Passport card?

[Headshrinker]

Does anyone have any knowledge about getting a passport card instead of a traditional passport? My family is taking a cruise in the Caribbean in April, and my wife's friend suggested that the children might get the card instead because it was much less expensive and good for five years.

[PolishMike]

I thought it only worked for Canada and Mexico?

[Etschell]

i wouldnt do it, it can only be used from land and sea ports of entry (canada, mexico, bermuda, Caribbean) and not for international air travel.

that said in person for someone under 16 it is $40 bucks all in.

[Boothroyd]

It's the same process and forms for requesting a Passport card as a regular passport. Just check a different box if you only want the Passport card.

Edit: I didn't get one as I have an Enhanced Driver's License also, which lets me cross Canadian/Mexican border when driving.

[bdex75]

And if I remember right 5 year renewal
Is standard for anyone under 16?? Where as yours would be good for 10.

If this is a once in a lifetime trip I would say ok. But as boarder security becomes increasingly scrutinized by the new administration if further traveling is planned I may just get a regular passport.


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[sco]

Get the real passport. The cards are not valid everywhere like the traditional passport. Avoid any potential vacation issues.

[GB-man]

I have both because I live right on the Canadian border. It's very convenient for me to have the card, they call it an "enhanced" license here in New York.

[Runnin' Rebel]

It's good for 10 years. I don't drive to Mexico or Canada and I hate cruises. And come to think of I've never used it. Would I get it again, probably it was only $US30.00.

And maybe for emergencies like if a country was invaded and couldn't get my passport out of a bank and I needed to get in an embassy, it's fits right in my wallet. Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. It's good for TSA ID too

[rr-nyc]

We have one for our son. We applied for the passport and passport card at the same time. If you're going to apply for a passport card, you'll might as well apply for both at the same time

You can also get an enhanced state issued ID that works for border crossing and cruises as well.

If you take a flight, you need the actual passport

And yes, passport and passport cards are only valid for 5 years for kids under 16

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I have both because I live right on the Canadian border. It's very convenient for me to have the card, they call it an "enhanced" license here in New York.

State issued enhanced IDs and drivers licenses are way more convenient and quicker to get but they are different than the passport cards issued by the dept of state

[Headshrinker]

Thank you all for your information, gentlemen. I should probably get regular passports, just for safety reasons.

[Rolex addict]

A regular passport is the way to go. It's a pain to go somewhere for "passport photos", but worth it.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

A regular passport is the way to go. It's a pain to go somewhere for "passport photos", but worth it.

Especially when they say "sir you cannot take the photo with your bike wheel in the frame"

[benvh]

When I got Global Entry last year they sent me an ID card for use at land border crossings in Canada and Mexico. You could get a regular passport and if you choose to get Global Entry, get an ID card with the price of admission. (Please double check this as I'm not 100% sure this card is good all by itself).

Ben

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by Etschell

Especially when they say "sir you cannot take the photo with your bike wheel in the frame"

It goes more like "Sir, spandex isn't appropriate for any adult to wear in public. Please put on some clothes."

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

It goes more like "Sir, spandex isn't appropriate for any adult to wear in public. Please put on some clothes."

What's with all the logos on the spandex. Can't imagine people who ride are all sponsored or anything.

[James K]

There's some ports of call that won't accept the passport card for entry into their country. It's about $60 more per person for the traditional passport, both will be good for 5 years because they're minors. The passport book is nice because there's no limitations and it's a nice souvenir after travel and expiry with passport stamps in it from countries visited.

[Demosthene]

Just get a passport, it's the only option recognised everywhere internationally.

[swils8610]

Be safe and get a regular passport.


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[GB-man]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

State issued enhanced IDs and drivers licenses are way more convenient and quicker to get but they are different than the passport cards issued by the dept of state

Ahh I see.

[Muzz]

My kids have full passports just easier. I have Nexus and APEC cards along with a couple of passports.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by Etschell

What's with all the logos on the spandex. Can't imagine people who ride are all sponsored or anything.

Most of those are clubs or regional teams and they are partially sponsored. Cycling clothes are not cheap. Those logos are advertising for businesses and it helps offset the cost. Have you seen the kits that Dr. Tom has made? He has been very generous and given me two. I'll wear the jersey during the bike portion of Kona.

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by sco

Get the real passport. The cards are not valid everywhere like the traditional passport. Avoid any potential vacation issues.

This !!!

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

Most of those are clubs or regional teams and they are partially sponsored. Cycling clothes are not cheap. Those logos are advertising for businesses and it helps offset the cost. Have you seen the kits that Dr. Tom has made? He has been very generous and given me two. I'll wear the jersey during the bike portion of Kona.

Nope, I have not.

Just remember bike tires are no match for lava!

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by Etschell

Nope, I have not.

Just remember bike tires are no match for lava!

No, they are not. The OP is very familiar with tubular wheels and most likely why disk wheels aren't allowed at Kona. Many years ago during the race, a competitor with a tubular disk (tire is actually glued to the rim) rolled the tire off the rim because 1) the pavement was so hot out in the lava rock and 2) extremely strong crosswinds.

[USALV]

Originally Posted by superstarmar

This !!!

[USALV]

Originally Posted by Etschell

i wouldnt do it, it can only be used from land and sea ports of entry (canada, mexico, bermuda, Caribbean) and not for international air travel.

that said in person for someone under 16 it is $40 bucks all in.

I agree with you.

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by sco

Get the real passport. The cards are not valid everywhere like the traditional passport. Avoid any potential vacation issues.