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• Passports, travel and living abroad

Passport advice and complaints

Contact HM Passport Office ( HMPO ) for advice or complaints about British passports issued in the UK.

There are different ways to contact HMPO depending on your circumstances.

For questions about visas or immigration, contact UK Visas and Immigration .

If you’re waiting for your new passport

You can get an update by tracking your passport application . You’ll need your application reference number.

You can also check how long passport applications usually take .

If you need advice

For general advice, you can:

• speak to an advisor online using web chat

use the online enquiry form - you’ll get a reply within 72 hours

• contact HMPO by phone or post

Passport Adviceline Telephone: 0300 222 0000 From outside the UK: +44 (0)300 222 0000 Textphone: 18001 0300 222 0222 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Saturday, Sunday and UK bank holidays, 9am to 5:30pm Find out about call charges

HM Passport Office PO Box 767 Southport PR8 9PW

If you need a passport urgently

You can pay to use the Fast Track or Online Premium services to get a passport, if you think the standard service will take too long.

If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it, do not apply again using the Fast Track or Online Premium services. You will not get your passport sooner or get a refund.

Call the Passport Adviceline if you need to travel urgently because:

• you need medical treatment
• a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died
• you’re working for, or are representing, the government

To make a complaint

To make a complaint, you can either:

contact HMPO by post

Find out more about how to make a complaint .

More information

Find more information about how to:

• renew or replace an adult UK passport
• apply for your first adult passport
• get a passport for a child
• pay for your passport and how much it costs
• use the passport Check & Send service
• apply for or renew your UK passport if you’re outside the UK

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• Bureau of Consular Affairs

The Bureau of Consular Affairs provides passport services to U.S. citizens, issues Visas to enter the U.S., manages the Diversity Visa Lottery, and provides services to U.S. citizens abroad.

• National Passport Information Center

Phone number

1-202-501-4444 (for emergencies abroad)

Toll-free number

• 1-888-407-4747 (for emergencies abroad)
• 1-877-487-2778 (for U.S. passports)

1-888-874-7793 (for U.S. passports)

Main address

Have a question.

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

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Emergencies abroad.

• 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada.
• +1 202-501-4444 from outside the United States.

Routine Passport Requests

• Call 1-877-487-2778
• Email [email protected]

Life-or-Death Emergency Passport Service

Urgent travel service.

• International Parental Child Abduction in Progress . To report a child abduction in progress, call 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada or + 1 202-501-4444 from outside the United States.
• Lost or Stolen Passport . Report your physical U.S. passport lost or stolen immediately to protect yourself from identity theft.
• U.S. Passport or Visa Fraud . If you are aware of, or have been a victim of, fraud associated with a U.S. passport or U.S. visa application, please contact [email protected].

Check Status

• U.S. Passport Application Status . Check the status of your U.S. passport application online.
• U.S. Visa Application Status . Check the status of your U.S. visa application. If you have an immigration application, petition, or request pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, use the USCIS case status online tool .
• Bureaus and Offices .The Department consists of bureaus and offices responsible for handling various interests and policy initiatives.
• Job Seeker Resources . Learn about career paths and opportunities.
• Student Resources . Gain insight into U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy, explore new career avenues, and acquire lifelong skills as you represent America to the world.
• Freedom of Information Act . To check the status of a request for Department of State records, you may contact the FOIA Requester Service Center by phone at (202) 261-8484.

Contact Us Form

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Contact for Passport Assistance

N eed more help? PassportInfo.com is happy to answer your passport questions!

Please note that PassportInfo.com is not part of the US Government and cannot assist with passport applications that are already in process. See below for more resources if you need to get a passport expedited , find out the status of a passport application submitted by mail, make an appointment to visit a Passport Agency or Passport Acceptance Agent , or report a passport lost or stolen.

Need to Expedite your Passport?

Contact our top recommended passport expediting services, Rush My Passport and G3 Passports, for assistance, or see our Registered Passport Expeditors page for more options.

Begin your Expedited Passport Request at any of these reliable services:

• www.rushmypassport.com Toll-Free Telephone: 877-503-9838 (expert agents available 7 days a week) Live Chat: www.rushmypassport.com
• www.g3passports.com Toll-Free Telephone: 877-587-7301 (expert agents available 7 days a week) Live Chat: www.g3passports.com

Need to Find the Status of a Passport Application Submitted by Mail?

If you sent in your passport application for processing by mail, you can track the status of your application online . Please note that the US State Department takes approximately 7 business days after receiving the application to post the status on their online tracker.

You can also contact the National Passport Information Center at:

Phone: 877-487-2778 (representatives available Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 10:00pm Eastern Time) Email: [email protected] (please allow at least 24 hours for a response)

If you have submitted your passport application by mail and have a life or death emergency that requires international travel, call 202-647-4000 .

Need to Make an Appointment to Visit a Passport Agency or Passport Acceptance Facility?

Make an appointment to submit an application at a US Passport Agency by calling 877-487-2778 . To make an appointment to visit a Passport Acceptance Facility, please use our locator page to find the phone number and address of a convenient location near you.

Need to Report a Passport Lost or Stolen?

If your passport has been lost or stolen , but you don’t want to replace it now, call 877-487-2778 to make your report.

If you have found someone’s passport and you don’t know how to contact that person, you can mail the passport to the US State Department at:

U.S. Department of State Law Enforcement Liaison Division Consular Lost and Stolen Passport Unit (CLASP) CA/PPT/S/L/LE/CP 44132 Mercure Circle PO Box 1227 Sterling, VA 20166-1227

Need to Ask a Question?

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Contact us for any passport assistance.

PASSPORTINFO.COM is not operated, maintained by, or affiliated with any passport offices or government agencies. It is a privately operated website portal for informational purposes only.

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Passport Assistance & Information

HOW TO APPLY/RENEW: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/

CURRENT PROCESSING TIMES:

Expedited Service: (extra $60) Door-to-door service in 3-5 weeks (Processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you mail your application or apply.)

Routine Service: 7-10 weeks  (Processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you mail your application or apply.)

Agency or Center: Must have international travel in the next 14 calendar days.

IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS:

Our office is able to initiate an inquiry for an in-person appointment only in instances of life-or-death emergency. Proof of emergency is required for these requests. If your travel is not an emergency, we can only advise that you regularly check the appointment system for availability or cancellations. 

HOW CAN WE HELP WITH PASSPORTS?

We can help in the following instances:

1.     Your application is outside the posted timeframes & your passport has not been issued

2.     You have a life & death emergency & have not been able to get an in-person appointment at an Agency

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

1.     One  passport privacy form  is required for each person. It must be physically signed in ink.

2.     Proof of travel is required. The person must be listed as a traveler

3.     We will notify you when we initiate an inquiry on your behalf. If there is an issue with your application, the issuing Agency / Center will notify our office. Otherwise, the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) will send a courtesy notification only after your passport is actually issued. We will contact you when either of these actions occur.

4.      IMPORTANT:  Please remember you will be subject to any in-country COVID related travel restrictions that may occur while you are on your trip, including negative COVID tests and unanticipated quarantine requirements.

FORMS YOU WILL NEED

Reminder, you must complete the appropriate Privacy Release Form before Senator Cruz can contact an agency on your behalf.

Click here to to access the Passport Privacy Form:

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• Do I Need a Visa?

Learn more about the travel visa requirements for top destinations:

• Afghanistan Visa
• Algeria Visa
• Angola Visa
• Australia Visa
• Azerbaijan Visa
• Bahrain Visa
• Bangladesh Visa
• Belarus Visa
• Bhutan Visa
• Bolivia Visa
• Brazil Visa
• Burkina Faso Visa
• Burundi Visa
• Cambodia Visa
• Cameroon Visa
• Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) Visa
• Central African Republic Visa
• Cote d’Ivoire Visa
• Democratic Republic of the Congo Visa
• Djibouti Visa
• Dominican Republic Visa
• East Timor (Timor-Leste) Visa
• Eritrea Visa
• Ethiopia Visa
• Gambia Visa
• Guinea Visa
• Guinea-Bissau Visa
• Hong Kong Visa
• Indonesia Visa
• Jordan Visa
• Kazakhstan Visa
• Kuwait Visa
• Kyrgyzstan Visa
• Lebanon Visa
• Liberia Visa
• Madagascar Visa
• Malawi Visa
• Mauritania Visa
• Mozambique Visa
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• Papua New Guinea Visa
• Paraguay Visa
• Philippines Visa
• Republic of the Congo Visa
• Russia Visa
• Rwanda Visa
• Sao Tome & Principe Visa
• Saudi Arabia Visa
• Sierra Leone Visa
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• South Africa Visa
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• Sri Lanka Visa
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How helpful is a travel agent in the modern day.

Decades ago it may have been hard to book everything for a foreign trip. Without the internet, travel agents offered the best help in these situations. They could often be counted on as a one-stop shop for travel needs.

With the influx of travel information on the internet that provide you all the information for travel destinations, you might think that you don’t need a travel agent to book your trip.

But, despite the boom of online booking services, travel agencies can still help with some travel needs. Yes, it may sometimes be easier to book a trip on your own. Although, there are still some instances where a travel agency can help schedule a foreign trip.

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) reported that over half of all travel agents saw an increase of 8 percent in 2013. By 2015, the travel agency business grew by 12 percent, and those numbers are still growing.

Some of the routine tasks that agents have done in the past like writing travel tickets have been replaced by travel websites. As a result, the travel agents today have more in depth knowledge and expertise. Experienced travel agents generally know the ins and outs of travel, and as such, they can make sure your trip is a smooth and pleasurable one.

For example, if you are traveling to Europe for the first time, you need to hire an agent who knows the lay of the land, as well the different European countries, including the details of where to dine, museums, art galleries, and other activities. Much like a concierge at a hotel, and travel agent can help guide you through the ins and outs of your travel experience.

The following are several reasons why you should hire an agent for your next vacation:

1. They can help you save money.

A good travel agent can help stretch your dollars, yet still give the ability to experience everything your vacation should offer.

The right travel agent can ensure that your hard-earned dollars go a long way, making sure you won’t miss any amazing restaurants or special events, or exciting venues.

2. They’re accountable and knowledgeable .

Whether they must answer to a boss or themselves, travel agents are accountable for their actions. Instead of having to resolve issues or answer questions via the Internet or a recorded message, you can speak to a live person who books trips for a living.

3. Itineraries can make all the difference.

Not only can an agent create a clear-cut itinerary, he or she can also keep clear records of everything needed for the trip.

4. Budgeting

A travel agent can help map out exactly how much a trip will cost with details that you normally don’t consider. For example, travel agents can help you figure out whether your cruise pays for food and drinks, or whether your chartered trip pays for any excursions in advance.

5. Insurance

Need insurance ? Travel agents can help you guarantee that the place where you stay is safe and that you don’t run the risk of losing money or any of your possessions.

6. They have all the resources.

Your travel agent should have all the necessary resources for a safe and eventful trip at the touch of his or her fingertips.

7. Exclusivity

Most travel agents are familiar with new destinations, and they know how to get you into those places without any problems. They also know how to get you free drinks or free admission to an exclusive event.

8. Time Savings

Since you want to leave for your trip ASAP, travel agents spend little time familiarizing themselves with their clients and what they are looking for. This allows for maximum time to put the perfect vacation package together.

9. Leverage

Since travel agents work with all the major hotels and resorts, these people are more likely to get what you want as a consumer.

Though you’ve probably considered booking a trip on your own, keep in mind that travel agents spend years developing long-term relationships, and travel companies understand how important it is to satisfy their customers.

Now, even considering all the fun hotel and event planning, documentation is also key for a trip abroad. For most countries, that means a valid and correct travel visa . For every country, that also means having a valid passport with the necessary empty pages .

Passport Health can help with all travel document needs. If you need to renew a passport or get a tourist visa, we can help with the entire process. Give us a call at or take a look at all our other Passport and Visa services.

Written for Passport Health by Jerry Olsen. He has over 15 years of combined experience as a writer and editor in Salt Lake City. Jerry’s writing topics range from health care, travel, life science to medical technology and technical writing.

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Need a New U.S. Passport Fast? Here’s How You Can Speed Up the Process

From emergency travel to suddenly realizing your passport has expired right before a big international trip, here’s how to get a passport in as few as two days (for a price)..

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Sometimes we need a new passport sooner than expected.

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Whether last-minute travel plans have suddenly sprung up or a big international trip is here before you’ve had time to double-check the expiration date on your passport, it’s not uncommon for travelers to have to expedite their U.S. passport applications.

Several other situations might require a new or renewed passport in a hurry as well. For example, some countries don’t permit entry if your passport has less than six months of validity. Some, like South Africa, require that you have at least two consecutive blank pages in your passport book. If you have any concerns about whether your existing passport will be accepted for your flight, check the U.S. State Department’s website for each country’s visa and passport requirements or contact your airline or travel agency.

How to get a new U.S. passport fast

Expedited: If you’re traveling in less than seven weeks, you can apply normally and choose expedited service, whether this is your first passport or to renew your current passport. While you may be able to renew your passport online , there is no expedited option.

Urgent travel: If you have a life-or-death emergency or urgent international travel coming up within 14 days, you can make an in-person appointment at one of the 26 passport agencies throughout the United States. You must have an appointment to visit an agency. Make an appointment online or by calling 1-877-487-2778.

How long does it take to get an expedited passport?

Even in March of 2023, the regular processing time for a passport was as high as 13 weeks , but luckily things have calmed down and passport processing times are now back to normal. This means that if you apply for an expedited passport directly through the U.S. State Department, it will take two to three weeks. But it’s very important to note that this does not include mail delivery times. The State Department says, “It may take two weeks for your application to get to us, and two weeks for you to get your passport after we mail it,” although this depends on the area of the USA in which you live.

For a faster turnaround, use an expeditor like RushMyPassport.com , who offers expedited passport services ranging from two to four business days to eight weeks from the time documents are received by the State Dept. These will cost you: $599 for the two-to-four-day turnaround or $364.65 for a seven- to nine-business-day turnaround.

How to apply for an expedited passport

To apply for an expedited passport, begin at the State Department’s website , where a handy checklist will keep you from making a mistake that could slow down the process. These are the costs for an expedited passport:

• A $60 expediting fee. This is nonrefundable, so make sure you’ve dotted all your i’s and crossed all your t’s when applying.
• The standard $130 application fee.
• First-time applicants are charged an additional $35 execution fee.
• $21.36 for one- to two-day return delivery, to help speed things along somewhat.

If you want the expedited service, you need to send your application using USPS Priority Mail Express. The State Department recommends that applicants send their application via trackable mail so that applicants can know exactly when it arrives and enters the system.

If you want to apply in person for an expedited (or regular) passport, find a passport acceptance facility and make an appointment . These are post offices, clerks of court, libraries, and local government offices. You can make an appointment at any post office at USPS.com . If this is for your first passport or for a child under age 16, you need form DS-11; if this is a renewal for a passport of someone age 17 or over, you need form DS-82 (you can download these forms here ).

There are three things to do when filling out a passport application:

• Make sure submitted forms are single-sided and printed clearly.
• Complete the application online before printing it out or by hand in black or blue ink; remember to write “expedited” on the envelope and include two recent photos that meet the passport photo specifications.
• If applying by mail, you must include a check; if applying in person, find out what methods of payment are allowed at your specific acceptance facility.

You can renew your passport by mail and begin the process online as long as you have your expired or expiring passport; your passport was issued when you were age 16 or older; it was issued within the past 15 years; and it was issued to your current name or you have documentation to support a name change. Children under 16, all first-time applicants, and applicants who have lost their passport or had it stolen must apply in person.

If you cannot make an appointment online, call 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

How an expeditor can (and can’t) help

Expediting agencies are companies that assist with rushed passport applications. They charge an additional fee (on top of the standard passport application fee and expedited passport service fee) but can often help navigate the ins and outs of the expediting process.

Services like RushMyPassport.com double-check your application before it gets submitted and catch any errors or snags that might slow it down. Expeditors also rely on a subset of appointments being available, so although RushMyPassport’s fastest service is listed as two to four business days, even this can be limited in availability.

David Alwadish, CEO and founder of ItsEasy Passport & Visa , notes that the expediting slots get snatched up quickly. ItsEasy Passport & Visa currently charges $299 for its 10-day passport processing service and $940 for one-day service. “One- to three-day passport service requires urgent travel. Please contact us for details,” the agency advises. Do-it-yourselfers can also use the ItsEasy Passport App to submit applications for standard passport processing.

If you need it within 24 to 72 hours, try going to an agency in person

If there is a life-or-death emergency , such as an illness, injury, or death in your immediate family, getting an emergency appointment at an agency in person is the only option. You cannot walk in; you must make an appointment ahead of time online or by calling 1-877-487-2778. You can save valuable time by going in person—even if you have to fly to a passport agency in the departure city of your international flight. In these circumstances, it can take anywhere between 24 and 72 hours depending on where you apply and if you can provide accepted documentation, such as a death certificate or signed documentation from medical personnel.

One final tip...

The best thing you can do to avoid paying extra to expedite your passport is to set a calendar reminder for nine months before the expiration date of your current valid passport, for those who have one. At that point, you can look ahead at your travels and figure out the best 10–12-week period to apply—one where, ideally, you know you won’t be heading abroad. If you travel frequently enough that such a period is hard to identify, you may want to look into the option of applying for a second passport .

This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on July 11, 2024, with current information.

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Avoid scam websites that offer to help you get or renew your passport

Do you need to apply for or renew your passport? If you search online, the top results might show official-looking websites that say they can renew or get you a passport. Some of these websites are private companies that charge you for services that are free on the U.S. Department of State website…while others are scammers trying to take your money and personal information.

Travel.State.Gov is the official government website for passport services.  Some companies registered with the U.S. Department of State charge extra fees to submit your application and pick up your passport if you’re busy or need help. But you won’t get your passport faster than if you applied on your own without the extra cost.

But scammers also set up sites with similar names, flags, and seals, pretending to be affiliated with the government. For $60 to a few hundred dollars (on top of the regular passport fee), they promise to help you get a passport. But if you pay, you’ll lose your money and might be giving your personal information to scammers who could sell it to identity thieves.

To avoid passport scams, know this:

• The  U.S. Department of State is the government agency that handles passport services, but your top online search results might be phony passport application websites. Go directly to  Travel.State.Gov to avoid clicking on a scammy website.
• There’s a charge to get a passport, but the forms to renew or apply are free . Anyone who asks you to pay for forms is a scammer.
• It’s free to set up an appointment if you need a passport to travel right away. The Department of State’s passport agencies and centers don’t charge for appointments, and paying someone to set it up for you won’t get your passport faster.

Contact  [email protected] if you spot a scammy passport application, website, or if you paid someone who turned out to be a scammer. And tell the FTC at  ReportFraud.ftc.gov . Visit  IdentityTheft.gov   if someone has misused your personal information.

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Should you give your passport number to a travel agent?

1. why do travel agents ask for passport numbers, 2. is it safe to provide your passport number to a travel agent, 3. are there alternative ways to book travel without providing a passport number, 4. what are the benefits of sharing your passport number with a travel agent, 5. are there any risks to sharing your passport number with a travel agent, 6. how can you protect your passport number when sharing it with a travel agent, 7. what should you do if you suspect misuse of your passport number, 8. are there any legal regulations concerning the handling of passport numbers by travel agents, 9. can you book international travel without a passport number, 10. should you share your passport number before finalizing travel arrangements, 11. can a travel agent refuse to book travel if you don’t provide your passport number, 12. what other precautions should you take when sharing personal information with a travel agent.

When it comes to booking your travel arrangements, one common question that arises is whether or not you should provide your passport number to a travel agent. This is an important consideration, as your passport is a vital document that contains sensitive personal information. While there are benefits to providing this information to a travel agent, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Travel agents require passport numbers for various reasons. One of the main purposes is to ensure that the name on your ticket matches the name on your passport. This is crucial for international travel, as airlines and immigration authorities cross-check these details. Additionally, providing your passport number allows the travel agent to facilitate visa applications, as some countries require this information for entry.

While travel agents are expected to handle your personal information responsibly, there is always a certain level of risk involved. It is essential to ensure that the travel agent or agency you are working with has a good reputation and employs robust security measures to protect your data. Additionally, you can consider asking them about their privacy policies and information handling practices before sharing your passport number.

Yes, there are alternative options available for booking travel without sharing your passport number. One option is to book your flights and accommodations directly through airline and hotel websites. This allows you to enter your passport details securely on their platforms, rather than sharing it with a third party. However, keep in mind that you may still need to provide your passport number at the airport during the check-in process.

Providing your passport number to a travel agent can have its advantages. Firstly, it allows the agent to handle any visa requirements on your behalf, saving you time and effort. Additionally, sharing your passport details with a trusted travel agent can help ensure that your travel arrangements are accurate and avoid any potential issues during check-in and immigration procedures.

Sharing your passport number with a travel agent does come with some risks. If the agent or agency does not have appropriate security measures in place, your personal information could be at risk of being hacked or misused. It is essential to verify the reputation and credibility of the travel agent before providing your passport number to mitigate these risks.

To protect your passport number when sharing it with a travel agent, it is crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy agent or agency. Look for reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who have used their services. Additionally, you can inquire about the security measures they have in place to protect your personal information.

If you suspect that your passport number has been misused or compromised, you should immediately contact the appropriate authorities, such as your local police department and the passport office in your country. They can guide you on the necessary steps to take to protect yourself and prevent any further misuse of your personal information.

The handling of passport numbers by travel agents may vary depending on the country and its specific regulations. In some jurisdictions, there may be legal requirements for travel agents to safeguard personal information, including passport numbers. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations in your country and ensure that the travel agent you choose complies with them.

In most cases, booking international travel without providing a passport number is not possible. Airlines and immigration authorities require this information to verify your identity and eligibility to travel. However, if you are booking domestic travel or traveling within a country that does not require a passport, you may not need to provide your passport number.

It is generally recommended to provide your passport number to a travel agent after finalizing your travel arrangements. This ensures that you are not unnecessarily sharing your personal information before confirming the details of your trip. Once you are satisfied with the itinerary and have thoroughly researched the travel agent’s reputation and security measures, you can proceed with sharing your passport number.

Travel agents may have specific policies regarding the provision of passport numbers. While some agents may require it as part of their standard procedures, others may have alternative ways to verify your identity. It is advisable to discuss your concerns with the travel agent and understand their policies before making a decision.

Apart from safeguarding your passport number, there are other precautions you can take when sharing personal information with a travel agent. Ensure that the agent or agency has a secure website for online transactions and communications. Avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured Wi-Fi networks or via email. Additionally, always verify the legitimacy and credibility of the travel agent or agency you are working with.

By considering the pros and cons, and taking necessary precautions, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to provide your passport number to a travel agent. Prioritize your privacy and security while ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

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State Department To Open 6 New Passport Agencies In The US

The passport agency openings will help support those with "urgent travel needs," but there's no word yet on when they'll open.

Natasha Decker • Jul 10, 2024

The State Department’s new passport agencies will be in Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Orlando, Charlotte, San Antonio, and Cincinnati. The openings will help support those with “urgent travel needs” — but there’s no word yet on when they’ll open.

In a June 18 notice, the State Department  highlighted  that the agencies will be opened partly thanks to the help of its “congressional partners and other stakeholders.”

“The six additional facilities will expand our  passport network  to 35 agencies and centers and over 7,400 public passport acceptance facilities nationwide,” said the source.

What Should I Know About Passport Applications?

One of the major questions determining whether you need to visit an acceptance facility or a passport agency is  how quickly  you need your documentation turned around. 

At agencies, an appointment and proof of travel within 14 days are required. They’re the place to go when foreign visas, first-time passports, and renewals are urgently needed. They don’t take passport photos for you, and  same-day service  isn’t guaranteed.

Travelers can visit acceptance facilities for requests within “normal processing” times. It’s the place to choose if you’re traveling sometime after three weeks ahead. At the facilities, you can expedite your application if you need to. Also, some places take walk-ins and do passport photos onsite.

You can find nearby acceptance facilities using the State Department’s designated search page. Local acceptance facilities could be post offices, libraries, or government offices. The authority claims “more than 99% of Americans already live within 25 miles of an acceptance facility.”

In its July 1 notice, the State Department said, “More Americans can travel abroad today than at any time in our history. In 1990, only 5% of Americans had a passport. Today, that number is 48%. In Fiscal Year 2023, the Department of State issued over 24 million passport books and cards — more than ever before.”

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Preparing your vacation? Here's what you should know about U.S. Passports and Real IDs

If you're planning to travel outside of the country anytime soon and still need a passport, you're going to want to have a game plan prepared.

While there are guidelines and workarounds in place for passport applications and renewals before you get dropped off at the airport, an unprecedented backup in travel documents has caused delays that will make planning a necessity.

In the 2022 fiscal year, the federal government received nearly 19 million U.S. Passport applications , which is a sharp return to pre-pandemic levels after receiving less than 12 million in the 2020 fiscal year.

According to a USA Today report , deputy assistant secretary for passport services Rachel Arndt said Bureau of Consular Affairs staff members are "working thousands of hours of overtime," with more lines and people being made available at the National Passport Information Center in order to handle the influx of calls received regarding passport applications.

A quick visit to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Website will show a yellow box urging people to contact them if they have urgent travel.

"We understand some customers are facing extended wait times when calling the National Passport Information Center," the website reads. "We are taking steps to improve the experience."

Here's what you need to know before embarking on your next vacation.

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How to get a new passport

If you need a new passport, and are not eligible to renew an old one, you will need to apply for a passport in person at a passport acceptance facility or a regional passport agency with a DS-11 application form.

According to the passport information center, there are 4,500 passport acceptance facilities throughout the U.S., making them far more common than passport agencies or centers. They can include post offices, clerks of court and public libraries, and these locations offer both routine and expedited passport services. You can find the closest passport acceptance facility to you online.

If you are traveling urgently, though, try a regional passport agency such as the Philadelphia location . These offices can provide urgent passport services for international travelers in life-or-death situations, but you will have to call ahead and provide evidence of your travel needs in order to make an appointment.

Along with a completed DS-11 form, you will need the following to apply for a passport

• Original proof of citizenship
• An acceptable photo ID, such as a driver's license
• A photocopy of both your citizenship document and photo ID
• An acceptable passport photo, though many passport acceptance facilities take the photo for you
• Money for your passport fees

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How to renew your passport

According to the state department website, if you already have a passport that is is expiring soon or already expired, you may be eligible to renew it by mail if the following is true about your recent passport:

• The old passport can be submitted with your renewal application
• There is no damage other than "normal" wear and tear
• It was never reported lost or stolen
• It was issued to you at age 16 or older
• It was issued under your current name, or with documents proving a name change such as a marriage certificate
• It was issued within the last 15 years

To renew your passport by mail, you must fill out the DS-82 application form and include your most recent passport, a valid passport photo, passport renewal fees and other necessary documents with the application when you mail it in.

For New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents, you can mail your application to the National Passport Processing Center post office box in Philadelphia. If you want your services expedited, write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the mailing envelope and include the necessary fees inside.

When should you get or renew your passport?

If you're looking to travel out of the country in the future, you're going to want to make sure you have idle time to get your documents in order.

If you're applying for a new adult passport, the Bureau of Consular Affairs cautions awareness of the length of processing times.

As of March 2023, routine processing took between 10 and 13 weeks, expedited between 7 and 9 weeks, which requires a $60 fee, as well as an expedited at agency option that requires an appointment and international travel within 14 calendar days.

It's important to remember that the processing times don't include mailing times. The Bureau advises those looking to get their passport to consider that mailing can take up to 2 weeks to and from the passport agency or center.

How to get your passport faster

While there are basic timelines for passport applications and renewals, you may find yourself in a position of unexpected or emergency travel.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs processes your passport application depending on how soon you're expecting to travel and what service you've selected in your process.

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Emergency and urgent travel

Emergency travel should be selected if you have a life-or-death situation that requires international travel with 72 hours or 3 business days. All passport agencies offer limited appointments for this, but you must call to make the appointment and be ready to provide proof of the emergency and travel.

Select urgent travel if you are traveling internationally within 9 weeks. If you haven't applied, you'll need to make an appointment at a passport agency within 14 calendar days of your international travel date. If you've already applied, the appointment should be scheduled within 5 calendar days.

Pay for fast shipping

When mailing in an application, you can purchase Priority Mail Express from the United States Postal Service, though pricing will vary depending on where you're mailing from. You can also choose to include a $19.53 payment for 1-2 day delivery when your passport is sent back to you, though this service isn't available if you're only requesting a passport card.

What to know about Real IDs

If you've stopped by a DMV or MVC or updated your license, you may have noticed an option for a Real ID.

Beginning on May 7, 2025, you won't be able to access government or military installations, enter nuclear powerplants, or, most importantly, board domestic flights without upgrading your driver's license or state-issued ID to Real ID status, according to USA.gov.

Certain states may have varying requirements for obtaining your real ID, but at minimum you must be able to provide documentation with your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status.

Visit Pennsylvania's DMV website for information on Real ID requirements .

And in New Jersey, visit the state's MVC website for details on Real ID.

Don't get scammed!

If anyone's promising you a quick turnaround on that passport application for a large sum of cash in the name of convenience, you should probably steer clear.

• Avoid websites, online ads and social media posts advertising sped up passport processing.
• Don't fall for sites asking for payment in bitcoin, wire transfers or gift cards.
• Remember that you don't have to pay for a passport appointment or form.
• Don't apply for a passport online. Real passport forms must be printed and mailed.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs encourages anyone who is aware of or may have been a victim of passport fraud to contact [email protected].

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Read more about the state's tropical weather preparedness and response:

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• Governor Abbott Provides Update On State Response To Hurricane Beryl
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Affected Texans are encouraged to report property damage . Share pertinent details and photos to assist emergency management officials in the preliminary damage assessment process.

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