New US Passport Card

Although I still recommend getting a passport, this may be an option if you are planning to cruise from US ports. This can not be used for air travel, so please remember, if you need to fly home from your cruise from a Caribbean, Canadian, Bermuda or Mexican airport, this Passport Card will NOT be accepted.

Applications Now Available for U.S. Passport Card
Published on: January 28, 2008


U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning Feb. 1, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. The State Department said the cards should be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards. The passport card is being issued in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card will have the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five for children 15 and younger. For adults who already have a passport book, they may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20. First-time applicants pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children. Visit www.travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html.