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Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A Passport Book is used for international travel by air, sea, or land, while a Passport Card is limited to land and sea travel only within specific regions.
Passport Book vs. Passport Card

Key Differences

A Passport Book is a comprehensive travel document, typically used for international travel across all modes of transportation, including air. Conversely, a Passport Card is a more compact, wallet-sized card designed primarily for land and sea travel, but only to specific destinations like Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
The Passport Book contains multiple pages for visa stamps and entry/exit stamps, making it essential for global travel. The Passport Card, lacking these pages, is not suitable for countries that require visas or for international air travel.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
In terms of convenience, the Passport Card is more portable and easier to carry than the bulkier Passport Book. However, the broader utility of the Passport Book makes it indispensable for frequent international travelers.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Both the Passport Book and Card serve as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. The choice between them depends on the type and frequency of travel, with the Passport Book offering more versatility.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
In terms of cost, the Passport Book is generally more expensive than the Passport Card. However, the additional expense comes with the benefit of wider acceptance for international travel.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Travel Modes

All (air, land, sea)
Limited (land, sea)
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Travel Regions

Global
Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda
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Dec 09, 2023

Page Features

Contains pages for visas and stamps
No pages, not suitable for visas
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Size and Portability

Larger, book format
Compact, wallet-sized
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Cost

Generally more expensive
Less expensive
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Dec 09, 2023
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Passport Book and Passport Card Definitions

Passport Book

A booklet containing pages for visas and travel stamps.
His Passport Book was filled with stamps from various countries.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023

Passport Card

A convenient, wallet-sized card for casual travel.
Her Passport Card fit easily into her wallet.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023

Passport Book

A document providing proof of identity and nationality.
The customs official checked her Passport Book.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023

Passport Card

A limited travel document for specific regions by land or sea.
He used his Passport Card for his cruise to Bermuda.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023

Passport Book

Essential for air travel and visiting countries requiring visas.
To fly to Australia, you need a Passport Book.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
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Passport Card

Suitable for border crossings by land into Canada and Mexico.
They crossed into Canada using their Passport Cards.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023

Passport Book

A travel document for global international travel.
She used her Passport Book for her trip to Europe.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023

Passport Card

A cost-effective option for specific travel needs.
For her frequent trips to Mexico, a Passport Card was sufficient.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023

Passport Book

A more versatile and comprehensive travel document.
For her world tour, a Passport Book was necessary.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023

Passport Card

Not valid for international air travel.
You cannot use a Passport Card for flying to Europe.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is a Passport Card?

A compact, wallet-sized card for land and sea travel in specific regions.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Can I visit Canada with a Passport Card?

Yes, by land or sea, but not by air.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Does a Passport Book have pages for stamps?

Yes, it contains multiple pages for stamps and visas.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Can minors get a Passport Card?

Yes, minors can obtain a Passport Card.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Can I use a Passport Card for a European cruise?

No, it's not valid for travel to Europe.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Is the Passport Card cheaper than the Passport Book?

Generally, yes, it's less expensive.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Do both provide proof of U.S. citizenship?

Yes, both serve as proof of identity and citizenship.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Which is more portable, the Passport Book or Card?

The Passport Card is more portable due to its size.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

How long are both valid for adults?

Typically, they are valid for 10 years for adults.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Is a Passport Book necessary for travel to Europe?

Yes, for air travel and visa requirements.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Can I use a Passport Card in the Caribbean?

Yes, for sea travel to certain Caribbean destinations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

What is a Passport Book?

It's a document for global international travel, including air travel.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Can I use a Passport Card for air travel?

No, it's not valid for international air travel.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Can I have both a Passport Book and Card?

Yes, many travelers have both for convenience.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Is the application process the same for both?

The application process is similar, but they have different forms.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Are both equally secure?

Yes, both have security features to prevent fraud.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Is a visa required with a Passport Book?

It depends on the destination country's visa policy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

What if I lose my Passport Book abroad?

You should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Are there different renewal processes for each?

The renewal processes are similar but require different forms.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

How do I choose between the two?

It depends on your travel needs and destinations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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