United States – Passport & Travel Document Requirements
When traveling internationally, it is essential to have the correct travel documents ready. This begins with your passport, but may also include other documents as well. This page provides an overview of these documents for US Citizens. Please consult your travel professional for additional information.
Passport Card & Passport Book:
We are often asked about the difference between these two documents. In short, a Passport Card can only be used for travel by land or sea, and not by air. It is a great option for those people who live on border states between the US and Canada or Mexico, who travel internationally as it is more durable and convenient to use. However it is not valid for air, so it is not practical for many people as a single immigration document.
When purchasing a passport, some people do opt for both a book and card because the passport card, while not valid for air travel, does work as a secondary photo ID. In some countries, you will be required to surrender your passport book to the hotel you are staying at. Having the card will enable you to still keep with you a government issued ID, and conceptually would make life easier returning to the US if you lost your passport book – although you would still need to contact the US Embassy first.
Travel by Air:
All travelers must present a passport book and other travel documents when entering and exiting the United States by air. Other acceptable documents would include a NEXUS Card, US Military ID with Travel Orders, or other similar documents. Passport Cards are not accepted.
Children traveling are also required to have the same documents.
Land and Sea Travel:
In general all cruises require a US Passport. However in certain circumstances a WHTI-Compliant Travel Document is acceptable on closed-loop cruises – which are defined as cruises that begin and end in the same US port.
U.S. PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:
- U.S. Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
- The Passport Card: passport card are only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.
- WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
- Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
- State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
- U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
- Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
- Form I-872 American Indian Card
For further information see U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
It is the recommendation of this agency that while a WHTI-Compliant Travel Document will be acceptable for international travel by cruise ship, all passengers should have a valid US Passport for all international travel. Read more about why passports are recommended for closed-loop cruises.
Travel Documents Required for Children:
Be sure to read our information regarding Traveling with Children for other recommended or required documents required when traveling with children.
Other Travel Documents:
It is important to understand that this page relates to immigration requirements for returning into the United States. However, other countries have additional requirements for entering into their country. Additionally, just because you were issued a passport and you are permitted to travel outside of the country does not indicate that you will be accepted into another country. As a result, failure to have all of the correct documentation may result in your denial for entry into a country. As such, you may be required to return back to the United States at your expense. Beyond travel documents, some countries also evaluate you based on other factors such as financial stability, criminal history and a personal interview — any of which may result in your denial for entry into another country.
Depending on the destination you are visiting you may also require travel documents such as:
- Minimum validity period of Passport (ie it must be valid for a number of months beyond your intended visit. The most common is 6-months)
- Visa
- Proof of shots, immunizations or other medical documentation
- Invitation letter into a country
- Additional copies of your passport photo
- As well as other travel documents as required by the country you are visiting
The client assumes sole responsibility for ensuring they meet immigration and documentation requirements for both exit and entry into the various countries during their travel. True Vacation Travel cannot be held responsible for your denial for travel for any reason, including exit or enterence requirements.
Click to apply for a Travel VISA