Americans may enter the unites states from the bahamas by sea using a passport, passport card, or other western hemisphere travel initiative whti compliant document if they are on an officiallydesignated closedloop cruise. Oct 16, 2017 the passport book and passport card are both proof of your citizenship and identity while traveling outside of the us. Visa and passport requirements for bahamas world travel guide. Can we use the card or does it need to be the passport book. The card contains both humanreadable and machinereadable information. Jun 23, 2009 a real passport book can get you anywhere in the world, while the passport card is limited. It can also be used for domestic air travel in the usa. Updated april 3, 2020 because of public health measures to prevent the spread of covid19, effective march 20, 2020, we are only able to offer inperson service at passport agencies or centers for customers with a qualified lifeordeath emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours. From what i understand, the pp card is only good on land port of entries between mexico or canada and the us, or on closed loop tours. Well help you determine whether you want or need to pay extra for the passport card. When traveling to the bahamas by sea, including on a private vessel or ferry such as a cruise line, americans of all ages must hold a valid passport book or passport card. Passport book vs passport card difference and comparison. Also, the minors passport card is valid for 5 years just like the passport book. Any us citizen wishing to travel internationally via air must have a passport book.
Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book and card. And will it last for 5 years like the passport book does for minors. Firsttime passport card applicants who do not have a passport book traditional passport must go in person to a passport application facility, such as a post office or courthouse, and submit a completed passport application form, proof of us citizenship, one passport photo and the required fee. It does not matter what category of visa you have as long as you can enter and exit the country.
Us passport book vs us passport card us visa connection. In such situations, a passport card comes in handy because it is the size of a credit card and fits nicely in a wallet. I applied to renew my passport this past summer, and i had the option of applying for a just a passport book, or b both a passport book and also a passport card, which can be used in certain intercountry travel situations cant remember what situations either, but doesnt really matter as it is irrelevant to my question. Passport first time or renewal, applying for a bahamas. If money isnt a problem, then as a nigerian citizen, you might be able to get a visit or tourist visa to the bahamas island if you have a us, uk or canada visa. The passport card is only good for land and sea travel in countries in the. Royal caribbean cruises passport requirements for cruises. Discover has no foreign transaction fees and neither does capital one bank. Currently, all citizens of the united states need a one or the other for international travel, even to neighboring countries such as mexico and canada. Learn more about how a passport card differs from a passport book. Our guide will show you the uses and advantages of each document, and will help you figure out which one is best for you, or if you should have both.
One of your first experiences upon arrival here is the sound of live music greeting you at the airport or cruise port. Nn booklets an nns books an nns bookseller ac nn booksellers an nns. But i do carry my spousal dependent card as my wife works here on a work permit. You should know that the passport card is only valid for travel by land and sea within mexico, canada, bermuda, and the caribbean, and you can not use it for air travel or for travel to other. If you have a passport book and you are eligible to use form ds82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport card. Concerns over using a credit card outside us has us considering doing a prepaid visa gift card also because it is covered against theft or loss. If youre renewing your passport book and passport card, you must submit both documents. The passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Can only be used in land and sea travels, not by air.
The requirements for both are the same and there is one application form for both. The passport book is valid for all international travel. How to apply for a bahamas tourist visa as a nigerian citizen. The passport card is also a valid form of id so it is useful to have it on you at all times when traveling abroad. Bahamas passports requirements nassau paradise island. The passport book allows the holder to travel worldwide with proper visa and documentation, while the passport card only allows the holder to travel to and fro neighboring countries such as canada, mexico, bahamas and the caribbean. Aug 22, 2009 has anyone used a visa gift card in nassau instead of using a credit card. There are very important differences between the passport card and the passport book. Print in p p p c c within the boxes using black or blue do not print outside the box. Permanent residents of canada must travel with their permanent resident card and a valid passport from their country of origin. Where a minor child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized letter of permit from the parent not traveling may be requested. The difference between a passport book or card getaway usa. How to apply for a new passport card rush my passport. I was just wondering if the card will suit our purpose.
As it turned out, he was the one in for the unpleasant surprise. Check below to find out the necessary documentation you will need to ensure a smooth entry into our country. How a passport can help you fly domestically we want you to know about the upcoming changes to domestic air travel as part of the real id act. Passport card department of foreign affairs and trade. It is imperative to understand what the is the difference between a passport book vs card. I bet they will tell me to get the book but i think i will ask anyhow. A passport is recommended as a just in case of emergency. The passport card can be used for identification purposes. Do i need a passport book, passport card, or passport book. That means you cannot use the passport card for air travel. The us passport card does not contain any travel history and therefore officers should request a us passport book unless they are otherwise satisfied that the applicant continues to satisfy the residence requirement. Passport card information must be entered manually by the cm at checkin. Can i go on a cruise to the bahamas in february with the passport card i know you cant fly with it and im ok with that for now.
British and american passport holders can enter with less than six months remaining on their passports if visiting for up to 21 days. Welcome to the islands of the bahamas government of the bahamas immi ration arrival card to il 1. Can a passport card be used for travel to the bahamas from the u. I would get the passport book or nothing the birth certificate and the passport card seem equal in value to me you cant fly home with either, and that would be the point of getting the passport book if there is an emergency and you are in a foreign country, you cannot get on an airplane without a passport book, period, so it seems like a.
It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the u. The bahamian passport is issued to citizens of the bahamas for international travel as of march 2019, bahamian citizens had visafree or visa on arrival access to 154 countries and territories, ranking the bahamian passport 26th in terms of travel freedom according to the henley visa restrictions index. The main difference between a passport card and a passport book other than the physical size and format is that the card can not be used for any international travel by air. After he confirmed that his spouse could cruise with just a passport card, he booked their tropical vacation. The passport book has plenty of pages for visas and arrivaldeparture stamps, while the passport card is a onepiece creditcardsized id card. Visa, mastercard, diners club international and american express cards are accepted. Passport book vs passport card first time cruisers. You can carry your passport card with you at all times and leave the passport book safe in the hotel room locker.
Both passport and green card must be valid for 6 months beyond stay. Mar 22, 2010 passport book or card for a cruise to bahamas. The passport card is good for land border crossing between the us, canada, and mexico and sea cruise border crossings in the caribbean and bermuda. Please note that the passport card can only be used if you are traveling to the bahamas by seaits no good for air travel. Basic passports for traveling to the bahamas usa today. For that reason, i get the book even though a card would be sufficient for my plans. A passport book provides valid identification for any national or international travel. Passport card basically a limiteduse passport enhanced drivers licenseacts both as a driver license and a travel document, but also with limits well walk you through the basic differences of each of these documents, and help you determine which one is right for you. Nov 10, 2017 passport requirements for bahamas vacation applies to anyone flying into the bahamas. This case is an unfortunate example of what can go wrong if you decide to cruise with just a passport card. A us passport card can only be used for land and sea travel to canada, mexico or the caribbean. A passport card can only be used for land or sea travel.
Citizens of other countries may need a visa to enter the bahamas. Differences between passport book and passport card tweet key difference. To protect yourself against emergency situations, go with a passport book, which covers all international travel by air, sea or land. Passport information bahamas visa requirements listed. For those of you who are about to get a us passport renewed or getting one for the first time, there is something called a passport card its biometric and usually only good between rail, boat and car in canadamexicobermuda etc but it is proof that you do own a us passport. Americans of all ages must hold a valid passport book or passport card. Bahamas please see the additional info section below most nonus citizens with a valid green card permanent resident do not need a visa to enter bahamas for a period of stay of up to 90 days. Given that the card is not good for international air travel, if youre going to the trouble of getting the cards, perhaps you should consider spending a few more dollars and get. Upon arriving in the islands of the bahamas, nonresidents only must fill out and sign an immigration form, after processing a portion of the card is given back until time of departing when that portion should be given to the airline agent at the check in counter. The real id act requires all state issued identification documents ids to meet a set of minimum security standards. Major international artists frequently perform at resorts. But later it does talk about needed it to gain citizenship. To enter the bahamas, you must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure. The passport card is a cheaper alternative to the passport book.
What is a us passport card, and how can you get one. Can a passport card be used for travel to the bahamas from. You are not limited to how or where you travel if you obtain a passport book. The passport card is a walletsize identification card with your picture, information, and barcode. Passport card vs passport book americas central america. And, all across our islands, you will have many opportunities to enjoy our rich musical tradition at bars, clubs, and restaurants. Ad nnp bahamas rm nnnnps bahar ad nnp bahia ad nnp bahral ghazal. A passport book functions in all ways a passport card is used and there is no need to obtain a passport card if you already have a passport book. Passport card vs passport book canada immigration forum. Using visa gift card in nassau the dis disney discussion. If youre a citizen of the united states, and youre thinking about traveling to mexico, but you dont yet have a passport, you might consider getting a passport card instead of a regular passport book.
The passport card is only good for land and sea travel in countries in the western hemisphere, such as the bahamas. During your cruise, keep your passport card or book in your cabin safe, and simply carry a photocopy of it when walking around in port, in case of an emergency. I f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Our cruise leaves long beach, ca and heading for ensenada mexico then back to long beach. A passport book commonly called a passport, is used for travel anywhere in the world by air, land sea. Report crimes to the local police at 919 or 911, and contact the u.
However, before you apply for a new passport card, consider carefully whether or not you might be better off getting a us passport book. The card may not be used to travel by air outside the united states. If you plan to travel by air, you must obtain a passport book. You should know there are restrictions on a passport card. I am going to the bahamas in june, and need a passport, when i went to apply online, they gave me all three options, with the same criteria for each option, and no explantion of the difference between them. Please remember that passport cards are not good for international air travel, so if you had to fly home mid cruise for some reason, you would need the passport book. Any time you board an international flight, you will need a valid us passport book. Arrival and departure government nonresidents bahamas. I have been told that discover card is not accepted in most placed in the bahamas. Book for travelers on tight budgets, who cruise roundtrip from the u. Us citizens on closedloop cruises cruises that begin and end in the same u. What are the benefits of the passport book vs passport card.
If we are travelling to the bahamas from the us, will a passport card work fine. Passport card vs passport book sep 16 cruise forum. For travelers on tight budgets, who cruise roundtrip from the u. Does freeport take discovercard grand bahama island forum. If you get stranded at a port and need to fly home, you may encounter difficulty with a pp card. Entry requirements differ depending on what country you are a resident and citizen of. Feb 12, 2019 passport book the passport book is designed to be used for all types of international travel. We have never went on a cruise before and are more then.
It is also used for domestic travel to countries by land or sea. Your passport book allows you to travel by land, by sea, or by air. All visitors require a return or onward ticket, confirmed. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at u. Ok, the card is cheaper than a passport book, but what does it get you.
The passport book is accepted for any form of international travel and is also the document that holds your visas. Entry requirements the official site of the bahamas. Passport book vs passport card i f youve wondered what the difference is between a passport book and a passport card, youve come to the right place. Find more information about common safety and security concerns in the bahamas including credit card fraud, real estate and time share scams, and water sport and scooter safety on our website. Do americans need a passport to travel to the bahamas or. The passport card will match the expiry date of your passport book, if you have less than 5 years validity remaining. A passport card provides valid identification for national travel, but only provides valid identification for certain types of international travel. Sep 11, 2016 2 getting a bahamas visa as a nigerian citizen via usa, canada or uk. A passport card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air. How a passport can help you fly domestically state. Cruises using a us passport card on a cruise anyone know for sure if a passport card may be used for a cruise. Exceptions there are, however, a few exceptions to the above rules. Is the passport book number the same as a passport number. This is a privately owned website and not a government agency.
How a passport card differs from a passport book dmv. These countries include canada, mexico, and the caribbean. Differences between passport book and passport card. Can you use the passport card for travel to the bahamas.
Can you travel to bahamas with passport card answers. Visit this link to find out what is required for your country. Differences between a passport book and passport card. Aug 10, 2012 passport cards and passport books are no exception. If your current passport was issued before you were 16 years of age or if it was issued more than 15 years ago, you must follow the instructions for apply for a passport. And, actually, the passport card will slow down your checkin time at the port a little bit, as they currently cannot be scanned into the computer like the passport books are. A passport card is cheaper than a passport book, but cant be used for air travel and is only valid in canada, mexico, bermuda, and the caribbean. Do americans need a passport to travel to the bahamas or jamaica.
341 529 1341 1142 622 181 1494 279 292 149 1479 1093 1198 1214 88 922 976 876 862 606 325 1237 717 556 734 1426 126 889 907 1487 723