by David Anderson, Gramps Travel
Can you imagine waiting months for your dream vacation, only to arrive at the airport and find that you can’t get on the plane? If you don’t have the right travel ID, it could become a reality. I’ve outlined the rules and regulations of travel IDs, to help make certain that scenarios like this don’t happen.
1. Passport Book
Passport books are what most people picture when you say “passport.” A passport book is the only document that is approved for international air travel. It is required for any travel to Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, and Antarctica. Every traveler, even infants, needs to have a passport for international travel. For adults, passports are valid for 10 years, and for minors, they are valid for five years. You can learn more about passport requirements and application details at travel.state.gov.
2. Passport Card
Passport cards are wallet-sized ID cards that are intended for communities close to one of the United States’ international borders. In these communities, they serve as convenient and portable IDs for those who have to cross these borders more frequently. This form of documentation can only be used for land and water travel in North America. Frequent cruisers consider applying for a passport card because it is less expensive and valid at most Caribbean ports of call. However, in the event of an emergency, you will not be able to fly home with a passport card; you would need a passport book.
3. Real ID
Domestic travel does not require a passport, but beginning in October 2020, all travelers over 18 will be required to provide a Real ID to fly within the U.S. Most states are now issuing a Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state identification cards, but some states have still not fully converted to this practice. To find out if your state is compliant, check out the Department of Homeland Security’s helpful map.
If you have not renewed your driver’s license recently, you will not have a Real ID-compliant one (it will have a gold star on it). To learn more about Read ID in Tennessee, click here.
4. Visas
A visa is a travel document that grants entry to or permits leave from a country. In most cases, visas give a date range the traveler can remain within the destination, such as 30 days, 90 days, etc. Visa rules and regulations vary from country to country. Many popular destinations have online applications for visas, but some still require physical forms. Be sure to do your research about the visa requirements of each destination that you plan to visit. You can use CIBT’s Visa Quick Check as a starting point.
Currently, most European countries do not require Americans to have a visa to enter. However, in 2021 that is expected to change.
5. What ID is needed if I will be traveling with a minor, but I am not their parent or guardian?
Maybe you’re grandparents taking your grandchildren to Disney World, or you are taking your daughter’s best friend to see the Grand Canyon. In these cases, you should travel with a letter signed by the minor’s parent or guardian that gives permission for the trip. This letter should be notarized to prove its authenticity at any security or customs checkpoint.
Gramps Travel is owned and operated by David Anderson. David is travel agent who specializes in cruise vacations for families, couples, reunions, and groups of all sizes.
Gramps Travel is dedicated to offering you the best prices and advice while maintaining an emphasis on customer service. Don’t hesitate to contact David so he can help you plan your next travel adventure!
To learn more, Follow Gramps Travel on Facebook or visit http://www.grampstravel.com.
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