New Passport card and On-line Check-in

[gizmo]

I saw this on another board, thought it might be of interest.

 

My MIL is cruising with us in January 2009, and when she attempted the on-line check-in with her Passport card, the web-site wouldn't accept it. (Holland America.) I called this morning, and they don't expect their software to be updated to accept the new passport card numbers until sometime in 2009. They will send her the forms, for her to fill out manually, and send back in. They expect to send the forms out about 45 days prior to sailing. (So they can get them back in time to check the information.)

[JimVrhovac]

What is a pasport card?????

 

That is a new term for us.

 

Ruth & Jim

[jtl513]

What is a pasport card?????

 

That is a new term for us.

 

Ruth & Jim

It's sorta/kinda like a wallet passport ... but can't be used for international air travel! Only good for land/sea border crossing to/from Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda. State Dept just started issuing them July 14th.

 

Not too useful if you have to disembark early and fly home!

 

See: http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

[cherylandtk]

I suspect one could call HAL directly and ask them to fill in the passport card information on their system so as to use the online check in. If not, pax need to be aware that they must arrive early enough to meet the cut-off time for submitting the manifest (checked in 90 minutes prior to sail time).

 

Card info:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

[Susie51]

Thanks for the info about passport cards.

[West Coast]

What is a pasport card? That is a new term for us.

 

From: travel.state.gov

 

 

We began production of the U.S. Passport Card on July 14. To date, we have received and adjudicated well over 350,000 applications for the U.S. Passport Card. Customers who submitted an application for the U.S. Passport Card prior to production, will receive their Passport Card between now and early September.

 

The passport card facilitates entry and expedites document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. Otherwise, it carries the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and is adjudicated to the exact same standards.

 

The Department of State is issuing this passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card has the same period of validity as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five for children 15 and younger. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20. First-time applicants pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks -- this was the first that I have heard of the passport card.