Can I re-enter the U.S. on the passport expiration date?
Question: I will be taking a cruise to The Bahamas on October 8 and will be returning on the 10th. I was made aware that one now needs a U.S. passport or passport card to travel to The Bahamas. My passport expires on the day I return from the cruise; will I still be allowed to re-enter the United States? I read somewhere that a passport is valid until midnight of the expiration date. Thanks!
Answer: A United States passport is valid until midnight on the date of expiration. Concerning this question, you should have no problem re-entering the United States on the same day that your passport expires.
A passport book or passport card is required to re-enter the United States when traveling to
The Bahamas unless the cruise is a
closed-loop cruise. In such cases, passports are not required. Is the cruise you plan to take a closed-loop cruise? If so, a passport is not required to re-enter the U.S.
A passport is not required on a closed-loop cruise unless the countries which you will be visiting require such. The entry requirements for the Bahamas includes evidence of citizenship, proof of onward journey and proof of funds to support visit. A passport is acceptable as evidence of citizenship. However, an original or certified birth certificate and photo ID is also acceptable.
We recommend you
contact the cruise line to verify the travel document requirements for your cruise.
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UPDATE: Mailing delays and high demand are impacting passport processing. The Department of State's processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center and not when you mail them or apply at a local acceptance facility.
Standard service may take between 10 and 13 weeks. This timeframe does not include delivery time. Mailing times vary across the country.
Expedited service takes from 7 to 9 weeks excluding mailing times on the front and back end. Current mailing delays are significant. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.
Regional passport agencies are offering two types of appointments: Life-of-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 3 business days.
If you need to travel due to a qualified life-or-death emergency, please call the National Passport Information Center for an appointment:
Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. ET, call 1-877-487-2778 (TDD/TTY:1-888-874-7793)
Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000.
For Urgent Travel Service, you need to call 14 days before your scheduled international travel or 28 days if you also need to secure a foreign visa.
If you need to travel urgently for reasons other than a life-or-death emergency, please call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 Mondays through Fridays 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. ET.
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