What’s the difference between passport book and card? This question often arises when individuals are considering which travel document to carry for their international trips. Both the passport book and the passport card serve as official identification for travelers, but they have distinct features and purposes. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right document for your needs.
The passport book is the traditional form of a passport, recognized worldwide as a valid travel document. It contains multiple pages for visa stamps and entry/exit stamps from various countries. Here are some key characteristics of a passport book:
1. Multiple pages: Passport books typically have 28 or 52 pages, depending on the issuing country.
2. Visa stamps: These are necessary for entering certain countries and are placed in the passport book.
3. Validity: Passport books are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.
4. Size: Passport books are larger than passport cards, making them more convenient for storing other travel documents.
5. Cost: Generally, the cost of a passport book is higher than that of a passport card.
On the other hand, the passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of the traditional passport. It is primarily intended for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Here are some important aspects of a passport card:
1. Single page: Passport cards contain only one page for entry/exit stamps.
2. Visa stamps: Since passport cards are not valid for air travel, they do not require visa stamps.
3. Validity: Passport cards are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.
4. Size: Passport cards are compact and easy to carry in a wallet or purse.
5. Cost: Passport cards are generally less expensive than passport books.
In summary, the main differences between passport books and cards are their size, purpose, and cost. Passport books are suitable for international air travel and have multiple pages for visa stamps, while passport cards are designed for land and sea travel between the United States and certain neighboring countries, with a single page for entry/exit stamps. When deciding which document to carry, consider your travel plans and budget to choose the most appropriate option.
