Passport Card Fever

The U.S. Postal Service, partnering with the U.S. Department of State, is holding its “Passport Day in the USA” across the country Saturday. The event will be a kind of clinic on obtaining a passport and passport card.

Part of the reason for these events is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a U.S. Homeland Security endeavor that requires a passport or passport card for U.S. travelers heading to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. The passport card, which started last year, is about $35 compared to $100 for a full-fledged passport. It’s aimed at travelers specifically going to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, or residents that live close to those borders and wanted easy travel — because it’s only valid at land entries or sea ports. Demand is expected to be high because requirements go into effect June 1.

While the WHTI have been required for air travel since 2007, the new requirements will be affecting the cruise industry most — its bread and butter is the Caribbean and Mexico. While the passport card won’t be needed on cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port, it may be needed if the passenger ever wants to disembark to explore any port of call. (Confusing? Yes.) Most cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Lines, have a passport requirement section on their FAQ to eliminate some of the confusion. However, browsing through the Disney Cruise Line passport section, I found that the cruise line came out and told its passengers just to get a passport already:

U.S. Government passport requirements continue to change; therefore, we strongly encourage Guests of all ages to have a valid U.S. passport for all cruises. Having a passport allows you to always be prepared to travel wherever you wish, and offers an added measure of security when you’re traveling.

I have to agree. Although I am no fan of increased border documentation, if not using a passport card means no ports of call and one can only go on a handful of cruises departing and arriving at the same city — it seems they are necessary to have any meaningful travel experience. I guess I’ll see you at the post office.

Photo of U.S. Passport Card courtesy of the U.S. State Department