In general, everyone must have a passport book or a regular passport to travel from one country to another. But the U.S. citizens will have an option of making use of the lighter, smaller passport card, in case they are going to travel by sea or land to particular countries. Basically, a passport card is very much less cost than, getting a passport book.
The major reason for this is – the passport card is legal only for traveling to Mexico, Caribbean islands and Canada. On the same case, the passport book is legal and valid to travel in any countries. It is also must one in international flights. Below, you can find the comparison chart of both the USA Passport book Vs Passport card.
U.S Passport Book Vs Passport Card: What is the Difference Between
Validity of the passport book and passport card
Passport book: It is valid at all type of transportation modes. It is required during the international travel via air, land or sea.
Passport card: It is not valid at all type of transportation modes. It is required during the international travel via land or sea only. Passport cards are not acceptable in international flights. It is a strict rule which is followed in the USA.
Validity duration of passport book and passport card
Passport book: For adults, around 10 years, the passport book is valid. For minors under the category of age 16, around 5 years, the passport book is valid.
Passport card: For adults, around 10 years, the passport card is valid. For minors under the category of age 16, around 5 years, the passport card is valid.
NOTE: Minors are not allowed to travel alone by air, land or sea
Size of passport book and passport card
Passport book: When closed, the size of the passport book will be of 5” x 3.5”.
Passport card: It will be the size of a regular wallet only. It is very easy to keep in the pocket too.
Cost for new applicants of passport book and passport card
Passport book: For adults, the cost of the passport book will be around $135. For minors under the category of age 16, the cost of the passport book will be around $105.
Passport card: For adults, the cost of the passport card will be around $55. For minors under the category of age 16, the cost of the passport card will be around $40.
Renewal cost of the passport book and passport card
Passport book: As the validity is for around 10 years. After that, people have to renew their passport book in the passport office by paying the amount of $110 for renewal.
Passport card: As like the passport book, the card also must be renewed after validation gets completed. The cost of passport card renewal will be around $30.
Travel document of internationally accepted
Passport book: Yes, the passport book is acceptable at anywhere as proof. It is the top-notch travel document of internationally accepted.
Passport card: No, the passport card is not internationally accepted as a travel document.
What the passport book and passport card useful for?
Passport book: In order to travel internationally, it will be used. Especially by flights, the passport book will be used.
Passport card: People, who are living US border communities, can make use of the passport card.
Processing time of passport book and passport card
Passport book: The processing time of the passport book will be within 4 to 6 weeks. 2 weeks expedited is also there.
Passport card: The processing time of the passport card is also within 4 to 6 weeks. 2 weeks expedited is also there like a passport book
The passport card is generally asked for by explorers that want to go on a journey. It easily fits into the wallet (it is suggested that you keep the card itself inside the defensive sleeve it came in and place that in the wallet, only for security). Indeed, even shut circle travels frequently expect passengers to have a legitimate passport. The passport card is additionally practically difficult to fake.
It requires rounding out a different structure, anyway do it when you restore the passport. While the passport card is admissible for a travel, you might need to rethink getting the card over the book. The passport card additionally agrees to the original ID prerequisites so suppose you would prefer not to move to the DMV to grab an original ID consistent drivers permit or state ID, the passport card works similarly also. The U.S. Bureau of State prescribes the passport book as it is progressively flexible.
When To Take Both Passport Book And Passport Card:
- In case, if you want to enjoy or spend your international travel peacefully, you can take both the passport book and passport card along with you.
- The major reasons for this that, some countries may suggest you carry both. This is because, if you miss the passport book somewhere, at that time, you can able to make use of the passport card, even though it is not valid to travel in flight. It will be double security for travelers.
- This is an interesting reason – after reaching to the other country, sure you will get out and have a trip their locally. So, at that time, you can simply place a passport book in the locker room of the hotel and take the passport card along with you. As it is very small and tiny to get into the pocket, you can take it anywhere and at anytime. Simply, you can keep it in your wallet.
- So, it is always better to carry both the passport book and passport card along. Sure, the passport card will help in abroad as a replacement of the passport book.
Don’t miss:
- What To Do If Your Passport is Lost or Stolen While Traveling Abroad?
- The Best and Worst Days to Fly: The Ultimate Guide
- 10 Airport Tips to Help you Travel Like a Pro
Conclusion:
From the above mentioned scenario, you can able to know the major differences between the passport book and passport card. You would also have been founded the importance of both now.