passport card vs book while on excursions

[Dayana]

Hello all,

 

I curious if I can carry my passport card instead of my passport book when getting on and off at various ports for excursions.  I would prefer to carry the card as ID and leave my book in the stateroom for safekeeping.  Is this allowed?

[Hlitner]

The Passport Card is acceptable as a government issued picture ID where that is required.  However, if you are traveling in countries that require you to physically carry a Passport (this is true for some places in Europe/Asia) then the card is not a valid substitute.

 

Hank

[senorbanda]

The Passport Card is used for re-entry to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Bermuda.  And not valid for international use by air.  I would bring my Passport Book with me for excursions in Europe.

[steamboats]

Neither your Passport Card nor your driving license is regarded as a proper ID when traveling in Europe. Especially when you miss the ship and the next port can be only reached by air you need your passport (book). If you are involved in an accident or a random check the Passport Card might be o.k. for the police but they can insist on the passport (book).

 

My ID card (German) is valid in Europe so I take this on excursions in the Med and leave my passport onboard. In the US I always carry my passport (while my German ID card or DL might be o.k. for an age check in casinos, restaurants...).

 

steamboats

[Budget Queen]

Me,   I am NEVER without my passport and haven't been for probably close to 20 years.    It isn't gold and with it being incorporated into your general habits goes far for it's maintenance.   Are you in the habit of loosing your credit cards,   license etc  frequently???     Having good safety habits in place is a major benefit in my travels.   I always see some - horrific unsafe things people do,  and figure criminals are known to take the path of least resistance.   

 

A passport card is too limiting for many situations and worthless to me.    

[Hlitner]

3 hours ago, Budget Queen said:

Me,   I am NEVER without my passport and haven't been for probably close to 20 years.    It isn't gold and with it being incorporated into your general habits goes far for it's maintenance.   Are you in the habit of loosing your credit cards,   license etc  frequently???     Having good safety habits in place is a major benefit in my travels.   I always see some - horrific unsafe things people do,  and figure criminals are known to take the path of least resistance.   

 

A passport card is too limiting for many situations and worthless to me.    

Just a related thought (not meant to be argumentative),   We tend to do more then our share of swimming and beach time whether it be in the USA, Caribbean, Europe, Asia, etc.  While my credit cards are waterproof my Passport is not!  Although I do use a waterproof fanny pack (bum pack for you Brits) to hold 1 or 2 credit cards and some cash, there have been a few times when it has leaked (probably my own mistake when sealing it).  A wet Passport is a worthless Passport and much be replaced plus it is somewhat larger then a credit card.  That is just one reason why we only carry our Passport when there is a darn good reason (such as when I rent a car).  Otherwise we prefer to leave our Passport in a very secure place (cabin safe, hotel safe, etc).

 

This issue has been debated here on CC from almost the beginning of CC :).  There is no general agreement on the subject and there are good arguments for and against carrying a Passport.  After about 50 years of extensive international travel we do not even argue the point or try to convince anyone.  We simply present our point of view.

 

Hank

[Budget Queen]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

Just a related thought (not meant to be argumentative),   We tend to do more then our share of swimming and beach time whether it be in the USA, Caribbean, Europe, Asia, etc.  While my credit cards are waterproof my Passport is not!  Although I do use a waterproof fanny pack (bum pack for you Brits) to hold 1 or 2 credit cards and some cash, there have been a few times when it has leaked (probably my own mistake when sealing it).  A wet Passport is a worthless Passport and much be replaced plus it is somewhat larger then a credit card.  That is just one reason why we only carry our Passport when there is a darn good reason (such as when I rent a car).  Otherwise we prefer to leave our Passport in a very secure place (cabin safe, hotel safe, etc).

 

This issue has been debated here on CC from almost the beginning of CC :).  There is no general agreement on the subject and there are good arguments for and against carrying a Passport.  After about 50 years of extensive international travel we do not even argue the point or try to convince anyone.  We simply present our point of view.

 

Hank

I have a waterproof floater and my valuables always go in the water with me.   I've been an avid snorkeler for years.  🙂     Putting some money in a quality product is essential.   I also double ziplock bag everything for a triple insurance.