The US Department of State issues passport cards for US citizens to use instead of a standard passport for certain types of international travel. The card is valid for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The card is less expensive and more convenient for travelers who frequently visit nearby international destinations. The application process is the same as for a standard passport. The passport card is especially useful for those who frequently drive to neighboring countries or travel on cruise ships.
A passport card is a form of identification issued by the United States Department of State that United States citizens can use in lieu of a standard passport for certain types of international travel. While the card is not valid for air travel, those traveling by land or sea can use the card to re-enter the United States from certain countries. As of 2011, the card can be used to travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The card’s purpose is primarily convenience for travelers who may not want to carry around a bulky passport all the time for travel to nearby international destinations. The passport card is less expensive than a standard passport, although citizens who are looking to obtain a passport at the last minute should be aware that passport cards cannot be sent by overnight mail.
Historically, citizens of the United States have not needed to carry a passport when visiting many countries close to the United States. For example, when visiting Canada or Mexico, people often only needed to show some type of photo ID to re-enter the United States at the end of their trip. While some citizens have chosen to carry a passport with them, particularly when in doubt as to their nationality, they were not required by law to do so. Terrorism concerns have led to tougher port control laws, such as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which requires citizens to present a passport when re-entering the United States after visiting any country. The procedure for applying for a passport card, as well as the documentation that must accompany the application, is the same as applying for a standard passport.
For many travelers, carrying a book-style passport on all trips has become cumbersome, as books are relatively large and don’t fit easily into wallets. The State Department has decided to begin issuing the passport card for those who wish to avoid carrying around a book-sized passport for travel to neighboring nations that can be accessed without resorting to air travel. The passport card is especially useful for US citizens who frequently drive to Mexico or Canada for business, as the card can be kept in a wallet along with the traveller’s driver’s license. Another population that typically appreciates the passport card are cruise ship travelers who generally prefer not to be burdened with a thick passport book while visiting ports of call.
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