Passport Cards

[Fowst]

Has anyone used the new passport cards? Specifically, can anyone confirm they're valid ID for getting into the BVI? I know they are sufficient to get back into the US.

[Captain John]

Has anyone used the new passport cards? Specifically, can anyone confirm they're valid ID for getting into the BVI? I know they are sufficient to get back into the US.

Yes they are good for the BVI, I use mine every day.

[tjwgrr]

Has anyone used the new passport cards? Specifically, can anyone confirm they're valid ID for getting into the BVI? I know they are sufficient to get back into the US.

Yes they are good for the BVI, I use mine every day.

Unless you travel to/from the BVI's by air, then you will need a regular passport:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_t ... _1079.html

[toes in the sand]

Sorry to interrupt here but can I ask what is a passport card and who issues them?
Thanks.

[flip-flop]

There is a good run down here. They are issued by the US State Dept like a regular passport only cheaper and more restricted.

http://travel.state.gov/pdf/ppt_pptCard.pdf

It is my understand (and I could be off the mark) that they are intended for people who do a lot of land border crossing, like into Mexico and Canada and cruise passengers into the caribbean. Not for people who travel to foreign countries by air.

[Fowst]

Flippy, I have the same understanding. You can't use them for air travel, but they are accepted as proof of citizenship for land crossings in Mex, Can, and El Carib. They're the size of a credit card and cost $45 (I don't know what a passport book runs these days, but I hear it's more expensive). The cards take 4-6 weeks to process, which may be quicker than the books, I'm not sure. My wife and I have passports which are still valid, but the 6 people we're traveling with don't have passports, so the card is a better option for them. I just wanted to make sure the BVI wouldn't have a problem accepting them, but it sounds like it's not an issue.