The US State Department is now offering the relatively new U.S. passport card. Also called the PassCard, it was created for the convenience of Americans who travel to certain North American countries. What do you need to know about this card? Is it truly more convenient? Find out if the PassCard is right for you.

The PassCard is a new alternative to the conventional passport booklet as a way of identifying yourself as a US citizen. When travelling by land or sea, it can successfully be used when returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It will not be accepted for travel by air and is not a valid travel document for any other countries.

The card has benefits for people who commute heavily throughout countries in North America, or live in border towns. It is the same size as a credit card and can fit in your wallet. It also has a more economical price for those who get around, but don’t often see themselves travelling outside of North America. The expectation is that these cards will also reduce the wait lines at the border.

The card features high tech security features that help defend against counterfeiting. There is also a RFID chip in the card that helps with security at the border. This chip is also included in the passport booklet, and many credit and debit bank cards. There is no personal information on the chip, but for those with concerns, a sleeve is provided that blocks radio frequencies from being sent.

Many people that choose the PassCard are attracted to the price. Compare the forty five dollar passport card to the one hundred dollar cost of the traditional booklet. Both are valid for the same amount of time. For those under the age of sixteen, a passport is valid for ten years. It needs to be renewed after five years for children under sixteen years of age.

A passport card has the same requirements as the conventional booklet. If it is your first time getting a passport, you will need to apply in person at a Passport Application Facility and provide identification. In addition, two 2×2 photos and a birth certificate or proof naturalization need to be brought to show US citizenship. This will be sent with the application and returned in the mail along with your new card.

If this is not your first passport, you do not need to appear in person and can send your entire application by mail. Your passport booklet can be sent in as proof of citizenship and identity. It will be returned when you receive your card. There is also an option to apply for both the card and booklet at the same time.

For some people, there are a number of benefits to the passport id card. The credit card size makes it easy to carry during travel and the low price is convenient for those on a budget. The pasport made is the right fit for you. There are many online sources to help you in the simple application process.

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Anyone who has traveled across the border a few times or more using a passport book has to replace all or parts of the book due to wear and tear. A passport card is the ideal choice for people who cross the border on an ongoing basis for work. The passport book can be conveniently replaced with a handy travel card that is easily accessible when needed.

The original idea behind the passport card was to make it easier for people who regularly cross the border going into Canada, Mexico or the West Indies. People can go across national lines a number of times without having to replace their worn passbook or stamps. The card is ideal for those who travel across cross borders several times a week for work or business-related reasons.

A passport has a vicinity-read radio frequency ID chip embedded in it. This chip connects the cardholder with a computer database that contains their necessary travel information that would ordinarily be in a standard passbook. No personal cardholder information is contained on the chip, so the card is safe to use.

These cards are designed to be read at close range by readers designed for this purpose. This prohibits anyone else from scanning the card accidentally or for purposes other than the intended personnel at the border checkpoints. The card is also accompanied by a “blocker sleeve” to house it while not in use to prevent any type of unwanted scanning.

One of the most attractive aspects of the card is that it is more economical than a traditional passport. The standard passport book charge for an adult who is getting one for the first time is $100.00. An adult can get a card for more than half the price at $45.00 for the same 10-year life span the passbook lasts for.

Any current passport holder will be thrilled if they choose to switch over to the card rather than the book. The card for them is only a $20.00 fee and is applied for as a renewal rather than a brand new one. Between this and the elimination of ever needing extra pages for frequent travel should be among the deciding factors in choosing this method.

There is one “monkey wrench” to consider, however that could be the deciding factor when considering a passport book or card. International travelers are not allowed to use the card when they use the airlines as their mode of transportation. These types of trips will require using the standard passbook method to take along for border inspection and crossing overseas. People tend to cross borders more often than they use airplanes to for international travel, so a lot people prefer the card for crossing borders regularly.

While the book is more familiar to people and recognized the world over, there is no more convenient method in existence than the American passport card. This eliminates the wear and tear the paper book takes while coming in a more convenient size for carrying. These can be easily applied for by either going online and searching out a provider or visiting a local American passport agency office.

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Canada, our closest neighbor to the north, is full of fun possibilities for you and your family to experience. Everywhere you turn holds another discovery, whether it’s Canada’s long colorful history or a testament to their rich heritage. With the recently new creation of the U.S. passport card, families can access Canada’s treasure trove of fun family experiences without breaking the bank. If you are looking for a place to take your family without spending too much, Canada offers tons of exciting opportunities.

The history of Canada starts with the arrival of the Paleo-Indians almost 27,000 years ago. Ever since then, Canada has become shaped and adapted by its native Aboriginal peoples, and that cultural influence is still felt today all over Canada. Traditional music, art, and Aboriginal languages are still seen and heard in even Canada’s most urban areas, showing their widespread impact and homage to their country’s first inhabitants. The Aborigines can be credited with the invention of the canoe, maple syrup, tobacco, lacrosse, and many other things that have become fully integrated into Canadian, as well as American, society.

Canada is only a road trip away; no need to purchase airplane tickets or rent a car, making it a great place for a family vacation. The passport card, a new variation of the original passport book, allows a family to travel for much cheaper than usual. The passport card, available for $30, is a fourth of the price of a passport book, and allows a family to travel by land or sea for less money. Saving this money helps reduce the cost of vacation, making a relaxing get away that much more accessible.

Canada’s rugged terrain makes for a great adventure with your whole family. Arctic safaris, as they are called, take you to a side of Canada many haven’t seen in Somerset Island, Nunavut. You can dig for fossils, hear belugas singing to each other, or see the seals playing in the water. Pitch your super-duty tent and try to stay up until the sun sets, which is at 2 am! Or, stay up even later and try to catch a glimpse of an aurora dancing in the sky.

If you are looking for a great night out with your friends, or even if you want to make some new Canadian ones, head out to Montreal. This friendly, chic party town is known for its world famous bars, clubs, and lounges. Eat at a fashionable restaurant and head out dancing afterwards. Attend the Cirque de Soleil and see for yourself the cultural scene that makes Canada so unique.

No trip to Canada is complete without a trip to Niagara Falls. Put on your poncho and head out on the Maid of the Mist to float under the falls, or, if you prefer to stay dry, hop aboard a helicopter and see what a bird’s eye view of the falls would look like. A world famous, family friendly landmark, Niagara Falls is a must-have for any visitor’s itinerary.

Although Canada is so close, its unique characteristics make it the perfect travel destination. You can feel like you’re experiencing a whole new world without having to step foot on a plane. All you need is a new passport card and some warm clothes, and Canada will be sure to make it memorable. Whatever you’re looking for – adventures, relaxation, family time – Canada can offer it. If you and your family need a get-away, grab your US passport and pack the car. Canada is calling.

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Deciding to take a cruise with your family might be just the thing you need. Cruises are renowned for their convenient and totally customizable experience, so if you’re looking for a quick getaway, a cruise may be the best option. All you need to do is apply for your pass port, grab the sunscreen and a bikini, and you are ready to go.

Cruise travel holds many perks that are not as readily available for other forms of travel. Many cruise ships have very strict safety guidelines and a team of 24-hour security personnel. A woman can stay out late with her friends and walk home without any qualms. A stroll along the deck at midnight harbors no fear, and a woman can explore anywhere at anytime in safety, something that is not always the case in hotels or airports. Parents do not have to worry about their children because supervised activities are always available, day and night.

The cruise experience includes an huge array of fun activities for you and your family. Everyday provides a new opportunity, so the only problem is deciding what you want to try first. Adults can hit nightclubs and bars, while children can watch movies and play games. There are arts and crafts, dance lessons, lectures, and entertainment available everyday. The restaurant diversity is also worth noting. Whether you decide on a candlelit dinner for two or a fun night for the entire family, there is a plethora of options available. With so many options, this ensures no two people on a cruise have the exact same experience.

Passport fees are going up, and with this comes a tighter vacation budget. Sometimes the cost of a relaxing family vacation is too much of a bank-breaker for families and this deprives them of a much needed get away. Do not let this happen to you. A new option for travelers became available in 2008, the passport card. At $30, it makes available a much cheaper option than the $110 passport book. Providing perks similar to those of a passport, a passport card allows you and your family to travel for the price of one regular passport book. The passport card is for land and sea travel between the United States and the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, and Canada, providing a huge array of travel opportunities.

One of the undeniable perks of cruising is it’s one-stop shopping set up. One price includes lodging, food, sightseeing, and transportation. Vacations can be overwhelming when trying to plan out hotels and flights and rental cars, especially if it’s in a different country with different currency. This trouble has the potential to discourage a family from going on a much needed vacation, but with cruising, you pay one price then hop on board.

Sometimes you just need to get away. A cruise is the symbol of convenience, all you need is a passport or pass port card and a sense of adventure, and you are ready. Swim with dolphins, see a beautiful Caribbean sunset, or just sunbathe on deck, whatever you want to do is there, and the way to get there is easy for you and your family. Just apply for your USA Passport, put on your bikini, and set sail.

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Canada is one of our closest neighbors, but many do not know a whole lot about it. Alive with rich history and a dynamic cultural heritage, Canada is a great place to take your family and explore. Now, thanks to the American passport card, taking a vacation to Canada has become more accessible and convenient.

The history of Canada starts with the arrival of the Paleo-Indians almost 27,000 years ago. Ever since then, Canada has become shaped and adapted by its native Aboriginal peoples, and that cultural influence is still felt today all over Canada. Traditional music, art, and Aboriginal languages are still seen and heard in even Canada’s most urban areas, showing their widespread impact and homage to their country’s first inhabitants. The Aborigines can be credited with the invention of the canoe, maple syrup, tobacco, lacrosse, and many other things that have become fully integrated into Canadian, as well as American, society.

Traveling to Canada is easy. You only need to hop in your car and drive, no plane ticket required. The passport card, a relatively new take on the original passport book, is making vacation accessible to even more people. At only $30, the passport card allows you and your family to take a trip for only a fraction of the cost of a passport book. The passport card is used for land and sea travel, opening up so many opportunities for families to get away for a little. Without having to empty your pockets, you and your family can take a vacation to Canada and see for yourself what makes it so great.

Canada is as wild as it is unique. Travel to Somerset Island in Nunavut and embark on an “Arctic Safari.” Pitch your heavy-duty tent and stay up with the sun until 2 am. See belugas and hear them sing or watch the seals play and sunbathe. Dig for prehistoric fossils and an aurora, one of nature’s most beautiful natural displays.

If you live for a good party, Montreal is the place for you. With delicious food served in trendy modern restaurants, you will be ready to live the nightlife on style. World famous bars, lounges, and clubs populate the streets of Montreal, and with no need for a car, you and your friends can live it up. Spend some time at the Cirque du Soleil and witness first hand the extensive cultural scene that makes Montreal famous.

Of course you can’t visit Canada without seeing Niagara Falls. A world famous landmark, Niagara Falls is something the whole family can do together. Take the Maid of the Mist and get super soaked under the falls, or take an exhilarating helicopter ride above the falls. However you experience it, Niagara Falls will make any excursion into Canada a very memorable experience.

Canada is a one-of-a-kind travel experience that you and your family don’t need to go very far for. With a American passport card and some warm clothes, Canada will keep you and your family having fun for however long you plan on staying. Whatever you and your family decide to do, whether you want to relax, go on adventures, or experience the unique nightlife, Canada has something for everyone. Round up the family, grab your United States passport, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

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One thing that everyone who travels in and out of the United States needs to know about is passport rules and regulations. While the previous laws allowed US citizens to travel to border countries with nothing more than a birth certificate or driver’s license, that is no longer the case. Today, a passport to Canada or Mexico is necessary whenever traveling.

Prior to 2009, the restrictions on travel were not so strict. As long as the border country was the final destination and the travel was going to be solely by land, anyone could pretty much get in and out of the country with nothing more than a drivers license. As long as the identification was government issued and valid, there would be no problems.

The new laws that went into effect in June 2009 make it mandatory for any traveler, even those going to border countries or cruises will now need passport documentation to get back into the country. The events of September 11th have changed the world forever. It may have taken a while for the actual law to go into place, but make no mistake that those terrorist events were the inspiration for travel laws like this.

According to the government, these rules were put in place to tighten up our security and make the country a safer place. Previously, illegal immigrants would travel into Canada or Mexico and pass through the borders fairly easily. Driver’s licenses and birth certificates were fairly easy to forge and the new documentation makes it much more difficult to gain entry to the United States.

Although the law would seem to make perfect sense, many of the citizens on the bordering states are up in arms about the inconvenience that has been posed to them. There are outcries that it is ridiculous to have to carry a passport to Canada when we have traveled so freely in the past. These same people are not taking the time to consider that these border countries are the very means by which terrorists have previously entered our country.

The government continues to stick to their guns in that this definitely improves the overall security of the country. While no system is perfect, it does at least add one more safe guard to be in place to attempt to prevent illegal entry into the country. However, they do recognize that getting and carrying a passport can be somewhat of an inconvenience and there are new measures in place to help with this.

One such innovation is the new passport card. The passport card is a wallet-sized card that displays a person’s relevant passport information without the large passport stamp book. A passport card is a valid passport to Canada, Mexico and certain Caribbean Islands for land and sea travel. Passport cards are available to current passport holders for $20.

It is perfectly understandable why the government is going through such lengths to protect the US borders. Illegal immigration and terrorism is always a hot topic for politicians to banter over during elections times. However, it is also nice to see a small concession that makes it possible for the casual traveler to have a convenient document to use when they would normally need a standard New Passport Card to Canada or Mexico. Learn more about rush pasports today!

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