What can you not do with a passport card?

The Passport Card: Convenient, But Not All-Powerful

The U.S. passport card often gets touted as a wallet-friendly, less expensive alternative to the traditional passport book. While it certainly offers convenience for specific types of travel, it’s crucial to understand its limitations to avoid a travel nightmare. Essentially, the passport card is a specialized tool, perfect for certain situations but wholly inadequate for others. So, what can’t you do with a passport card?

The most significant restriction is international air travel. While that dream vacation to Europe or Asia might be tempting, you absolutely cannot board an international flight using a passport card. This applies to both departing and returning to the United States. You’ll need a passport book for any trip involving flying across international borders. Even connecting flights through another country require a passport book, regardless of whether you leave the airport.

Beyond air travel, the passport card’s utility is geographically limited. While it’s valid for land and sea border crossings, this only applies to specific regions: Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Attempting to enter any other country by land or sea with a passport card will be unsuccessful. So, that overland trip through South America or a cruise to the Mediterranean? You’ll need your passport book.

Furthermore, even within the approved regions, the passport card doesn’t cover all travel scenarios. While you can use it on a cruise to the Bahamas, for instance, if that cruise includes a flight segment to another island or back to the U.S., the passport card won’t suffice. You’ll need the passport book to cover the air travel portion.

Finally, consider the implications for emergencies. If you become ill or encounter an unforeseen situation requiring you to fly back to the U.S. from a destination you reached by land or sea using a passport card, you’ll be stuck. Obtaining an emergency passport can be a time-consuming and stressful process, potentially delaying your return.

In short, the passport card is a handy and affordable option for frequent land or sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. However, it’s not a replacement for a passport book. Understanding its limitations is vital for planning any international travel. If you anticipate needing to fly internationally at any point, or if your travel plans extend beyond the designated regions, a passport book is essential to ensure smooth and hassle-free journeys.