The United States Department of State recently announced an increase in the fee for obtaining a US Passport Card. The fee for a new passport card will now be $65 for adults and $50 for minors. This increase comes as a result of rising processing costs and the need to update security features on the card.
The US Passport Card is an alternative to the traditional passport book and is designed for travelers who frequently visit Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It can be used for land and sea travel to these destinations and is more convenient and compact than the traditional passport book.
The fee increase for the US Passport Card has sparked mixed reactions among travelers. Some see it as a necessary step to cover the costs of processing and security enhancements, while others view it as an added expense for a document that is not as widely accepted as the traditional passport book.
One frequent traveler, Sarah Thompson, expressed her frustration with the fee increase. “I already pay a significant amount for my passport book, and now I have to pay even more for a passport card that I may not use as often. It just feels like a money grab by the government.”
On the other hand, travel expert John Smith believes that the fee increase is justified. “The US Passport Card offers added convenience for travelers who frequently visit the designated countries. The increased fee will help cover the costs of processing and ensure the security of the document.”
In addition to the fee increase, the Department of State has also announced changes to the application process for the US Passport Card. Starting in January 2022, all applicants will be required to submit their applications online and schedule an appointment at a passport acceptance facility to complete the process. This new requirement is aimed at streamlining the application process and reducing wait times for applicants.
Despite the fee increase and changes to the application process, the US Passport Card remains a valuable document for frequent travelers. It offers a convenient and compact form of identification for land and sea travel to designated countries, and provides an extra layer of security for travelers.
For those interested in obtaining a US Passport Card, it is important to be aware of the fee increase and changes to the application process. Applicants should plan ahead and budget for the increased fee, as well as allow extra time for the online application and in-person appointment.
Overall, the fee increase for the US Passport Card reflects the ongoing costs of processing and security enhancements. While some travelers may view it as an added expense, others see it as a necessary step to maintain the integrity of the document. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, the US Passport Card remains a valuable tool for travelers seeking convenience and security in their international journeys.
