If you are flying to jamaica, you must have a passport book with one blank page marked visas. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. 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. You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. I recently read an article on facebook about a lady whose daughter booked her and four of her friends on a weeklong vacation to turks and caicos. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book.
A passport card can only be used to travel by land or sea. I bet they will tell me to get the book but i think i will ask anyhow. The passport card is the size of a credit card and can easily fit in a wallet while the size of a passport is 5. The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16.
If you already have a passport book, you do not need a passport card to travel internationally. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. If you are flying by plane, a cape, a giant eagle, or anything for that matter, you have to get the passport book. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card.
Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Your us passport must be valid at the time of entry. I want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. What is the difference between a passport book and passport card.
I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. 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. Carry both the card and the passport book in case of an emergency and you need to fly home. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. A previous passport book holder, eligible to use form ds82, may apply for a passport card as a renewal. The passport card or formally known as the people access security service card pass is small in size compared to a passport. Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country. The passport book allows for all travel whether by air, land, or sea. I called the passport agency at 8774872778 to confirm thistwice. Aside from the size, a passport book and a passport card difference is that the latter cannot be used when traveling abroad via air, the passport book is required.
What is the difference between a passport and a passport. First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. Both passport books and cards are valid for 10 years. What is the difference between a passport and a passport card.
You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. Excellent form of official identification for children or nondrivers. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. Although not required on closed loop sailings, which call at foreign ports but sail roundtrip from the u. However, if youd like to get a passport card still, you can apply by completing the ds82 passport renewal form.
Here is a table showing the principal differences between a. 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. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Since the passport card is apparently worthless, it is better to leave that than your actual passport. Difference between passport book and passport card compare. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. However, since passport cards arent valid for flying, again i dont see how theyre helpful in that region. 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. For more information view our passport first time issuances and renewal instructions. The primary justification i had for doing so was tha. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport. The passport card is only for land and sea travel, which means there is no way travelers can use the passport card to board a plane. The difference between passport and passport card us.
The passport book and the passport card have the same validity which is 10 years for children 15 years old or younger, the validity is only 5 years. The passport card is smaller when compared to the size of passport book. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book allows for all travel whether by air, 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. A passport card is valid for travel to and from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda at land border crossings and sea portsofentry. Effective march 24, 2020, the issuance of passport books and cards has been suspended until further notice. 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. Passport, and those not eligible to use the form ds82, should apply for a passport card using form ds11. Save yourself hassle with expedited passport services if you dont have the time or patience for applying for your u. You will also need the passport book in order to receive a travel visa from countries that require an issue them.
The only reason youd most likely need a passport is if you got missed he ship for whatever reason. Passport card vs passport book americas central america. A passport card is less expensive than a traditional passport book. Passport requirements for visiting popular countries. Our guide will show you the uses and advantages of each document, and will help you figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both. Jun 23, 2009 the walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book.
As far as restrictions go, there are none with the passport book. The walletsized passport card is designed to be more convenient and less cumbersome than regular passports. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. 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. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. Its issued by the federal government, which is the only entity that can determine citizenship. It was introduced on july 18th, 2008 and over 7 million passport cards have been issued since then. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. Many foreign countries require nothing more for entry than a u. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. It is my understanding that it is better to have them in case of emergency. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. If youre leaving for an international trip, your passport is the one essential item you cant leave home. The us passport card does not contain any travel history and therefore officers should request a us passport book unless they are otherwise satisfied that the applicant continues to satisfy the residence requirement.
So as not to get confused anymore, here a few points to remember on how to distinguish use of each. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport cardbook for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. Also, if you get a passport card separately from your passport, it has a different number and expiration date also costs a bit more. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The us passport card is a small passport card, about the size of a credit card, that contains your photo and identifying information. Passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Whether you get the passport bookcard both are valid for 10 years. Differences between a passport book and passport card. 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. The difference between a passport book and passport card.
The fee to obtain a passport card and passport book also changes. If you are traveling by air or to most countries, you will need a traditional passport book, with pages for your various visas. Start today by applying for or renewing your passport. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the state that you live in a third option is available to you. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. The daughter booked everything through an online travel agency ota, which i will not name, but an ota is continue reading passport card vs. S citizens that want to travel by land or sea to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. But later it does talk about needed it to gain citizenship.
If you are entering jamaica by sea, you may use a passport card or a passport book, but passport books are preferred because entry officials may not be familiar with the us passport card. Is it worth it to get a passport card if you are already. May 17, 2011 i want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october. A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. 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 ports of entry. Some people are confused with the differences between a passport book and a passport card. You dont need to present a passport or the card when entering and exiting the ship. The card has the same period of validity as a passport book.
Oct 07, 2017 whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. Additionally, the passport card is a lot more economical than a traditional passport. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. The passport card is designed to be a less expensive and more. You can apply by mail using form ds82 if you have a passport book or card that. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Feb 12, 2019 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. The traditional passport book is still required for most travel purposes. If your travel plans take you to a country bordering the u. Since we all know how to acquire passport booklets, lets learn how to get hold of a passport card.
Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport card book for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. 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. What is the difference between a passport book and. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Passport card vs passport book canada immigration forum. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. While an enhanced drivers license does prove citizenship, the passport card is better because its more authoritative. For the love of physics walter lewin may 16, 2011 duration.
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