What is a Tourist Card? A tourist card, which might be called a 'citizenship identity card', is issued to a tourist for a stated period of time. A tourist card is different to a passport or a visa - some countries require all tourists to complete a tourist card before entering the country.

No, a tourist card is not a replacement for a passport; it is a secondary entry document that must be used in conjunction with a valid passport. A passport proves your identity and citizenship, while a tourist card (such as the Mexican FMM or the Dominican Republic Tourist Card) acts as a temporary entry permit or "visa-light." In 2026, many countries have digitized these cards, but the requirement remains the same: you cannot enter the country without your passport, even if you have already purchased the card. Think of the passport as your "ID" and the tourist card as your "ticket" to stay for a specific number of days. If you are a U.S. citizen, do not confuse this with a Passport Card, which is a wallet-sized ID that allows for land and sea entry to Canada and Mexico but cannot be used for international air travel. For 99% of global air travel, the "Blue Book" passport remains the only universally accepted primary document.