Passport Card: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to get a credit-card sized travel document for traveling within the EU and EEA.
The Passport Card is a small, credit-card sized travel document designed for easier movement within certain European regions. It serves as a compact alternative to a standard passport for specific types of travel.
Who it's for
To qualify for this document, you must already be an existing passport holder. This is not an entry-level document for first-time applicants; you must have a valid passport to be eligible to request a card.
What you get
When you apply, you receive a compact travel document that is roughly the size of a standard credit card. This document is intended to make traveling easier by being smaller and more portable than a traditional passport. It is specifically designed for use when traveling within the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA).
What it costs you
Applying for this document is not free. You will be required to pay an application fee to the Department of Foreign Affairs to have the card processed and issued to you. You should check the official government channels to confirm the current amount required for the transaction.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is the limitation on where you can use this document. While it is useful for regional travel, it is not valid for travel outside of the EU. If your travel plans include destinations outside of the EU or the EEA, you must carry your full-sized passport instead.
How to apply
- Confirm that you currently hold a valid passport.
- Access the official government portal for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
- Complete the necessary application steps to request the card.
- Pay the required application fee through the official channels.
- Wait for your document to be processed and delivered.