We love to travel, and 2020 was supposed to be a big travel year for us. Like the rest of you, that hasn't happened.
We're still dreaming about travel, reading about new destinations, and making (tentative) plans for the future. We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels.
With vaccines arriving, let's hope we can be traveling again in 2021!
The United States only began issuing the U.S. Passport Card in July of 2008.
So just exactly what is it and when can you use it?
It's a wallet size card with the same kind of information that is in your passport...
Name
Nationality
Birthdate
Sex
Place of Birth
Also when it was issued and when it expires and the card number.
The back has a bar code and your information.
There is a also computer chip embedded in the card.
The government says there is no personal information written on this chip...
...but they will be able to access your passport photo and "biographical" information which is stored in a secure government database.
The government provides you with a
protective sleeve to protect against unauthorized people from reading
your card when you are not using it. (This is something you're going to have to get used to for your passports and for your credit cards too now that the US is finally going to the "chip and pin" for credit cards.)
The cost
is less than for a U.S. Passport. For more details go the the US State Dept page on them.
It's size may make it more convenient for you, but it is only good for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda -- ONLY if you are entering or leaving by land or sea....
... only cruising or driving.
The new cards are good for 10 years just like a passport. (They are good for 5 years for children under age 16.... also just like passports.)
The U.S. Passport Card CANNOT be used for flying into these counties or any other countries.
Sorry for shouting, but you need to know this.
You can apply for a card even if you already have a passport.
You can also apply for both at the same time if it is your first time to get a passport. If you drive across neighboring borders often, it may be more convenient for you.
Remember, you CANNOT use it for international travel by air to any of these destinations.
I know I'm shouting again, but I wanted you to be sure to remember that.
We only have our passports now, that takes card of all of our needs, but depending on how you travel, the U.S. Passport Card could be for you.
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
Curious about what else we've written about? Search our site for a destination or travel tip.
But... We'd love to have you share this page or comment on it…
Thanks, Judy and Mark
Go to MouseToursTravels Home Page
The New Year is here...
And we're ready to put 2020 behind us.
What are your resolutions? To lose weight? To Exercise more?
We're hoping for an end to this virus and the travel restrictions so...
Why not a FUN resolution!
Resolve to TRAVEL!
It's a good time to plan your travels...
We have lists to help....
Custom Tour Planning List
Destination stories....
Europe Travel Tips
Africa Dream List
See America
Travel Planning
International Travel Planning Tips
Guidebooks can help you plan
Don't Forget Valentine's Day
Romantic Weekends
What About Your Passport?
Time to get one... or renew...
Answers about Passports and Visas
Dreaming of Warm Weather or Snow?
Packing for a Tropical Vacation
Cold Weather Packing List
…Or just make a resolution to explore more pages here and get ideas for travel destinations and how to get there.
NOW is the time to start planning for a great trip this year.
Search MouseToursTravels
Travel questions or destination info?
Find our answers faster...
We want you to feel comfortable out in the world and on our pages - so surf away in your own language...
Our 2020 travels were slim. COVID kept us home too. One trip to the Three Guyanas, but dreaming of travel next year.
Love discovering less touristed regions? The three Guyanas are tucked up in the north east corner of South America that doesn’t get much attention.
On our 2019 travels, it was independent travel, a custom tour and a group tour. All work beautifully... just depends on where you’re going and what you want.
Like Our Site Top Left
Like Our Fanpage Below
Thank You!
Document Information
Passports and Visas
Passports
What Is A Passport
Passports - How To Get One
What Do Passports Cost?
Acceptable Identification Document
Collecting Passport Stamps
Visas
What Is A Visa?
All About Visas
Getting A Visa
Visa Requirements
Other Documents
U. S. Passport Card
U. S. Travel Authorization
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Did it help with your travel planning and preparation? Eager to leave on that next vacation? Please leave your tips or comments in the box below.