Press Releases 08
U.S. Embassy Accepting Applications for New Passport Card
Statement by Ambassador Antonio O. Garza
Mexico
City, January 31, 2008 - “I am pleased to announce that the
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico will begin processing
applications February 1 for the new Passport Card. I was first
in line to apply for this card, which can be used for travel
across land borders into the U.S.
“The passport card was designed to give U.S. citizens living
in border communities an easily portable, secure, and less
expensive alternative to the traditional passport book for
use when crossing the border.
“The passport card may be used to enter the U.S. via land
and sea at ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico,
the Caribbean and Bermuda. It may not be used for air travel.
U.S. citizens will still need their traditional passport books
to travel by air, or to travel to other countries.
“U.S. citizens can now apply at the Embassy in Mexico City
or any U.S. Consulate in Mexico. The wallet-sized cards will
be mailed to applicants in spring 2008. The card will carry
the same rights and privileges as the U.S. passport book and
will have the same validity period: 10 years for adults; five
for children 15 years of age and younger.
“Adults (ages 16 and over) who already have a passport book
may apply for the card for only $20; first-time adult applicants
may apply for $45. The passport card will cost $35 for children
under the age of 16, which includes the execution fee of $25.”
For more information on applying for a U.S. passport card
or passport, please visit: travel.state.gov
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