Passport Card vs Book

[erin6494]

Good morning,

I am renewing my family's passports and was thinking of just getting the less expensive card version for my minor children (as they are only good for 5 years anyway and are significantly cheaper). Can anyone confirm that they would be valid documentation for a RT Panama Canal Cruise. The State Department website says they are valid for entry at seaports but I just wanted to make sure they would work on Princess too.

Thanks,

Erin

[1025cruise]

Passport cards are not valid for air travel. If you have an emergency and had to fly home, you would be unable to do so.

[DonnaK]

i would definitely get the book, since the card cannot be used for flights.

[cherylandtk]

You are on the Island Princess with stops in both Central and South America; Princess requires a FULL passport for this itinerary, the cards are not accepted.

[Pam in CA]

You are on the Island Princess with stops in both Central and South America; Princess requires a FULL passport for this itinerary, the cards are not accepted.

Correct. You don't have an option on this itinerary regardless of whether you might need to fly or not.

[Parvatiiv]

And from what I understand, they're only good for Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

[Pam in CA]

And from what I understand, they're only good for Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Even then, they can't be used for flying. For the Panama Canal itinerary, you won't be allowed to board without a full passport, even if you don't plan to get off the ship in Central or South America.

[PekingeseLady]

Is the passport card good on southern caribbean, like Aruba and Curaco?

[Pam in CA]

Is the passport card good on southern caribbean, like Aruba and Curaco?

Probably. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_islands_in_the_Caribbean

 

Here's the official info on the passport card.

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

[cherylandtk]

Is the passport card good on southern caribbean, like Aruba and Curaco?

Yes, as those two ports are part of the official list of Caribbean nations. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_3256.html

 

Not that I would recommend it, but one could also just use a certified BC and ID for that itinerary. It makes little sense to buy a passport card just for that trip.