens that want to travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Using a us passport card on a cruise flyertalk forums. Updated april 3, 2020 because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19, effective march 20, 2020, we are only able to offer inperson service at passport agencies or centers for customers with a qualified lifeordeath emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours. Mar 22, 2010 you will not need it to get off ship in any port because the cruise line will issue to each person in your family a cruise card that serves as your pass to get off and back on the ship at port stops. I just air on the side of caution and keep a booklet, even if they are more expensive. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license.
Gold country is a us state, so you neednt bother with an international id to enter. As it turned out, he was the one in for the unpleasant surprise. Do you frequently cross either the mexican or canadian border by car. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. Has anyone ever used one of the us passport cards for getting on a cruise ship.
However, people find a passport card more convenient and accessible when carrying. The passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or portsofentry by sea from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Cruises using a us passport card on a cruise anyone know for sure if a passport card may be used for a cruise. After he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just a passport card, he booked their tropical vacation.
If you are traveling outside the united states via air travel, you will still need a traditional passport book as a passport card is not valid for air travel. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a. Copyright 19992020 passports and all rights reserved. I understand they do not work for international air travel. The difference between passport and passport card us. This case is an unfortunate example of what can go wrong if you decide to cruise with just a passport card.
I want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin safe, and simply carry a photocopy of it when walking around in port, in case. In the event that you are traveling to canada to start your journey, you totally should.
However, if you get a passport card, it cannot be used for travel by air. Both documents are valid for 10 years for adults 16 and older, and 5 years for those under the age of 16. Also you can not use the passport card to fly into the us. People who scrimp on just the card rather than the book while going on a cruise, face problems if they get seriously ill.
Passport book vs passport card while there are similarities between a passport book and passport card, it is crucial that those holding either the passport book or card and individuals needing to obtain a passport for the first time know the differences. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Passport card vs passport book sep 16 cruise forum. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. Passport card vs passport book americas central america.
It is my understanding that it is better to have them in case of emergency. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via. Does anyone know if the usa passport card can be used for entry in to the dominican republic or does a visitor need the book. If for some reason while your on a cruise and you need to disembark unexpectedly and need to fly home from a foreign port only having a u. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. Passport card for a reduced fee if you only plan to travel by land or sea to and from canada, mexico, bermuda, or the caribbean nations.
These countries include canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Wouldnt be so bad if child passports lasted 10 years like the adult passport, but renewing them every 5 yea. The passport card is just as valid as a passport book good for 10 years for adults, 5 years for children. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. While the passport card is permissible for a cruise, you may want to reconsider getting the card over the book. One is a passport book, the traditional passport with the pages that get stamped. On a cruise that begins and ends in the us, us citizens can travel with a drivers license and a birth certificate, no passport book or card required. The passport book allows the holder to travel worldwide with proper visa and documentation, while the passport card only allows the holder to travel to and fro neighboring countries such as. I applied to renew my passport this past summer, and i had the option of applying for a just a passport book, or b both a passport book and also a passport card, which can be used in certain intercountry travel situations cant remember what situations either, but doesnt really matter as it is irrelevant to my question. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Feb 12, 2019 passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. While the whti requires a valid passport for land and sea travel, a final ruling was.
Can you use the passport card for travel to the bahamas. You should know there are restrictions on a passport card. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card. If i have the passport card does that slow things down. At the end of the month, jetblue will make history with the first noncharter direct commercial flights from the us to cuba in almost 50 years. Vip passports and visa services united states passport agency specializes in american passports, us passports, passport renewals, passport applications, passports forms, birth certificates, notary services, visas, and passports in less than 24 hours.
Difference between passport book and passport card. Passport card can be used to enter the united states. The passport card is good for land border crossing between the us, canada, and mexico and sea cruise border crossings in the caribbean and bermuda. Department of state of the views or products contained therein.
It was introduced on july 18th, 2008 and over 7 million passport cards have been issued since then. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. It is also used for domestic travel to countries by land or sea. In any case, if your journey schedule makes them leave from vancouver or going to some other canadian port, you should have a valid passport book or card. I heard you can get a passport card instead of a passport book for a. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more portable alternative to the passport book. I will be on the wonder s caribbean cruise in january 2010. Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country.
Our cruise leaves long beach, ca and heading for ensenada mexico then back to long beach. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to indicate that you would like to apply for both products. H ave you ever wished your passport could fit inside your wallet. What is the difference between a passport book and. Difference between passport book and passport card can be a new subject to you if you are not a citizen of the united states of america.
In october 2015, ireland became one of the first countries in the world to launch a passport card. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. Passport book vs passport card i f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the u. Cdc notes that older adults and travelers with underlying health issues. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Ask your cruise line what identification you will need. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes.
A passport card is more affordable than a passport book. Launching the irish passport card department of foreign. Find out if you need a passport to go on a cruise celebrity cruises. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. A passport card only applies to land or sea travel to. Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. Passport requirements cruise to the edge march 27 april 1, 2020.
Passport cards cruisemates cruise community and forums. But, its recommended that you travel with a passport card or passport book as well. While the book can still be used to cross by land into canada or mexico, it can be a little cumbersome to carry a full book when a card conveniently fits in any wallet. A passport book is good for all international and air travel. Jun 23, 2009 the walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. The passport book is valid for all international travel. Youll use the same form that you would use to apply for a passport bookeither a. We fly from maryland to florida where we board our ship and sail to the bahamas.
That means you cannot use the passport card for air travel. Find uses and advantages of a passport book and a passport card and figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both documents. Passport book and passport card are two terms that are often used these days by many citizens of the united states who are applying for a passport for the first time. Aug 22, 2016 passport card is a walletsize travel document that can be used for land or sea travel to canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean whereas a passport book can be used for international travel to all destinations by air, land, or sea. But before you go, here are 5 things you need to know about cubas passport requirements, cuban travel visas and how to travel to cuba legally as an american citizen. The united states passport card is an official identity and limited travel document issued by the united states federal government in the size of a credit card. The passport card allows irish citizens to travel to 31 countries, including european union member states, the european economic area eea countries, and switzerland, without needing to carry their passport book. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. Currently, all citizens of the united states need a one or the other for international travel, even to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. It is imperative to understand what the is the difference between a passport book vs card. Its only good in north america, the caribbean, mexico and bermuda, and it cant be used for air travel good for land and sea only. Jun 02, 2018 while the book can still be used to cross by land into canada or mexico, it can be a little cumbersome to carry a full book when a card conveniently fits in any wallet.
You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time using either form ds11 apply in person or form ds82 renew by mail must be eligible. What is the difference between a passport and a passport. Mar 01, 2010 you only need a drivers license wphoto and birth certificate if its a closed loop cruise and your a us citizen. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via cruise. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship. And after he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just. The passport card is commonly requested by travelers that are planning to go on a cruise. If you plan to travel then get a passport not a passcard that is the correct name, there is no such thing a a passport book, there is a passport and a passcard. I am thinking of getting one, in addition the my passport book, as an easier form of id for getting onto the ship and domestic flight. Can we use the card or does it need to be the passport book.
Using a passport book is the easiest, especially if due to unforeseen circumstances you do need to fly home, but if you dont have a passport book, it isnt like they arent going to let you in. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. A passport book functions in all ways a passport card is used and there is no need to obtain a passport card if you already have a passport book. I heard you can get a passport card instead of a passport book for a cruise, is that true.
The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. This new travel document can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry. The passport card is not good for any international air travel, and can only be used for ground or sea entry from canada, mexico, and select caribbean countries. Oct 07, 2017 if for some reason while your on a cruise and you need to disembark unexpectedly and need to fly home from a foreign port only having a u. Both a passport card and passport book are valid for ten years before youll need to. During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin safe, and simply carry a photocopy of it when walking around in port, in case of an emergency. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. May 17, 2011 i want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october. No passport card can be used for international air travel, even to a country that does allow entry with a passport card by land or sea. The passport card is the size of a drivers license and is used for convenience as it is smaller and cheaper than the passport book. Differences between passport book and passport card. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The passport card is a walletsize identification card with your picture, information, and barcode.
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