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Passport Cards
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:15 pm
by 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.
Re: Passport Cards
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 4:15 pm
by Captain John
Fowst wrote: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.
Re: Passport Cards
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 4:28 pm
by tjwgrr
Captain John wrote:Fowst wrote: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
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 6:04 pm
by toes in the sand
Sorry to interrupt here but can I ask what is a passport card and who issues them?
Thanks.
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 6:45 pm
by 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.
Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:53 am
by 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.