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The Differences Between Passport Book And Passport Card

User By Katie May | Update on: Aug 05, 2023

Ivory Coast (also known as Côte d'Ivoire) is a country in West Africa with a rich cultural heritage and a growing interest in international travel. For Ivorian citizens planning to venture beyond their borders, understanding the differences between a passport book and a passport card is crucial. Both documents serve as valid forms of identification for travel, but they come with distinct features and usage scenarios. 

In this article, we'll explore the contrasts between a passport book and a passport card, helping Ivorian travelers make informed decisions based on their travel needs.

An Overview Of Passport Card Vs. Passport Book

What is a passport card?

A passport card is a government-issued travel document that may be used as identification for land and sea travel between the United States and a few nearby nations. Beyond the aforementioned locations, it is not applicable for international flight travel. Compared to the conventional passport book, it is smaller and fits in a wallet.

The passport card was first introduced by the U.S. Department of State in 2008 as a response to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which aimed to strengthen border security measures. The primary purpose of the passport card is to facilitate travel to and from the United States' nearby countries, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, where U.S. citizens do not require air travel. 

What is a passport book?

A passport book is the standard and most common form of a passport issued by the government. The passport book is a comprehensive travel document that allows the holder to travel to almost any country worldwide. It is the primary form of identification for international air travel, making it an essential document for those planning to fly abroad. Additionally, the passport book serves as proof of identity and nationality, allowing the holder to travel internationally for various purposes, including tourism, business, and personal reasons. A passport book is a small booklet available to U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals that can be used for international travel by air, sea or land. 

The passport book is the standard form of government-issued passport  

The passport book is the standard form of government-issued passport  

What’s The Difference Between A Passport Book And Passport Card?

1. Passport cards have specific travel purposes

Passport cards are travel identification cards with specified uses, especially for land and sea travel between the United States and a few nearby nations. In comparison to conventional passport booklets, they are smaller and easier to take on short journeys. Passport cards are especially helpful for tourists who often enter Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda through the land borders of the United States. They are not valid for worldwide air travel, but they are a reasonable and useful choice for people whose travel is focused on these specified areas. A conventional passport book is needed for more extensive international flight travel or to locations outside the mentioned regions.

2. Passport cards cost less than passport books

Passport cards are a more affordable option than passport books, making them a popular choice for those on a tight budget or those with predetermined itineraries. Because they were created especially for land and sea travel between the United States and particular adjacent nations, passport cards often have a smaller price tag. The passport book is often more costly than a passport card since it covers a wider range of travel and has more pages for visa stamps. If your travel requirements are restricted to these locations and you don't have any urgent plans for international air travel, getting a passport card might be a wise and cost-effective decision that will allow you to avoid paying for a passport.

Passport card is a government-issued travel document for land and sea travel between the United States and nearby nations 

Passport card is a government-issued travel document for land and sea travel between the United States and nearby nations 

3. Passport cards are smaller than passport books

Since they offer a compact and useful travel document, passport cards are a well-liked choice for those seeking a more simplified identity solution. Unlike passport books, which are little booklets, passport cards are wallet-sized and may be carried in a pocket or handbag. They are easy to take when traveling because of their lightweight construction and small shape, and they offer quick access to crucial identifying information. Passengers traveling by land or water between the United States and certain nearby countries can choose from a greater selection of travel alternatives with passport books due to the larger range of possibilities available on passport cards due to their smaller size.

4. Passport book is mandatory for air travel

If you plan to travel internationally by air, a passport book is a must as an Ivory Coast visa requirement and entry requirements. It is the standard and widely accepted travel document for air travel to almost any country worldwide. Airlines and immigration authorities will require a valid passport book to allow you to board international flights and enter foreign countries.

Passport book is mandatory for air travel 

Passport book is mandatory for air travel 

Extra Information Passport Card And Passport Book For Visitors

How to get a passport card?

These are the procedures to get a passport card. Gather all necessary paperwork first, including citizenship and identification verification. Obtain two pictures the size of a passport that satisfies the standards. Next, complete the relevant passport application form, either DS-82 for renewals or DS-11 for first-time applicants. To submit your application and pay the appropriate costs, travel to a passport acceptance center in your neighborhood, such as a post office or government building. Apply long before your intended trip because processing times might vary. The address you gave in your application will get a letter after your passport card has been processed.

How long does it take to get a passport card?

The processing time to get a passport card can vary depending on the country and the current volume of applications. In general, obtaining a passport card tends to be faster than getting a passport book. 

In the United States, for example, routine processing for a passport card typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks from the time of application submission. However, travelers who need their passport card more urgently can opt for expedited processing, which shortens the processing time to approximately 2 to 3 weeks, excluding mailing times. 

It is strongly advised for tourists visiting Ivory Coast to get in touch with the relevant government agency in charge of passport issuing in order to obtain the most precise and recent information on the processing time for a passport card in Ivory Coast. You can visit the Ivory Coast Immigrations Services to inquire about the current processing times and any other relevant information.

The processing time for a passport card varies based on the country and application volume 

The processing time for a passport card varies based on the country and application volume 

How long is the passport card valid?

Periodically, the passport card must be renewed. You must renew it each time it expires because it has a limited lifespan. The passport card has a ten-year validity period for US nationals who are 16 years of age or older. The passport card is only good for five years if you are under the age of sixteen. This is due to the fact that children's appearances vary frequently as they grow, and the passport card photo must reflect these changes.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between a passport book and a passport card is essential for Ivorian travelers who have dreams of exploring the world. While the passport book offers a more extensive travel scope and is suitable for international air, sea, and land travel, the passport card is limited to specific neighboring regions where Ivorian citizens may not have direct travel interests. Careful consideration of travel plans, cost considerations, and the intended scope of exploration will empower Ivorian travelers to make the best choice when obtaining their travel documents, ultimately setting the stage for unforgettable journeys abroad.

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