I am virtually certain that after this trip their passports would never be used again. As it turned out, he was the one in for the unpleasant surprise. If youre traveling by land or sea, however, you dont have to have a typical passport the book kind. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. Find out if you need a passport to go on a cruise celebrity cruises. Passport cards are particularly handy for people who live close to the border and cross frequently or people who rarely travel but have decided to go on a cruise in mexico or the caribbean. Jul 30, 2018 i just renewed by passport and since it was only a few extra dollars, i went ahead and got both a book and a card. I just renewed by passport and since it was only a few extra dollars, i went ahead and got both a book and a card. 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. May 17, 2011 i want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. On a cruise that begins and ends in the us, us citizens can travel with a drivers license and a birth certificate, no passport book or card required.
Technically you dont need either for that cruise, just a bc and phot id. Beyond the fact that there are certain limits to where individuals can travel with their passport card, there are certain advantages to this form of identification. Isnt the passport card restricted in some countries. Passport book booklet style id travel document standard passport book. You only need a passport book if you travel by air. Passport card the standard passport book covers all the bases. Apply early for your passport, or make sure your current one will be valid.
There are always risks in losing your passport book if you bring it with you at ports in europe. Even closed loop cruises often require passengers to have a valid passport. My understanding is that the card works for sea ports. Can we use the card or does it need to be the passport book. As of march 25, 2020, post offices which are still accepting applications are requiring customers to make an online appointment to apply in. Do we need a passport book or can we use a passport card. However, i did not realize that the card is not valid for air travel. I just air on the side of caution and keep a booklet, even if they are more expensive. Passport cards are wallet sized while the passport book is larger and thicker. You can get a us passport card, whether or not you currently hold a passport book.
The cruise was worse since i spent most of time crying for my daughter and i went to all routes on the cruise, they chose to brush me off even hotel supervisor. While the passport card is permissible for a cruise, you may want to reconsider getting the card over the book. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to barbados. Card is for surface travel, drive or boat border crossings only. Passport card vs passport book sep 16 cruise forum. It is my understanding that it is better to have them in case of emergency. The passport card can be used for identification purposes. Passport cards and passport books are no exception. I want to get my 3 kids passports for our cruise in october.
After he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just a passport card, he booked their tropical vacation. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. If im flying domestically, driving over to canada, or leaving the ship in a caribbean port of call, id rather carry that than the more fragile and bulky passport book. Passport book vs passport card i f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place.
Passport card vs book princess cruises cruise critic. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot. The primary differences determine where and how the holder may travel. You need a passport for cruises to and from foreign ports. It is also used for domestic travel to countries by land or sea. Passport card can be a handy little form of id especially if you frequently cross our northern or southern borders by ground or sea. I currently have a passport card that was issued in june 2009.
From passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler. Passport card vs passport book cruise, cost, airline, 747. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via cruise. However, i would defer to the cruise compass and captains instructions at each port. Please remember that passport cards are not good for international air travel, so if you had to fly home mid cruise for some reason, you would need the passport book. The card provides a smaller, more convenient, and less expensive alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or sea. Using a passport book is the easiest, especially if due to unforeseen circumstances you do need to fly home, but if you dont have a passport book, it isnt like they arent going to let you in. However, i read on cruise critic that they recommend taking along your book in case there is a problem emergency and you. During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin safe, and simply carry a photocopy of it when walking around in port, in case. The passport card is a walletsize identification card with your picture, information, and barcode. Im not very familiar with the card but there is a decent price difference between the 2.
Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. So passport card land travel or only on a cruise leaving and arriving in the same us port, passport book overseas, or air travel. The passport card is commonly requested by travelers that are planning to go on a cruise. S by seaport, an emergency could cause you to need to fly home. But, the passport card can only be used for international travel by land and sea. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel. The only document acceptable for flying between any country is a passport book. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. A passport card is the same size as a drivers license, and is official proof of your identity and us citizenship. Passport card vs passport book for a cruise vacation. Can anyone confirm that they would be valid documentation for a rt panama canal cruise. While there are similarities between a passport book and passport card, it is crucial that those holding either the passport book or card and individuals needing to obtain a passport for the first time know the differences. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel.
May, 2019 in this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. In this case, you would apply for a passport renewal by mail. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Getting double or saving half on whatever you wish on your vacation is a wonderful option to have. Passport cardbasically 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. We are sailing on sov of seas in early july and i am getting the passports applications together. Many passport application acceptance facilities, which include libraries, clerks of court, and post offices, are not accepting u. How do i go about getting a new passport book since i have already sent my old passport book in with my application for the passport card.
Jul 27, 2019 after he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just a passport card, he booked their tropical vacation. Passport card can be used to enter the united states from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda at land border crossings or sea portsofentry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. To protect yourself against emergency situations, go with a passport book, which covers all international travel by air, sea or land. Find uses and advantages of a passport book and a passport card and figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both documents.
The passport card is a walletsize travel document that can only be used to reenter the united states at land bordercrossings or portsofentry by sea from canada, mexico, the caribbean, and bermuda. While theyre allowing the passport card for sea travel to the caribbean and bahamas, it has always really. May 11, 2017 from passport cards to global entry, which trustedtraveler program is right for you. I have a passport card but need a passport book to travel to. Passport book vs passport card for kids the dis disney. Yes, you can use your passport card in order to apply for a passport book. Remember, the passport card is not valid for international air travel. Many people wonder what the difference is between a passport card and a passport book. Our cruise leaves long beach, ca and heading for ensenada mexico then back to long beach. If you experience a medical problem and want to fly home, you need the book.
First of all, a passport card can be used for travel by sea to barbados. In this video we explore should you use a passport book or a passport card when you travel. If you only have the passport card, that wont be an option for you. Passport books are approved ids for domestic flights. Passport book vs passport card cruise critic community.
Dec 04, 2008 can i go on a cruise to the bahamas in february with the passport card i know you cant fly with it and im ok with that for now. As with a passport book, a nonexpired passport card can serve as your proof of identity and citizenship. Can anyone confirm that they would be valid documentation for a. However, applicants must first understand the passport card vs passport book debate before they choose which documentation is better for them. I noticed that you can now get a passport card which is valid for land or sea travel only. This case is an unfortunate example of what can go wrong if you decide to cruise with just a passport card. Oct 05, 2018 if so, youve probably noticed the option for a passport card. Even closed loop cruises often require passengers to have a valid. The passport card is good for land border crossing between the us, canada, and mexico and sea cruise border crossings in the caribbean and bermuda.
But, the passport book will still travel with me on cruises, too. If you have a passport book and you are eligible to use form ds82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport card. Feb 12, 2019 passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. Sep 09, 20 the only document acceptable for flying between any country is a passport book. We are traveling with a 4 and 2yearold on a disney cruise. Can i go on a cruise to the bahamas in february with the passport card i know you cant fly with it and im ok with that for now. But if something happened while you were on the cruise and you had to fly back or something, that you needed the passport book. Because of its small size, the passport card will fit in your wallet, as opposed to a passport book which can be impractical to carry around with you. How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. The card has the same validity period as a passport book. Given that the card is not good for international air travel, if youre going to the trouble of getting the cards, perhaps you should consider spending a few more dollars and get.
Now you are on a cruise, get hurt and have to fly home from a foreign country. If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. Passport book vs passport card while there are similarities between a passport book and passport card, it is crucial that those holding either the passport book or card and individuals needing to obtain a passport for the first time know the differences. Cruises using a us passport card on a cruise anyone know for sure if a passport card may be used for a cruise. Click here for detailed travel documentation information before you complete your online checkin form. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card. If youre thinking of going on a cruise, the passport card might be nice when you need a from of identification to get on and off the ship. There are several options when it comes to forms of identification for travel.
A passport book can also be used as your id for domestic air travel. Difference between a passport book and passport card. Passport card or book for my kids to go to the bahamas via. A nonexpired passport book can be used as valid proof of identity and citizenship. I am taking a cruise to mexico and i intend to travel with my passport card because im traveling by sea. Passport vs passport card royal caribbean discussion. There is also always a risk of missing your ship, and how much of a hassle will it be to be left behind without your passport book. The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. You should take your photo id with you but you will not need your passport. 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. The passport book is valid for all international travel.
Would i be better off getting the regular passport book. H ave you ever wished your passport could fit inside your wallet. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. Good morning, i am renewing my familys passports and was thinking of just getting the less expensive card version for my minor children as they are only good for 5 years anyway and are significantly cheaper. I will be needing to get a passport book within the next couple of years so i can travel to barbados. Mar 22, 2010 you should take your photo id with you but you will not need your passport. Most cruise lines do not require a passport at all if the cruise starts and ends in the same port in the united states however, if you miss the ship, have a death in the family, have a medical emergency, or miss the ship in a port you will need a passport book to. Using a us passport card on a cruise flyertalk forums. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book. Passport card vs passport book for a cruise vacation hunter. We fly from maryland to florida where we board our ship and sail to the bahamas.
During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin safe, and simply carry a photocopy of it when walking around in port, in case of an emergency. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. Passport card vs passport book carnival cruise lines. A passport card was created for the sole purpose of making it easier to drive from the united states to mexico or canada. These countries include canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Wondering whats the difference between a passport book and a passport card. Passport book vs passport card passporter a community. All guests must provide key personal information in advance of sailing. This case is an unfortunate example of what can go wrong if you decide to cruise with just a. To apply for or renew both the book and card, check the appropriate box at the top of the form to. Even if you are on a caribbean cruise and are expecting to reenter the u.