What Is A Travel Document Number? - Immikare

A travel document number is a unique identification number assigned to documents like Passports, Visas, and Green Cards. It is a set of digits that helps authorities recognize each individual traveling abroad and is used to track and verify the identity of travelers crossing international borders.

Each travel document has a unique number printed and it is used to ensure that the document is valid and not fake, an identification number sort of authenticates your travel document.

Without a travel document number, the passport or any other travel document is not a valid travel document, and won’t allow you to travel internationally.

Proper identification documents are the foundation of international travel, and individuals should always have an official identification document with them, such as a passport, national ID card, or Driver’s license.

A travel document number is in the same format (1 to 10) as natural numbers, Apart from the number, travel documents contain information about your travel history.

As per the situation, Health travel documents may also be required, such as vaccination certificates or COVID-19 travel document entry requirements.

It is always important to check the specific requirements of your destination country before traveling to a foreign land.

Not everybody requires the same documents, Most countries require visas and passports, but when traveling in the U.S. among the essential travel documents visas, passports, and green cards are of prime importance.

What Are The Most Common Travel Documents?

Travel documents are essential for international travel, and there are different types of travel documents that individuals may need depending on their immigration status and the purpose of their trip abroad. these travel documents differ from one another.

Before traveling abroad find a list of documents you need while traveling. Here are some of the common documents:

• Passport
• Visa
• Green Card

Let’s explore each document in detail:

Passport:

A passport is an official document issued by a citizen’s country as a form of identification and proof of citizenship. It allows traveling abroad from your citizen country to countries abroad.

• Passports are the most common well-known travel documents and are issued by national authorities or the governments of certain subnational territories.
• They contain an individual’s personal information and have space for authorities of other jurisdictions to affix stamps, visas, or other permits authorizing the bearer to enter, reside, or travel within their territory.
• A passport is an official document used worldwide
• It can be used to get through customs (both in your home country and when you arrive at your destination).
• It makes you eligible for travel abroad and allows you to get your visa. It helps in knowing what visa or citizenship status someone is under.

Visa’s:

A visa is a travel document that allows individuals to enter a foreign country for a specific purpose, such as tourism, work, or study. Visas are typically issued by the country being visited and are usually affixed to a passport.

• Visa are used to travel to a country that is not visa-free for your country’s residents, Visas are issued by the immigration department of the country.
• Based on the information the department has about the visa applicant, This department determines who can enter and who cannot enter their country.
• The immigration department determines the reason for your visit based on your visa application form.

You must apply for a visa before traveling abroad. When applying for a U.S. Visa, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Fill out Form DS-160 (Can be done online)
• Visit the corresponding embassy for a visa interview
• Submit further supporting documents

Green Cards:

A green card is a travel document that allows individuals to live and work permanently in the United States. it is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and immigration services (USCIS) and is known as a Permanent Resident Card.

• The USCIS issues a Green Card upon approval. You still need a passport since Green card holders aren’t citizens.
• A Green Card makes it easier to travel back and forth from your birth country to the U.S.
• If you are unsure about your eligibility for a Green card get legal advice, experts can help with document file completion and other important part of the process.
• If eligible then complete the Form I-485 application (online) and provide supporting documents, after that is a scheduled interview.
• Usually, it takes around 6 to 7 months to get a green card.

Arrival/Departure Records:

Arrival/Departure Records are used for non-citizens entering the United States Temporarily. They are issued by U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and are usually affixed to a passport.

Certificate of Identity:

A certificate of identity is a travel document.

It is issued by the government or an international entity pursuant to international agreements

It is issued to enable individuals to clear border control measures.

There are three types of Certificates of Identity:

• 1954 Convention travel documents
• 1951 Convention travel documents
• Non-convention documents

It is important to ensure that you have the correct documents to travel for your specific trip to avoid any issues during the immigration process.

How to Find Numbers on Your Different Travel Documents?

Here are the steps to find the numbers on your different travel documents:

Where is the document number on a passport?

The Passport Travel Document Number: The passport number is a unique type of document number, and it is a 9-digit number that is unique to each passport. It serves as a travel identity document.

• It is usually located on the most important page of any passport, the personal information or data page, which has your photo on it.
• The travel document number on a passport is found in the upper right-hand corner of the page
• It is a series of letters and numbers
• The passport Document Number is a travel document number that picks up crucial information about the traveler.

Where to Find Your Travel Document Number on a Visa?

Visa’s travel document number is a unique identifier assigned to the travel document.

It is typically found on the visa itself,

Is used by immigration officials to verify the traveler’s identity and travel authorization.

It is used by an individual to enter foreign countries

• The visa’s travel document number is also known as a visa number and is often printed in a different color from the rest of the document.
• In the United States, it’s on the lower right corner and is usually a series of 7 or more numbers and sometimes a few letters.
• U.S. visas have their document number in red color
• You can find it in the bottom right-hand corner of the visa
• It is stamped in your passport.
• Visas issued in other countries may have their number printed on another position but it is usually quite easy to recognize.

Note: To avoid any issues during the immigration process. Ensure the travel document number on your visa matches your actual travel document

Where to Find Your Travel Document Number on a Green Card?

To find your travel document number on a green card, look for the Green card number, known as the receipt number or the permanent resident number.

• The Green Card number is a 13-digit number that is printed on the back of the card.
• It is the first line of a long string of 90 characters, and it generally begins with three letters followed by a series of 10 numbers. Each of these characters has significance in your case, and the Green card number refers to your specific immigration case.
• The Green card number is different from your Alien Registration Number (A–Number) and USCIS number.
• To be exact, the Green card number is the character for digits 16-28, followed by “>>”
• The green card number is used to track and verify the authenticity of the Green Card and is required for many purposes, such as renewing or replacing the Green Card.
• It is important to keep your Green Card number safe and secure, as it is a crucial piece of information for your immigration status.

Why are my passport and travel document number important?

Passport and travel document numbers are important for several reasons, including:

• International Travel
• Identification
• Proof of Citizenship
• Visa Application
• Record of entries and departure
• Access to consular Services

They serve as a form of identification, and proof of citizenship, and are necessary for international travel and visa application. They also provide a record of entries and departures and allow access to consular services. It is important to keep these numbers safe and secure, as they are crucial pieces of information for your immigration status and travel authorization

Difference Between Passport Number And Travel Document Number

Passport number and travel document number are both unique identifiers. but they are not the same thing.

Here are the main differences between passport numbers and travel document numbers:

Passport Number:

• A passport number is a unique set of digits used to differentiate passports between holders
• It is a 9-digit number that is unique to each passport
• It is located on the second page of the passport, where you find personal data such as your name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, and photo.
• It is used to identify the passport holder and is required for visa applications (filing) as well as for government records.

Travel Document Number:

• A travel document number is a set of digits unique to each individual document
• It is a unique identifier associated with travel documents like passports, visas, and Green Cards.
• It is used to track and verify the authenticity of the travel document and is required not only for border controls but also for airline tickets
• It is located on the official travel document you are holding, such as your passport, visa, Green Card, and other official international travel document.

While a passport number is a type of travel document number, there are other types of travel documents, such as visas and Green Cards, with unique numbers.

It is important to check which travel document number is required for a particular travel situation.

The passport number is used to identify the passport holder, while the travel document number is used to track and verify the authenticity of the travel document.

Your passport number and travel document number can be the same depending on where you are from and which travel document you must have when visiting a particular country.

How to Get a Passport?

It depends on the country’s passport you need. First check eligibility, then apply for the passport in the appropriate department of government in your birth country. In the USA it is the U.S. Department of State.

• Complete required forms
• Attach the required supporting documents
• Submit application
• Once approved, get your passport

U.S Passport:

A passport is a document issued by the United States Department of State allowing people to re-enter the nation.

It is recognized by almost every country worldwide and provides many benefits, including access to consular services, international travel, identification, visa exemption, complete details, and records of entries and departures

It is an important document that serves as a form of identification and allows you to travel internationally. Having a U.S. passport helps in getting visa exemption from many nations.

The passport contains complete details of the individual including ho his/her name, photograph, age, sex, nationality, date of birth, and other personal information.

In a foreign land, this document helps in establishing identity easily and conveniently.

• You may find your passport number on the top right-hand corner of the identification page
• A U.S passport has 6 to 9 characters (both letters and numbers)
• Since 2007 all passports issued by the U.S. are electronic
• The passport comes with a chip embedded on the back cover
• The chip holds information like a personal image, a biometric identifier, a digital signature, and a unique chip ID number
• Each Passport number ties directly to individuals and the number is a code kept in the government’s database

How do I know if my Passport is valid?

• To verify if your passport is valid, you must check the expiration date on the passport.
• Usually, the range for a valid passport is between 5 years to 10 years
• The validity period depends upon your age and your country’s policies

Benefits of having a passport

The primary benefit is travel convenience, a legitimate passport can allow you to travel abroad anywhere in the world.

It’s a Valid Photo ID

The passport also serves as your valid photo ID, It proves your nationality, identity, address, age, etc. By having a passport you can get visa-free entry to certain countries that don’t require a visa for residents of certain countries.

How do you get a visa?

Go to the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit found in your home country.

• Apply for the type of visa you need.
• The reason for your visit helps determine the type of visa you need
• Tourists get tourist visas
• People who go to work get their employment-related visas.
• Complete required Forms
• Supply supporting documents
• Pay the Fees
• Attend and pass the interview
• Get you visa

What is the travel document number for USCIS?

USCIS is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that administers the country’s naturalization and immigration system.

There is no specific travel document number for USCIS. However,

A travel document number for USCIS can be a U.S. passport number or the number on a valid U.S. visa.

Travel document number for I-539 applicant

If you are an I-539 applicant, the travel document number you need to provide if your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number.

You can find this number on the small white card you received from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the border, or on the I-94 website.

If the date on your Form I-94 has passed, your visa status has expired, so you may no longer apply for an extension with Form I-539

Will my different travel documents have the same travel document number?

No, your different travel documents will not have the same travel document number. Each travel document has a specific number, and the structure and total digits of the number vary depending on the type of document. For example:

• A Green card number starts with three letters
• A U.S visa number has a total of eight numerical digits

How much does a green card cost?

The cost of a green card varies depending on the type of Green card and the applicant’s age. Here is a summary of the cost of a green card:

Family-Based Green Card: The government filing fee is:

• $1,760 for applicants applying from within the United States
• $1,200 For applicants living outside the United States

Employment-Based Green Card: The cost varies depending on the category and can vary from case to case. The basic costs are:

• Processing fees between $325 and $345
• USCIS Immigration fees $220
• Biometrics Services Fee $85
• The cost of a medical exam is $400 (Varies)

Investment-Based Green Card: The cost of an investment-based Green Card is at least $900,000 “entry fee”

Other Fees: There are other fees associated with obtaining a Green Card, such as translation Services fees, which vary depending on the provider

Travel Document Number FAQ

What is the relevance of getting a green card?

A green card is a document that provides lawful permanent residency in the United States. Obtaining a Green Card has many benefits, including:

• Permanent Residency
• Employment Opportunities
• Education Benefits
• Access to Government Benefits
• Political Participation
• Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
• Business Opportunities
• Retirement
• Access to health and life Insurance
• Access to Mortgages

It is important to note there are responsibilities associated with having a Green Card, such as reporting worldwide income earned during the tax year on your U.S. Federal Tax Returns.

Is a passport number the same as a travel document number?

Yes, in some cases your Passport number is your travel document number. But

• If you have a passport card and
• A passport booklet

The two numbers will be different as each number is unique to the document. Other types of travel documents such as visas and refugee travel documents, have a unique number.

Check the travel document number required for your travel abroad.

U.S. Passport Card

It is an optional national identity card and a travel document issued by the U.S. federal government in the size of a credit card. Here are some key points about the U.S. passport card.

• Real ID Compliant: It can be used as an alternative to a state-issued ID for domestic flights
• Validity: Is valid for land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international travel by Air.
• Size: The same size as a credit card, making it easy to carry in your wallet
• Cost: The cost for first-time applicants is $65 for adults and $50 for children under age 16. The cost for renewal is $30 for adults
• Acceptance: Is accepted for entry by land or sea into Canada, Mexico, and some countries and territories in the Caribbean. It cannot be used to travel by Air into these countries, or by other means to other countries
• Proof of Citizenship and Identity: Can be used as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship, just like a passport booklet,
• Can be used as valid proof of citizenship and proof of identity both inside and outside the U.S.
• Universal Design: This is designed more universally than state ID cards and driver’s licenses.

Formatted to United Nationals ICAO machine-readable documents standards, used on IDs around the world.

U.S. Passport Book

The U.S. Passport Book is a travel document issued by the U.S. federal government allowing the bearer to travel internationally by Air, Sea, or Land. Here are some key points about the U.S. passport Book

• Validity: Valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children
• Cost: The cost for first-time applicants is $165 for adults and $135 for children under the age of 16. The cost for renewal is $130 for adults
• Acceptance: Is accepted for international travel by Air, Land, or Sea
• Proof of Citizenship and Identity: Can be used as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship, just like a passport card,

Can be used as valid proof of citizenship and proof of identity both inside and outside the U.S.

• Universal Design: This is designed more universally than state ID cards and driver’s licenses.
• Formatted to United Nationals ICAO machine-readable documents standards, used on IDs around the world.
• Second Passport Book: You may be able to apply for a second U.S. passport book (if you have a valid U.S. passport and meet several additional requirements.

How Much Do Travel Documents Cost?

The cost of documents varies on the type of document and the applicant’s age. Here is a summary of the cost of some common travel documents:

U.S passport: The cost varies from $30 to $140, The cost varies depending on the type of passport and the applicant’s age. As of early 2023, the cost of a passport book for an adult (16 years and older) is $110, and for a child (15 years and younger) is $80. The cost of a passport card for an adult is $30, and for a child is $15. Expedited fee is available for an additional fee.

Reentry Document or Advance Parole: The cost of a reentry document or advance parole is $575, plus an $85 biometric (fingerprinting) fee for applicants between ages 14 and 79 years of age.

Refuge Travel Document: The cost of a refuge travel document is $135 for people 16 years and older, and $105 for people under 16 years old. In addition, there is an $85 biometric services fee for people between 14 and 79 years of age.

Fees are subject to change, it is important to check the most up-to-date information before applying.

Getting a Travel Document

To obtain a travel document, follow the specific application process for the type of document you need. Here are the general steps to get a travel document:

• Determine the travel document you need
• Gather the required documents
• Complete the application
• Pay the application fees
• Submit the application
• Wait for processing

Application process varies depending on the type of document you need, it is important to follow the specific instructions for the type of document you are applying for.