The Key Differences Between a Passport Book and Passport Card
When it comes to traveling internationally, a passport is a must-have item. However, there are two options available to travelers: a traditional passport book and a wallet-sized passport card. While both documents serve the same purpose, there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of.
Size and Appearance
The most obvious difference between a passport book and passport card is their size and appearance. A passport book is a small, hardcover booklet that is roughly the size of a standard book. It’s made up of several pages, including a photo page with your personal information, and pages for visa stamps and travel endorsements. On the other hand, a passport card is a wallet-sized card that is about the same size as a credit card. It has a passport photo printed on it and your personal information.
Use and Acceptance
Another key difference between the two documents is their use and acceptance. A passport book is accepted in every country around the world, while a passport card is only accepted for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. This means that if you’re planning on traveling internationally by air, you’ll need a passport book.
Cost
The cost of a passport book vs. a passport card is another important difference to consider. A passport book is more expensive than a passport card. The cost for a first-time adult passport book is $145, while a passport card is only $65. If you’re on a tight budget, a passport card may seem like the more affordable option.
Validity Period
The validity period of a passport book and passport card is also different. A passport book is valid for ten years, while a passport card is only valid for five years. If you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to consider getting a passport book instead of a passport card since you’ll need to renew your card more often.
In conclusion, while both passport book and passport card are travel documents issued by the U.S. government, they are different in size, use and acceptance, cost, and validity period. If you’re a frequent international traveler, you’ll need a passport book. However, if you only travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean by land or sea, a passport card may be a more affordable option.
Table difference between passport card and book
| Passport Card | Passport Book |
|---|---|
| Smaller in size and can easily fit in a wallet or purse | Larger in size and needs to be carried separately |
| Valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda only | Allows for international travel by air, land, and sea |
| Cheaper than a passport book | More expensive than a passport card |
| Not accepted for international air travel | Accepted for international air travel |
| Good for people who frequently travel to neighboring countries | Good for those who plan to travel internationally |