You may have heard that there is an alternative to the traditional passport book called a passport card, but what exactly is this card and how can you use it? Below the Swift Passport Services team has provided answers to commonly asked questions about US Passport Cards as well as less known information. If you’re considering this type of travel documentation, reading through these questions and answers will provide you with the information you need to decide if a card is right for you.
What is a US passport card?
The passport card is a travel document that can be used to re-enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and parts of the Caribbean. It is the size of a driver’s license and less expensive than a passport book, making it a more convenient option for travelers who are frequently crossing the border between these specific destinations. As you can imagine, US passport cards can be extremely useful for people who live near the Canadian or Mexican borders as well as travelers who frequently visit the Caribbean or Bermuda by sea.
Can I use a passport card to travel to any other country?
No. The passport card was specifically designed for people who frequently cross borders with neighbors of the US. The only approved way of getting back into the United States from other foreign countries is a standard passport book.
What if I'm flying to the US from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda?
A passport card cannot be used for air travel, only land or sea travel across US borders. If you intend to fly to one of the four destinations listed above, you will need a valid US passport book in order to reenter the country.
Do I also need a passport book if I have a passport card?
Your passport card can replace a regular passport book to get you back in the United States after visiting Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. However, if there are other destinations around the world that you would like to visit, you will need a passport book to visit these locations. Depending on where you go, you may also need a visa, which the team at Swift Passport can help you with.
Can you tell me how to get a passport card quickly?
Swift Passport Services can help you obtain a US Passport card not only quickly, but affordably. If you need to get your passport card in a hurry, we can even expedite the process to help ease your travel. To learn more about US passport cards and their use, contact Swift today. We are available to answer all of your questions and can walk you through the application process step-by-step.
