In today’s world, it is a good idea to have photo identification on hand at all times, even for domestic travel. In the case of international travel, this is not only advised, but required, and yet many people still do not have a passport. For travel that does not require a flight, a United States passport cards is a convenient alternative to a typical passport.
Passport cards are an official document issued by the Department of State and look very similar to a driver’s license. In fact, it is a convenient form of alternative photo identification for someone who, for whatever reason, does not have a driver’s license. Since they were first produced in 2008, over two million passport cards have been issued to citizens of the United States.
The main thing that distinguishes the passport card from a traditional passport is that it cannot be used for international air travel. It can, however, be used for land border crossing in and out of the US. This means that it is an appropriate form of identification for travel between the US and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda. This makes it perfect for road trips and cruises but remember that, even in these nearby countries, passport cards cannot be used for air travel.
Although it cannot be used for all types of travel, there are many reasons to apply for this form of identification. Anyone who has ever traveled internationally knows that they spend every other minute checking their bags to make sure that their passport is where they left it. Passport cards can be kept conveniently in a wallet, so there is no need to go searching for them either on or prior to a trip.
The key distinguishing feature of passport cards is RFID, which stands for vicinity-read radio frequency identification. This chip is placed inside each card and is linked to a record in a protected government database. The chip itself is not encrypted with any information, so no personal information is at risk. The chip is simply there to make the entire customs process more efficient.
Applying for passport cards is very similar to applying for a passport book. Applicants are required to present the same documents to prove their American citizenship and identity. In fact, it is possible to apply for a passport and passport card at the same time, on the same form. Both documents are typically received in four to six weeks or two to three weeks if they are ordered with expedited processing.
Just like a passport book, the card is valid for ten years for an adult and five years for a minor. There is a significant difference, however, in the costs. While a passport book costs ninety-five dollars for an adult and eighty-five dollars for a minor, the card only costs forty-five dollars for an adult and twenty for a minor. This is a significant savings that makes the card worthwhile for someone who has no plans to fly out of the country.
Whether traveling over a land border or simply looking for an alternate form of photo identification, the passport ID card is a wonderful alternative to the long-established passport. It does not require any additional paperwork or information and is easy to keep track of at all times. For international travel over land or sea, this is the most convenient and efficient way to go. Go to http://www.uspassportnow.com to find out more.
Filed under Travel by on Nov 9th, 2010. Comment. 
Canada is one of our closest neighbors, but many do not know a whole lot about it. Alive with rich history and a dynamic cultural heritage, Canada is a great place to take your family and explore. Now, thanks to the United States passport card, taking a vacation to Canada has become more accessible and convenient.
The history of Canada starts with the arrival of the Paleo-Indians almost 27,000 years ago. Ever since then, Canada has become shaped and adapted by its native Aboriginal peoples, and that cultural influence is still felt today all over Canada. Traditional music, art, and Aboriginal languages are still seen and heard in even Canada’s most urban areas, showing their widespread impact and homage to their country’s first inhabitants. The Aborigines can be credited with the invention of the canoe, maple syrup, tobacco, lacrosse, and many other things that have become fully integrated into Canadian, as well as American, society.
Traveling to Canada is easy. You only need to hop in your car and drive, no plane ticket required. The passport card, a relatively new take on the original passport book, is making vacation accessible to even more people. At only $30, the passport card allows you and your family to take a trip for only a fraction of the cost of a passport book. The passport card is used for land and sea travel, opening up so many opportunities for families to get away for a little. Without having to empty your pockets, you and your family can take a vacation to Canada and see for yourself what makes it so great.
Canada is as wild as it is unique. Travel to Somerset Island in Nunavut and embark on an “Arctic Safari.” Pitch your heavy-duty tent and stay up with the sun until 2 am. See belugas and hear them sing or watch the seals play and sunbathe. Dig for prehistoric fossils and an aurora, one of nature’s most beautiful natural displays.
If you live for a good party, Montreal is the place for you. With delicious food served in trendy modern restaurants, you will be ready to live the nightlife on style. World famous bars, lounges, and clubs populate the streets of Montreal, and with no need for a car, you and your friends can live it up. Spend some time at the Cirque du Soleil and witness first hand the extensive cultural scene that makes Montreal famous.
Of course you can’t visit Canada without seeing Niagara Falls. A world famous landmark, Niagara Falls is something the whole family can do together. Take the Maid of the Mist and get super soaked under the falls, or take an exhilarating helicopter ride above the falls. However you experience it, Niagara Falls will make any excursion into Canada a very memorable experience.
Canada is the perfect place if you’re looking for a different setting without traveling too far. And with your U.S. passport card, getting there is even easier. There is no need to step foot on a plane. Canada has something for everyone, whether you prefer adventure over spa treatments or great food over great views. Either way, all you need is a sweater and your pasport, and Canada is yours for the discovering.
Filed under Travel by on Oct 8th, 2010. Comment.
In July 2008, the US State Department decided to provide a card for use as identification when crossing North American borders. It is also referred to as a PassCard and is intended for the convenience of Americans. What countries can it be used in? Who really benefits from using it? Find out what you need to know about the US passport card.
The passport card is a limited substitute for the passport booklet as proof of US citizenship. It can be used for land and sea trips to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It cannot be used as an international travel document for any other countries and it is never applicable to flights.
Anyone who experiences a lot of travel between countries in North America may find the card beneficial. It is particularly useful for those who live in border towns because of its wallet size and lower cost. There is also a belief that this will speed up the process at border. For those same reasons it has benefits for many others.
There are certain security features involved to protect the PassCard from counterfeiting. The RFID chip helps the security process at the border, but there is no personal identification information held within the chip. The passport booklet and many credit and debit cards also have the same kind of chip. For those who feel that it is necessary, a sleeve is given with the card that blocks transfer of information.
Students or anyone else who travels to the specified destinations might appreciate the price. At forty five dollars, in comparison to the passport booklet’s one hundred dollar price tag, it can be seen as a value. For people over the age of sixteen, it is valid for 10 years before it needs to be renewed. The passport card can be used for five years for those under the age of sixteen.
The process for getting a PassCard is the same as the passport booklet. If you have never owned a passport, you will need to find a passport facility and appear in person. Bring with you a form of identification and your naturalization papers or birth certificate as proof of US citizenship. Your proof of citizenship and two 2×2 pictures will be sent for processing with your application. Your birth certificate will be included in the mail with your new PassCard.
For those who already have a passport, all of the necessary paperwork can be sent by mail. You can even use your passport booklet as proof of US citizenship. You will get it back when the card comes in the mail. It is also possible to both renew your booklet and receive a new card using the same application.
For some people, there are a number of benefits to the US passport card. The credit card size makes it easy to carry during travel and the low price is convenient for those on a budget. The U.S. passport made is the right fit for you. There are many online sources to help you in the simple application process.
Filed under Travel by on Sep 23rd, 2010. Comment.
Anyone who travels abroad knows that passport book doesn’t last long because they get worn out before long and aren’t too handy to transport. Many frequent travelers prefer to use a passport card instead because it is more convenient to store and access when needed. A card is sturdier and convenient to carry around and access quickly when crossing borders.
The passport card was designed specifically for frequent border crossing into Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean. The card allows the holder to cross the borders multiple times without stamps or books that can become tattered over time and constant use. This is the perfect solution for business people who work across one of the borders and find themselves there 3 to 4 times a week.
A passport has a vicinity-read radio frequency ID chip embedded in it. This chip connects the cardholder with a computer database that contains their necessary travel information that would ordinarily be in a standard passbook. No personal cardholder information is contained on the chip, so the card is safe to use.
These travel cards are to be read close up by people who are trained to read these kinds of cards. This way, no one else can read the card besides the designated personnel at the border locations. The card is meant to be stored in a blocker sleeve when it’s not being used so it won’t be scanned by accident.
One of the most attractive aspects of the card is that it is more economical than a traditional passport. The standard passport book charge for an adult who is getting one for the first time is $100.00. An adult can get a card for more than half the price at $45.00 for the same 10-year life span the passbook lasts for.
Any current passport holder will be thrilled if they choose to switch over to the card rather than the book. The card for them is only a $20.00 fee and is applied for as a renewal rather than a brand new one. Between this and the elimination of ever needing extra pages for frequent travel should be among the deciding factors in choosing this method.
There is one “monkey wrench” to consider, however that could be the deciding factor when considering a passport book or card. International travelers are not allowed to use the card when they use the airlines as their mode of transportation. These types of trips will require using the standard passbook method to take along for border inspection and crossing overseas. People tend to cross borders more often than they use airplanes to for international travel, so a lot people prefer the card for crossing borders regularly.
While the passbook is still the popular choice around the world, the new passport card is the more convenient choice for traveling. A card does away with the inevitable deterioration of the book over time. It is also more accessible and convenient for quick use at the borders. Travelers can get a card on the Internet, through a local passport agency or other passport provider.
Filed under Travel by on Jun 4th, 2010. Comment.
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