You can just slip it in your wallet, right behind your drivers license. Passport book is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land. The most common visa types are tourist, student, work and transit visas. Passport books are likely what you think of when you imagine a passport a bookletstyle identification and travel document. Only available for passport book applicants in the united states not canada.
Most us passports have a dark blue cover, and contain 28 pages. 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 canada, mexico, bahamas and the caribbean. Air flight is not included so a passport book is needed, is this correct. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book. The passport card is not valid for international air travel. Apply for a passport card united states department of state. The us passport book vs passport card salon prive mag.
The most obvious difference between passport books and passport cards is the design, of course. Of the internal pages, 17 are blank pages marked visas that are meant for travel visas and country entry and exit stamps. Passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The us passport card is less expensive to get then passport book, and is much smaller. Adult passport cards remain valid for 10 years and cards issued to children under 16 years of age for five years. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Here are the countries and territories where a us passport card is valid. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Whether you get the passport book card both are valid for 10 years. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u.
It is not globally recognized document for travel and used in some areas of united states only. The passport card contains the same information as a passport book, with a size similar to a laminated stateissued drivers license. Both the passport book and passport card serve as proof of your u. 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 a us passport card, and how can you get one. Passport cards are also only valid in mexico, bermuda, canada and the caribbean. 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. Here is a table showing the principal differences between a passport book and a passport card. What is the difference between a passport book and. Today, united states citizens need a passport to travel to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. The us passport card is a credit card sized identification document. Differences between passport book and passport card. S citizens are encouraged to carry passports when sailing out of foreign ports.
Each type has a specific purpose and requires specific requirements be met in order to obtain it. Passport card says land or sea travel from us to canada, mexico and the caribbean. The difference between passport and passport card us. We hope this helped you to consider your options about a passport vs. What is the difference between a passport card or book. Passport is a must for any person that is looking to internationally travel via any means. A regular passport book has a blue cover and is issued with the standard 28 pages or nonstandard 52 pages.
The passport card contains a radio frequency identification chip as well as the traditional photograph and personal information found in a passport book. Whats the difference between a passport book and a. In july of 2008, due to requests from residents along us borders for a more portable and easier application process than a regular passport, the united states department of state began issuing passport cards, a wallet sized identity card usable for international travel by land and sea, valid only for travel to canada, mexico, the. You cannot use a passport card when traveling by air internationally. Can be used for international travel via land, sea, or air. The passport card is about the size of any credit card, and fits easily into your wallet for frequent travel. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. 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. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. Residency document rental or lease agreement, mortgage or utility bill, etc. Difference between passport book and passport card. Getting a 52page passport international travel news. The main difference between a visa and a passport is that a visa is an endorsement placed within a passport that grants the holder official permission to enter, leave or stay in a country for a specified time period.
The standard passport is 28 pages, and the nonstandard book is 52 pages. The us passport book vs passport card debate has many of us confused as to which one we should apply. However, sometimes the process of transport can be. 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. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. Difference between a passport book and passport card. Differences between a passport book and passport card.
Passport card basically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits well walk you through the basic differences of each of these documents, and help you determine which one is right for you. 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 is the difference between a passport and a visa. Passport book for reentry into the united states from any country. 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. A passport card, while cheaper, only works when entering the united states at landborder crossings and via ports of entry from canada, mexico, the caribbean and bermuda. Citizens can be issued with two types of passports. 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. Whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. However, the passport card cannot be used for travel by plane. The united states government issues a few different types of passports to american citizens. This is because a passport book is the booklet containing information about the person to whom it has been issued, which is in addition to a number of blank pages that can be used for travel visas as well as the stamps when said individuals enters and exits a country.
You must have the original copies of all required documents. What is the difference between a passport and a passport. Whats the difference between a us passport book and card. A name change document, like a marriage certificate, may also be required. 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. All american citizens are required to present a valid passport to exit and reenter the united states. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison diffen. Passport card was first issued by united states to its citizens for land and sea travel within north america canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. Whats the difference between passport book and passport card. The card format passport is for international travel by u. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to.
A passport book and a passport card serve the same purpose of attesting to your u. The walletsize passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. Here we are mentioning few basic differences between the two, which will help you to decide that. See below the differences between a passport book vs.
The current standard us passport has 28 pages, 18 of them blank. It may often be used as an identity card for purposes other than international travel, such as domestic air travel. To begin with, passport cards can not be used for air travel. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and is only valid in canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean. If you want a 52page passport book, be sure to check the appropriate box on form ds82. Us passport books and us passport cards the differences. The passport card is valid for up to 10 years if you are an adult, and allows you virtually unlimited travel to the caribbean, bermuda, mexico, and. Is the passport book number the same as a passport number. We want you to know about a few differences between the book. Depending on where you are traveling, a visa can be. The us passport card allows you to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at sea ports of entry, land border crossings and is more convenient and cheaper than a passport book. What is the differences between passport book vs passport.
The good news is a passport card is generally valid for the same time and has the same application process as a 26 or 52page passport book. What is the difference between passport book vs card. The other is the passport card, which is just like a drivers license. Proof of social security number ss card, a w2, or a pay stub with full ssn. This service is not available for passport card applicants. Enhanced drivers license many people may not know but depending on the. However, the passport book is valid for all forms of travel. Passport book is a traditional document but card is the new thing. 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. The main downside is that it can only be used for travel to canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermudanorth. The passport book is the same as the original passport you need it when youre going to travel by airplane. It was designed for people who travel frequently between the u.