Last Updated: December 6, 2021
What Is A Travel Document Number?
Are you looking for a clear and concise guide on travel document numbers? Then you’re in the right place because that’s exactly what I’ll be talking about right here!
Travel documents are necessary for international travel, and every such document that exists has a unique number that serves as a personal identifier. How do they work, where can you find them, and what’s their point are a few of the questions I’ll answer in this detailed guide. So, read on to learn more about travel document numbers and their purpose!
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What Is A Travel Document?
Let’s start with the basics – a travel document is the primary identifying document for travelers in foreign countries. The most common type of travel document is a passport, but visas and IDs can also function as viable travel documents. In order to cross the border of any country, you need some sort of identifying travel document.
Passports are the identifiers, and whenever you’re filling a form that requires you to put in a travel document number, the serial number of your passport is usually enough.
Travel document numbers can also refer to the unique identifying numbers of visas and ID cards, but whenever that is the case, it is usually specified in the form. If you’re not sure which travel document number you’re required to input, your best bet is to ask the relevant authorities directly.
Travel documents can also be required for domestic travel. Passports are usually necessary for international travel, visas are required by certain countries for nationals of certain countries, and IDs are usually enough for domestic travel. Some neighboring countries allow their residents to travel between the borders with just IDs as well, but this only works for the nationals of those countries.
What’s A Travel Document Number?
A travel document number is a unique combination of letters and numbers that allows for the identification of a travel document. Just like every car has a unique chassis number and every laptop has a unique serial number, every travel document issued legally has its own unique number.
That number serves as an identifier for that specific document and its owner. Its purpose is to allow officials to keep track of people who travel to and through countries, and to make sure that everything is in order. Keep in mind that you should carry a travel document with you at all times when traveling internationally – at the very least, keep a photo of your passport’s information page on your phone.
Different countries can have different systems in place for issuing travel document numbers, meaning that one country can have a 13-character document number for their passports, and another one can opt to issue passports with 6-character identifiers.
It’s also possible for passports issued in the same country to have identifying codes of varying lengths. This is very common in the United States – US passports usually have between 6 and 9 characters, depending on where the document was issued, who it was issued to, what purpose it was issued for, etc.
When Will I Need A Travel Document (Number)?
You will need a travel document for both domestic and international travel, obviously. But that’s certainly not the only scenario in which you might be asked to list the serial number of your travel document, so keep reading.
In some EU countries, foreigners are required to report their stay to the relevant authorities. This can usually be done at a local police station, the town hall, or tourism authorities. You must report your stay within a day or two of entering the country (it depends on the specific country), and you will be asked for your travel document number. If you’re staying at a hotel, you usually don’t have to worry about this, since hotels do this for all their guests.
Additionally, street checks by police officers are common in most countries in the world. It hasn’t happened to me personally yet, but a police officer can stop you and ask for ID. Foreigners are required to present their passports, which is why you should always carry your passport with you while you’re traveling abroad.
Passport Document Number
Passports are the most important travel documents for international travel. Every country on the planet has its own unique passport, and every single one of those passports has a unique identifying number. That allows officials to keep track of who enters their country and how long they stay there, plus it helps prevent any illegal activity and wrongdoings.
The document number of passports is usually located in the upper right corner of the information page. It can also be found at the bottom of that page, and in some passports, there can be a third instance just below the passport owner’s photograph. The number is usually labeled as “passport document number” or “passport serial number”, making it very easy to find.
Whenever you’re asked to enter your primary travel document number, in most cases it’s enough to enter the serial number of your passport since that is the primary travel document for most people.
US Passports: Booklet or Card Number?
The United States issue both passport cards and passport booklets to its citizens. Both function as unique travel documents, and they can’t be used interchangeably. A passport card is suitable for domestic travel, but it’s not a valid document for international travel. You can’t get a stamp or a visa if you just have a passport card, so you do need the booklet if you want to travel the world.
It’s worth noting that it is possible to travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean Islands with just a passport card. But that’s it and you will need a passport booklet to travel to other countries in the world.
The main difference between cards and booklets is the cost of issuing. Passport cards are just some $40, whereas booklets cost almost twice as much. Also, since these are both unique travel documents, they will have different document numbers, so don’t be confused by that.
If you’re asked for your travel document number, you should usually use the serial number of your passport booklet. The number of your passport card will work only if you’re traveling to one of the countries mentioned earlier in this segment.
Visa Document Number
If only we could travel the entire world with just our passports! Unfortunately, we can’t – a lot of countries still require a visa for certain foreigners, and you might be asked for the document number of your visa. This is where things can get confusing for some people since visas can feature several serial numbers.
The main document number of a visa is usually prominently displayed. In the EU Schengen visa, it’s in the top right corner of the document, way above all the other information. US visas feature the number in the bottom right corner, and it’s written in bright red color which makes it very easy to find.
Don’t confuse it with the control number – its sole purpose is for the US State Department to be able to keep track of various visa issuances, and it holds zero significance for the traveler.
Visas also include your passport number, and along with the visa number and the control number, it can be a bit confusing to find the right travel document number, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.
That’s why the serial number of a visa is always different than the rest of the information on the page – it can be written in a different color, in a bigger font, or displayed separately from the other numbers.
ID Document Number
Sometimes it is possible to travel to a foreign country with just your ID or even a driver’s license. It’s worth noting that these instances are pretty rare and that the number of countries you can travel to without a passport is very limited. In most instances, citizens of a country can travel to some of its neighboring countries or overseas territories with just an ID, but it can never hurt to bring your passport as well.
Just like passports and visas, every ID has a unique identifying number. It’s usually listed under “identity card number” or “identity document number”, and it often contains both alphabetical letters and numbers.
Green Card Number
Green cards are specific for the United States and they’re issued only to permanent residents in the country. Getting a green card is a lengthy process since it is one of the most coveted identity documents in the world for most people who weren’t fortunate enough to be born in the US. Owning a green card allows you to live and work in the United States, but you still won’t be issued a US passport.
Green cards usually have two listed numbers – one that is listed as the A# (alien) or USCIS#, and another one which is the official green card identifying number. The A# is usually listed at the center on the front of a green card, and it’s the unique identifying number for the owner of that green card.
The other number is listed at the bottom on the back of a green card, and it has 13 characters – it usually starts with three letters, followed by ten numbers. This number also refers to the specific immigration case that led to the issuing of the green card, making it easy for relevant authorities to keep track of everything.
It’s worth noting that you can’t travel internationally with just a green card – you still need your passport. However, a green card makes it much easier to travel back and forth between the US and your birth country, and it generally makes the entire process quicker and easier.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
