New Passport Cards Enter Production

The U.S. State Department announced this week that it has started production of the new Passport Card, which can be used in lieu of a passport in some cases when traveling between the U.S. and the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada. More than 350,000 people have already applied for Passport Cards, which can be used at air and sea crossings but not for international air travel.

My new article on How To Apply for and Receive a U.S. Passport or Passport Card explains how the Passport Card works, how to get one, and whether you should choose a passport or Passport Card.

I've also updated my Caribbean Passport, Visa, and ID Requirements story with the latest information from the State Department, including the new travel rules that go into effect in June 2009. And, of course you can also check out my popular (and also freshly updated) piece on visiting the Caribbean without a passport, including travel to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.