You’ve been invited to a destination wedding and are eagerly awaiting some fun in the sun as you celebrate. It’s imperative to have the correct travel documents for your trip but knowing which documentation you need can be confusing. Your passport acts as your identification when you travel outside of the United States. It’s also the key to your re-entry back into the country. Here are the differences between a passport book and a passport card so you can determine which one you’ll need for your upcoming trip.
An Overview
There are two versions of a passport issued by the U.S. Department of State: a traditional passport book and a passport card. You’ll notice the passport book has multiple pages for stamps upon entry into a country. A passport card looks similar to an ID and is about the size of a credit card. Attaining one or the other will depend on where you’re headed and the type of trip you’re taking.
The Passport Book
The passport book will cover you wherever you decide to go. It’s all the U.S. government requires to travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. It’s also what most foreign countries require U.S. citizens to carry as well, with a small number of countries requiring visas. For first-time applicants, you can expect to spend $165 on application and processing fees. While that might seem like a pretty penny, your passport book is valid for ten years if you’re an adult and five years if the traveler is under 16.
Some countries may not let you enter unless your passport is valid for at least 6 months after returning home and has 2 or more blank pages. Your passport can also not be damaged in any way.
The Passport Card
A passport card is only valid for land border crossings from Canada and Mexico and sea ports of entry from the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Mexico. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel. For a first-time passport card applicant, the cost is $65 and is also valid for ten years for adults and five years for kids under the age of 16.
Which Passport Should I Use?
The passport book is almost always your best bet, especially if you’re traveling for a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean. Remember, the passport card is not valid for international air travel.
Preparing for Travel
As soon as you receive your wedding invitation, locate your passport to see if you need to renew. Check the condition of the passport and the expiration date. Make sure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months after your trip.
If you don’t already have a passport book, now is the time to apply. Processing times can be long and you don’t want to leave this to the last minute. Be sure to make your air and hotel reservations in the same name that’s listed on your passport.
For more information on applying for your passport, or which travel documents are needed for your trip, email me today at kate@katestravel.com.
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