Passport Card vs. Passport Book , which is best for you?As summer vacation time approaches, it’s the time that applications for passports begin to pick up for those family vacation plans. This time last year was a huge headache for anyone traveling outside of the country and did not have a passport. This year travelers are faced with a new dilemma. Passport Books vs. the Passport Card. Travel Agents are in the position of explaining what it all means to our clients.The passport card is a wallet side document that will be used to expedite document processing from the U.S. borders between Canada and Mexico, and for the Carribean and Bermuda.This card will have a RFID chip in it. It will link the card to a stored record in secure government databases. There will be no personal information on the card itself.Pros and Cons of using the passport card;Pros:- Cheaper in cost, It’s a wallet sized card, thus convenient to store in a wallet or purse- Very convenient for those frequent travelers who live in communities on the boarder of Mexico and Canada.Cons:- Cannot be used for air travel. Use is restricted for land and sea travel between the U.S.,Mexico, Canada,Carribean and Bermuda.If you are a frequent traveler or vacationer, the old fashioned Passport Book is best. There are no restrictions. If you seldom travel and that travel is limited to land or sea to Canada, Mexico, the Carribean and Bermuda, then the less expensive passport card may be the way to go.Production for the passport card is tentatively scheduled for June 2008.For more information go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html# andhttp://www.gottitravel.com - See Travel Resources in middle at bottom of page. Click on links that start with "Passport".
Teresa: Thank you for the brief and concise explanation. I heard about this passport card on the Arthur Frommer travel show, but he didn't make it very clear. You did!!
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Thanks!