New Passport Cards for Canada, Mexico and Caribbean Trips : Kathika Travel Website

There have been a lot of changes for US travelers in the past year, and those who are frequently cross the borders between the United States and its nearest neighbors have been understandably frustrated about the idea of using a passport every time.

As a result, the State Department has now approved the passport card as an alternative for travelers heading to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico and Canada. The idea of the passport card, which will also include a microchip, is that it much smaller and more convenient, and will make border crossings much quicker. Instead of having to swipe passports through an electronic reader, the passport card system will include a technology that can read the cards from up to 20 feet away, taking just one or two seconds before travelers are able to continue over the border.

Of course, there’s always someone unhappy with every decision, and some groups are worried about privacy issues if equipment exists to read these cards from a distance. The State Department says that the producer of the card will also be asked to provide plastic sleeves for the cards that will prevent this occurring; additionally, biographical information will not be stored on the microchip. Presumably those who are concerned with the technology will just be able to join the slow queue of travelers using regular passports.

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