I lost my passport card, and i would like to apply for a new one to make use of the expedited rfid lanes at the mexican border. Sep 02, 2010 there is no reason to ever get a passport card, unless you only travel to canada, mexico or caribbean. The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the u. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. When it comes to the passport card versus passport book, the decision falls. Jul 26, 2019 however, if youre travelling internationally by air, youll need to apply for a passport book. To cross the borders into canada and mexico by land or by sea that is driving or cruising you currently need a passport, a passport card or a whticompliant document. You should know that the passport card is only valid for travel by land and sea within mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean, and you can not use it for air travel or for travel to other parts of the world. A passport book is valid for all types of travel land, sea or air to any destination. Apr 21, 2016 youll use the same form that you would use to apply for a passport bookeither a ds11 or ds82. Aug 18, 2016 the passport book allows for all travel, by air, land, and sea and youll need the passport book in order to receive a travel visa. The documents that will be needed for a passport card are. When you apply for a new passport, should you get a passport book or passport card.
Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport. Where to go when you dont have a passport travel news. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. If you plan to travel by air or wish to visit a country other than canada, mexico, bermuda or one of the other caribbean island nations, you should apply for a passport book instead. If you have also lost your passport book, please see our lost passport or stolen passport pages for details on how to replace your passport. If you still got any questions about whether you need a passport book or card, please contact travel visa pro. A passport book remains valid for all travel including land and sea travel. This was a telephone booking, i had never used this agency before and at the time of booking he didnt ask me for this information my husband received a telephone from the agency asking me to provide my details 24 hours later i was concerned that if this was a professional aboveboard agency, they would have asked for this. 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. The one time you dont need a passport to travel abroad. 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. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card.
Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport. The passport book covers international travel by land, air and sea. 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. 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. This means that you will be without it for the 46 weeks that it takes to process the application for a passport card. The only reason you d most likely need a passport is if you got missed he ship for whatever reason. However, if youre going on a caribbean cruise departing from the u. Applying for passport card wo giving up passport book. Should i get a passport card to go along with my passport. You cannot use the passport card for international air travel, nor can you use it for travel to other international destinations.
The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. Travel articles do you need a passport or a passport card. Depending on where you are traveling outside of the u. A travel agent told us we cant book flights for anyone who doesnt have a passport number because tsa can cancel the ticketno noticeno refundif there isnt one, as of nov. There are many reasons why you might need a us passport. If you re a citizen of the united states, and you re thinking about traveling to mexico, but you dont yet have a passport, you might consider getting a passport card instead of a regular passport book. Sherry housley and her daughter whitney had planned to to take a motherdaughter vacation by the ocean in cozumel, mexico.
I f you ve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, you ve come to the right place. Passport card is a cheaper option if you plan on traveling by land or sea to canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Jan 04, 2020 should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. After you become a citizen, you can apply for a passport card which can be used for travel between mexico, the caribbean, canada and the united states. Do you know the difference between a passport and a passport card. Now you need this most official document to fly across those borders as well. I use my passport for primary id have lost my backup, for which i dont qualify for anymore anyway. Department of state of the views or products contained therein. Oct 30, 2017 finally, if you return from mexico, you will need to provide your current green card when you arrive back in the united states. Reasons you would need a us passport usimmigration.
A passport allows you to travel in and out of the united states, and it provides a space for any visas you will need when traveling to foreign countries. Well, as i said in my original post, identity fraud is a concern. Passport renewal requirements if you can submit form ds82, you will not be required to pay the execution fee. Why some travelers will need a passport card for 2018. I would highly recommend applying for your passport book as it allows you more travel freedom. Ds11 only has options under have you ever had either a passport card book for no, loststolen, or submitted with application. Oct 19, 2017 everyone knows that you need a boarding pass and drivers license to pass airport security. Driving to canada is another option, since you wont need a passport for.
What is the difference between a passport book and passport card. For more information on applying for a new passport book or card, a renewal or other passport questions, please contact covingtons helpful business travel advisors. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. I recently got my very first united states passport, and i got a passport card at the same time. A passport is required for travel to the caribbean if you are visiting another country. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. Its always been this way, but next year, some travelers may also need a passport card. If you want to travel outside of the us, you will need either a valid us passport or a us passport card. On the form, you indicate that youre applying for a passport card by checking the appropriate box. Jun 02, 2018 whether you need a passport book or card for your travels, come on down to the nearest travel visa pro to discuss your options. 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. 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. Differences between a passport book and passport card. However, since passport cards arent valid for flying, again i dont see how theyre helpful in that region.
You dont need to present a passport or the card when entering and exiting the ship. A protective rfidblocking sleeve is provided with each passport card to protect against unauthorized reading or tracking of the card when it is not in use. Should americans have both a passport book and a passport card. Note, however, that you will have to submit your most recently issued passport book. If you are traveling within north america and are not traveling by air, you can use the new us passport card, which is simpler and less expensive to apply for. Passport card uses a different passport number, and a rfid chip with your biometric data, but cannot by itself be used to fly intoout of the usa. However, if you re going on a caribbean cruise departing from the u. A government issued id is no longer valid for any international travel.
Youll use the same form that you would use to apply for a passport bookeither a ds11 or ds82. I went ahead and booked the rest of us online and was never asked for passport numbers. The passport cards are ideal for those walking or driving across the border frequently or visiting the caribbean and bermuda by boat. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. You should know that the passport card is only valid for travel by land and sea within mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean, and you can not use it for air travel or for travel to other. Everyone knows that you need a boarding pass and drivers license to pass airport security. In general, if you are a us citizen, you should secure a us passport as soon as you can. While having a us passport card is great and affordable, if you need an emergency trip home, you may decide that a us passport book is more your liking. While the passport card is more convenient due to its size, it is far more restricted in use than the passport book. A passport book is required for all international travel by air. I know there used to be info on this somewhere, but i cant find it. Sep 30, 2015 the passport book covers international travel by land, air and sea. It is primarily used for travel to mexico, canada, the caribbean and bermuda since 911 and also for cruises, or to use as a form of proof of identity.
To enter the united states at land border crossings or sea portsofentry from canada, mexico, the. Kids, including babies, who are american citizens need a passport for international travel, though exceptions exist for travel to canada and mexico. You can apply for both the book and card with the same application but it is not requried that you obtain both. 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. Travel to mexico do i need a passport for travel to mexico. Do you need a passport number before booking flights. You will need to report the loss of your passport card by calling 8774872778 or by filling out the lost passport report form ds64 and mailing it to the address on the form. If a passport card is something that would be useful for you, or if you are in need of a new or renewed passport within 14 days or less, please visit our website or any of our locations. Americans always need a passport to travel by air, although us and canadian citizens can visit each others countries with. When you prepare for a trip abroad, the one essential item you need to pack isnt your wallet, toothbrush, or even a pair of underwearits your passport. Travelbuzz applying for passport card wo giving up passport book.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the u. State department and department of homeland security, and is part of the western hemisphere travel initiative. You ll need evidence of citizenship for your child, proof that you are the childs parent, and you ll need to show that you consent to the passport. No one expects an emergency, and whether you plan or not plan to travel by air, you will require a us passport book.