International traveling is an exciting experience, but it can also be a bit complex. One of the most critical steps in your journey is obtaining the correct passport for your needs. To avoid issues like lost or stolen documents, keeping your passport safe and secure when traveling is essential.
Read more: Lost Your Passport In Another Country- What Happens Now?
A passport book and a passport card both serve the same purpose of allowing international travel, but they have several key differences that can impact what is best for you. Here, we will explain the critical differences between a passport book and a passport card, so you can decide which is right for you.
What Is a Passport Card?
A passport card is a wallet-sized version of the traditional passport book. It looks like a driver’s license but contains personal information and a chip that holds digital data — including your name, date of birth, and nationality — that can verify your identity when traveling between countries in the Western Hemisphere.
What Is a Passport Book?
A passport book is a formal document with the bearer’s name, photo, and identifying information. It includes numerous pages for stamps to indicate entry and exit from different countries. A passport book is required if traveling by air or on an ocean-going vessel, even if you only plan to visit Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean region.
Key Factors That Differ Between a Passport Card and a Passport Book
A few key factors differentiate a passport card and a passport book. The United States Department of State issues both documents, but they have different uses, costs, and features.
1) Border Entry: The most significant difference between the two is that a passport book allows you to travel internationally by air, land, and sea, while a passport card only allows land and sea entry into Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean countries.
2) Cost: A passport book typically costs around $145 for adults and $115 for minors, while the card only costs around $65 for adults and $50 for minors.
3) Size: A passport book is the size of a regular booklet, while the card is only the size of a credit card, making it easier to carry around.
4) Features: A passport book includes 32 pages, while the card has no pages at all. The book also contains more detailed personal information, such as a signature and date of birth, while the card only contains primary biographical data.
5) Validity: Both documents typically have the same validity period of 10 years from the date of issue.
How To Choose: Passport Book or Passport Card?
If you’re traveling internationally by air, a passport book is necessary as its larger size allows more space for stamps and visas. Similarly, a passport book is the best option if your destination requires a visa or if you are visiting more than one country. Some people prefer a passport book for organizing and tracking stamps.
Whether you’re planning a quick trip across the border or an extended stay overseas, ensure that you have the appropriate documentation for international travel. For expedited passport service in Roswell, GA, contact Passport Express. We assist travelers in obtaining the travel documents they need quickly and hassle-free.
