New U.S. Passport card good news for Caribbean cruisers

The U.S. State Department has started issuing U.S. Passport Cards and has advised travel suppliers and travel agents that they should expect to see the new document soon. The Passport Card has been developed as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative to serve as a less-costly alternative to the traditional Passport. The Passport Card is an acceptable form of identification for entry into the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and most Caribbean locations at land and sea ports of entry only. It is not valid for air travel. The cost of the Passport Card is $45 for travelers 16 and older and $35 for travelers under 16 years of age.

If you have travel plans that may take you beyond Canada, Mexico, Central America and/or the Caribbean then the traditional Passport is the route to go.

For more information on the U.S. Passport and Passport card contact your local post office, travel agency or visit the U.S. State Department's website www.travel.state.gov.