Passport question

[TXdeVille]

My family and I will be getting passports for the first time. Although DH has had one before, he no longer has it, it's been too long, and has to go through the regular process again.

My question is this:
We are wanting to keep the cruise a secret from the kids and noticed that there is a question asking your travel plans, when, and where. Is this absolutely necessary? If so, will they say anything around the kids? Can I just leave it out? I think if we leave it out and they find out we could be in trouble. That may sound silly but these days you never know.

ANY help is greatly appreciated.

TIA

 

[Evil Queen 2]

I would think you could leave it blank without it being a big deal. My son recently renewed his and left it blank. He got his renewed passport back with no problem.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

You can leave the information out. No problem!

 

[TXdeVille]

sweet! thanks a bunch!

 

[karibritt01]

You can leave the information out. No problem!

If not, you could have your DH distract the kids away from where you are, and tell them discreetly. Any adult would be understanding and keep your secret.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

you could write in " preplaning for future travel"

 

[4peaches]

I filled out the forms online at home, printed them out and went to the post office for processing. Hubby, myself and both kids there. No one asked us our plans or any questions about travel at all. It was already on the form. They might not ask, plus when we were waiting for our turn, I went to the counter first without hubby and the kids and started everything going. The hubby and kids were then asked to step forward for verification and hubby's license and signatures. During the time before they were called forward something could be said to the people processing the passports to keep the trip a secret.

 

["Ginger"]

I've been reading about passport cards. anybody know if they have started offering them? They're alot cheaper than a book passport.

 

[4peaches]

Yeah, they are offering them. We got our passports last month and they asked us if we wanted the books, the cards, or both. Are you aware of the card limitations?

 

[GoofyTraci]

i have the same issue I am trying to keep the cruise a secret, so I told my son that it is required to fly now. And since we fly he didnt question it. Good luck with keeping your secret. Its hard...

 

["Ginger"]

Yeah, they are offering them. We got our passports last month and they asked us if we wanted the books, the cards, or both. Are you aware of the card limitations?

Yes, but don't you think it would work for most of us posting on the board. Doing cruises only, as long as you don't have to travel by air outside of the U.S..

U.S. PASSPORT CARD


APPLICATIONS FOR THE U.S. PASSPORT CARD ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED!

Passport card applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. Based on current projections, we expect to begin production of the passport card in June, and be in full production in July. We will provide additional updates as available.


The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards.

Note: A previous passport book holder, eligible to use Form DS-82, may apply for a passport card as a Renewal. First time applicants for a U.S. Passport, and those not eligible to use the DS-82, should apply for a passport card using Form DS-11.

The Department of State is issuing this passport card in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card will have the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five for children 15 and younger. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20. First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children.

To facilitate the frequent travel of U.S. citizens living in border communities and to meet DHS’s operational needs at land borders, the passport card will contain a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. This chip will point to a stored record in secure government databases. There will be no personal information written to the RFID chip itself

 

[Gecko1]

Yes, the "passport card" would work for most of us, most of the time. Just don't miss the boat, get hurt during an excursion, get sick/hurt enough onboard to require being removed at the next port, etc... because then you will need a passport.

The card was envisioned for use along the US/Mexico & US/Canada border for those routinely crossing the border by car/truck/boat. This was mostly due to business lobbying influence as a cost issue. It also dovetailed in nicely with the NAFTA deals with our north and south neighbors.

The use on a cruise ship fits in to the legal description (With the card you must enter the US by water or land).

For us it just made sense to get the kids a passport and renew ours. It comes down to your future travel plans, your risk tolerance and financial calculations.