US Passport Card vs. Passport Book

The US Government has a new, lower cost option for travelers who will *not be flying internationally*. It's called the Passport Card and costs less than a regular Passport Book, though for anybody who thinks they are likely to fly internationally - including to or from Canada or Mexico, needs a full blown US Passport book.

Not sure about future travel plans? I'd say go ahead and get the book rather than the card. Wait times on Passports can be up to a month or even longer, so if opportunity strikes and you get a chance to travel internationally don't be caught without the proper documentation. An exception here might be for children or people who have absolutely no interest in flying internationally - in that case the card may save you over half the cost of a full Passport.

The following is from the US Government Passport website:


THE U.S. PASSPORT CARD IS NOW IN PRODUCTION!

We began production of the U.S. Passport Card on July 14, 2008. To date, we have issued over 700,000 U.S. Passport Cards. Applications for the U.S. Passport Card are being processed in approximately 3 weeks from the time of application.

The wallet-size passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book. However, the U.S. Passport Card cannot be used for international air travel. 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.

Note: A current or previous passport book holder, who is eligible to use Form DS-82 , may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail. First time applicants for a U.S. Passport, and those not eligible to use Form DS-82, must apply for a passport card in person using Form DS-11.

The card has the same period of validity as the U.S. Passport Book: 10 years for an adult and 5 years for minors under age 16. The card costs $45 for a first-time adult passport applicant and $35 for all minor applicants under age 16, regardless of whether they are previous passport book or card holders. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal by mail and pay only $20.

Passport Required !

Travel Passport Requirements tighten up on September 30 when you can no longer use your *application* in lieu of a Passport for travel in Western Hemisphere. This passport application exception was instituted earlier this year due to the huge passport application backlog that was created when the US decided to require passports for travel to Canada and Mexico. In the past US citizens could visit Mexico and Canada without any paperwork.

For all details check the USA Passport website

To avoid potential delays and problems it is advisable to have a current passport even if you are not currently planning any international trips but might possibly travel internationally over the next few years.

Passport Rule Change for AIR Travel to Mexico, Canada, Carribbean.

Passport rules have been relaxed for air travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. My understanding is that you can still travel to Canada and Mexico by sea or by car *without* a passport until January of 2008. However given the slowdowns, bottlenecks, and government confusion it's a very good idea for anybody who thinks they might be heading out of the country over the next few years to .... get a passport. Go to the official US passport site HERE for more information about getting a passport.

From US Passport Official Website:

U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda who have applied for but not yet received passports can nevertheless temporarily enter and depart from the United States by air with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007