What is a passport card vs book?

The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land. The passport book is the only document approved for international air travel.

Do I need both the passport book and card?

Both the passport card and passport book are proof of your U.S. citizenship and identity and thus can be used as an alternative form of ID. But, if you intend to travel outside those 20 nations or via plane within the next 10 years, the booklet proves necessary.

Is it worth getting a passport card?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights. Use the passport card when entering the United States at land-border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Do not use it for international air travel.

What is a passport card good for?

The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card CANNOT be used for international travel by air.

Why would you want both passport book and card?

Passport cards have specific travel purposes

You're golden. Passport books allow U.S. nationals to travel by land, air, and sea to a cornucopia of countries all over the world. Whereas with passport cards, they are not valid for international air travel.

Passport card vs passport book

Can I fly to Mexico with a passport card?

U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

Can I use passport card instead of real ID?

A passport card can be used as ID for domestic flights. It cannot be used for international air travel. Fits in your wallet, same size as a driver's license or legal permanent resident card. The cost for first time applicants is $65 for adults and $50 for children under age 16.

Can you go on a cruise with a passport card?

You can use a passport card as legitimate identification on your cruise if you're sailing exclusively to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries. As you'll be re-entering the U.S. through a seaport, the customs and immigration officials at the port will recognize your passport card as a valid travel document.

Do I need a passport for domestic flights?

We may ask to see your drivers licence or passport, but we will also accept your Airpoints™ or Koru card, a major credit card with your name on it, birth certificate or a Community Services card. If you're travelling with someone else's children, you may need to provide proof of identification.

Why is the US passport card not valid for air travel?

Because the passport card will be specifically designed to facilitate land and sea border crossings, it is not compatible with the global air environment, which is already set up for passport books.

Can you smile in a passport photo?

PASSPORTS photos aren't allowed to contain a smile for a surprising reason. Passport photos are rarely very flattering, due to the strict rules regarding what is acceptable. Having hair away from the face and no smiling are just some of the regulations need for a passport to be valid.

Do I need a passport to fly domestic in US 2021?

As of February 2021, there are no states that require passports from U.S. citizens to fly domestically. Your airline or the TSA should never ask you to present a valid passport. Of course, you can always carry it with you for additional identification in case you lose your other forms of ID.

What do you need to fly on a plane in 2021?

You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified.

What color shirt should I wear for passport photo?

DO consider wearing a color other than black or white. Your photo will have a plain white background, so a colored shirt will help ensure your photo doesn't look washed out.

How much is a passport book vs card?

A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but can't be used for air travel and is only valid in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Passport cards cost $65 for first-time passport holders, while passport books cost $145.

Do I need a negative Covid test to fly?

Airlines must confirm the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding. If you choose not to present a test result or documentation of recovery, the airline must not allow you to board.

Do you have to show ID on domestic flights?

You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified.

How long do you need to be at the airport before a domestic flight?

A good rule is that an optimal arrival time at the airport is at least one hour in advance of domestic flights and at least two hours in advance of international ones.

Can I get off the cruise ship in The Bahamas without a passport?

If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you'll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.

Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

If you are aboard a Caribbean closed-loop cruise, (a cruise that departs and ends at the same U.S. port), you can travel with a state-issued ID (for example: your driver's license) and an original birth certificate. You must have both of these documents in order to be able to travel without a passport.

Can felons get a passport?

According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly in 2021?

No, your driver's license does not need to be a REAL ID to get you on a domestic flight yet. In 2021 DHS said only 43% of driver's licenses were REAL IDs. If you want to use your license to fly in the U.S. after May 2023, it will need to be a REAL ID.

Can I use passport card to fly to Jamaica?

For those traveling by sea, a passport card is acceptable for entry into Jamaica and return to the U.S. Passport cards are smaller and less expensive than full passports, and are accepted for travel by land or sea, but not air, within Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean islands.

Can you use a passport card to fly to Cancun?

Flying Into/Out of Mexico

US citizens of any age flying to or from Mexico must have a US passport book, no exceptions. You should be aware that the US passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The Passport Card is designed for frequent travelers by land and sea to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean.