Passport Card Vs. Passport Book: What’s The Difference?

You might not be aware that the U.S. State Department issues two kinds of passport documents: a passport card and a passport book, which can help you travel internationally.

There are several differences between the two documents you should look into before deciding which one to apply for your travels. Here’s what you need to know:

Physical Appearance Of A Passport Card And Passport Book

One of the most obvious differences between the two travel documents is their appearance. A passport card is made with plastic, like your ID card or driver’s license. However, a passport book is roughly the size of a wallet with some pages for visas and exit and entry stamps from foreign destinations.

Travel Destinations

You can travel to limited destinations on a passport card. These include United States territories like the Turks and Caicos Islands, Sint Maarten, Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, Saint Vincent, Saint Lucia, Grenada, British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, Barbuda, Antigua, and Anguilla, to name a few.

These destinations accept a passport card for entry by land or sea, but it’s not valid by air. You’ll need a passport book for that. You cannot travel to other countries on a passport card either. You’ll require a passport book with a visa and at least six months of validity from your departure date.

Will You Need A Passport Book Or A Card For A Cruise?

You can use your passport card if you’re traveling on a closed-loop cruise. However, you may need additional documentation like a driver’s license and proof of ID if the closed-loop cruise departs from a foreign port.

Also, we advise you to keep your passport book with you if you’re going on a closed-loop cruise if you need to disembark on foreign territory. If you only have a passport card, you may face delays in returning to United States soil.

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