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Can I travel internationally during passport renewal process?

Question: If I use the renew by mail process, can I travel internationally using a photocopy of my passport while awaiting the return of the passport (since renewal by mail requires sending current passport)?

Answer: No, you cannot travel internationally without a valid passport. Photocopies of passports are not acceptable. If you need your passport to travel internationally and do not have time to wait for routine processing, then you can apply for expedited passport renewal.

By mail, this process takes 2-3 weeks. The application can be processed the same day at a regional agency.

Applicants who either cannot travel to the location of a regional processing center or do not want to can request the assistance of a registered passport expediting service.

Comments for Can I travel internationally during passport renewal process?

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Emergency travel
by: AdeS

Question: I sent my passport for expedited renewal on 1st August and it has been received on the 4th August by the Passport services. Meanwhile I have a funeral in London in a few days. What Can I do to travel to/from London now?

Answer: You need to contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to see if you can get your renewal expedited at a regional agency and get it issues ASAP. You must have a valid passport book to travel to the UK and back.
Emergency travel
by: Anonymous

Question: I applied to renew my passport I paid Expedited. It’s been 8 weeks and now I have emergency travel. I called the number and they are saying there is no appointment available to go take my passport. I don’t want to lose my ticket plus it emergency I have to travel.

Answer: You need to keep calling until an appointment opens up.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Sent in the application and received on 6/27. Travel date is 7/27. My application still says in the process I paid for expediting. I can’t find any appointments anywhere in my state. What are the possibilities of me getting the passport?

Answer: Expedited service via mail takes 7 to 9 weeks from the date it is received at the processing center. It is very unlikely that your passport will arrive before your travel date. You need to keep calling for an appointment.
Mexico Travel During Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I only have a passport card, and I sent in with my passport application. Is there any way I can make my dentist appointment in Nogales Mexico while I wait? I have a birth certificate and social security card.

Answer: You need a passport book/card, a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, Sentri, etc), or an enhanced driver's license to cross the border to Mexico. Your birth certificate and SS card are not sufficient for travel.
Visa is in passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I live in Europe, with a Schengen visa that is stamped in my passport. My passport is expiring soon and I will need to renew it. If I submit my passport to the embassy, I will lose my visa stamp and thus be living here with no valid documentation as I wait for my new passport. Is there some form of temporary document that I can receive that will allow me to remain in Europe?

Answer: Please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
Traveling July 23
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport is showing received and documents being reviewed on May 16th. I'm scheduled to fly to Jamaica on July 23rd. Will I receive my passport in time?

Answer: If we base it on the date of receipt, the earliest the processing will be done is by July 25. If you paid for expedited service, earliest will be July 4. You need to give a several days for shipping.

Check Your Application Status
Passport renewal in Barbados
by: Anonymous

Question: I planned a family trip to Barbados on June 28th and just realized my passport will expire the day I leave. Can I leave the US with my EU passport since I have dual citizenship and renew my U.S. passport at the US Embassy in Barbados?

Answer: It might be possible but it is best that you contact the airline to be sure.
Passport Card Travel and Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I am sending my passport book in for renewal for travel in 4 months. But I need to travel to Canada in one month! Can I then cross the border by land with my Passport Card to Canada while my passport book is being renewed? Then can I have my passport CARD renewed separately after I receive my passport book?

Answer: Yes, you may use your passport card to travel across a land border to Canada and back while your renewal is in process. And yes, you may renew your card after you get your new book.
Traveling July 23
by: Anonymous

Question: I'm traveling on July 23, I sent my passport by mail the first week of May. Will it be here in time?

Answer: Standard processing takes 10 to 13 weeks and does not include the time it takes for the application to arrive at the processing center and for the passport to arrive at your doorstep. Thirteen weeks from the first week of May is the first week of August. Conservatively, your passport should arrive around this time, if not later.

You need to call the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 to request expedited service which will cut down the processing time to 7 to 9 weeks.
Traveling in 2 days
by: Anonymous

Question: I am traveling in two days and I have a current and valid passport in my possession. This passport was issued when I was 15 and it expires in a few months so I applied for a new passport and the application is currently showing as in process. Can I still travel with my current passport even though I have a new one in process?

Answer: Your current passport was automatically invalidated when your new application was received. Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.
Traveling to Punta Cana
by: Anonymous

Question: I am traveling from the USA to Punta Cana on July 12-16. My kid's passport expires on 08/01.

My understanding is that I can use this passport for this trip until its expiration date and I don't need to follow the 6-month validity rule that some countries have. Is this correct?

Answer: Your child may travel to the Dominican Republic with his/her current passport. It only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in Punta Cana.
Fees question
by: Anonymous

Question: I applied for a passport on March 21, but accidentally chose routine service. But my trip is on May 15, I called and made an appointment for a passport agency to make it faster. They have told me I need to pay a $60 expedited fee. But I was required to do all applications again. So my question is, do I need to pay the passport fee again? Which I did, when I applied a month ago. Thank you.

Answer: You will only have to pay the additional $60 expedite fee since your application is already in the system.
Traveling on May 2
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport renewal was received on Feb 15. If I don’t get my new passport, can I travel with my other passport? I have dual citizenship.

Answer: As a U.S. citizen, you are required to leave the United States on a U.S. passport. You have to wait until you have your American passport before traveling.
Urgent travel
by: Anonymous

Question: I went to a postal office to renew my passport on March 13th. I travel the first week of May, do you think it’s possible I will get my passport in time?

Answer: Routine service currently takes 10 to 13 weeks for standard and 7 to 9 weeks for expedited service. These processing times do not include shipping times which vary from state to state.

Excluding shipping times, standard service should get your application completed between May 22 and June 12. If you paid for expedited service, it should between May 1 and May 15. Either way, it is very unlikely that you will get your passport in time for your trip.

What you can do is call 1-877-487-2778 for an appointment 2 weeks before your departure date so you can request expedited service in person at a regional passport agency.
Help! Where can I turn?
by: Anonymous

Question: I applied for online renewal and the website says it was "received" on January 17, 2023. The website said it would take 6-9 weeks. I paid extra for expedited delivery. Today, March 22, the website still says "received" and the phone number 877-487-2778 is always busy when I dial it. My travel is 4 weeks from now. What should I do?

Answer: Only a regional passport agency can provide you assistance at this point. They require appointments so you need to still call 1-877-487-2778.
Traveling while Pending Application
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a US Citizen with a Passport that expires in 6 months so I applied for a renewal. While that application is pending, can I still travel internationally with my still valid US passport until I get the new one?

Answer: The passport in your possession is no longer valid. One of the conditions of the online renewal is that your passport will automatically be invalidated once you submit your application. You have to wait for your new passport to arrive before you can travel overseas.
Travelling in 14 days
by: Nathalie

Question: I submitted my application on 1/26 and chose expedited processing and delivery. It is 3/13 and my status still says processing. I am flying to Switzerland on 3/27. I tried and called 1-877-487-2778 and just cannot get through. They are either not taking calls to due high volume or you wait for ~1 hour to get to talk to someone just to be transferred to another desk because your application starts with "95" (online) and the wait is over 2:30hr and I can never get through. What are my options?

Answer: Hello, Nathalie. Unfortunately, there is only one thing you can do which is to call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency. Agencies can issue you a passport in 72 hours or less. Lines are often busy and appointments are scarce so you need to spend time and effort for this.
Travel in 4 days
by: Anonymous

Question: Waiting for my passport renewal, I called the number and I can't get an appointment. The status on the site is "received". Can I use my old unexpired passport until my new one arrives?

Answer: No, you cannot. The passport in your possession was immediately invalidated when you submitted the online renewal request.
Another country visa appointment. Expedite process for passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Already applied for passport renewal through mail expedited process. I need to apply for another country visa. Visa application forms asking for passport and expiry date. I need to get my passport ASAP. What is the process?

Answer: If you are traveling to the country you are applying for a visa soon and have proof to show for it, you may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for an appointment to get your passport ASAP.
No Status after 2 months
by: Anonymous

Question: I applied for a New Passport on Jan 10 at the local Post Office. When I check my status, there is no status available. It is March 8 I travel the first week of April, How can I get an update on where/if my passport is being processed?

Answer: Please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778.
Online application submitted/accepted on 1/8, travel to Mexico planned 3/17. Status still Received
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I submitted my renewal application on 1/8 with a standard application. My status is still Received. My planned travel to Mexico is on 3/17. Am I able to go to a Passport Center if my passport has not arrived within 14 days of 3/17? The standard time for processing was 6-9 weeks when I submitted my application.

Answer: Yes, you may secure an appointment and go to a regional agency. Please call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment.
Expedited Turnaround Time
by: Anonymous

Question: I had submitted passport renewal for standard processing on 1/13/23, this was then changed to expedited processing on 1/23/23. Currently, the online status is "received". I am traveling on 2/24/23 and have tried calling to schedule an appt at the local regional passport center, and was advised that no appts are available.

I still have my old/not expired passport, but it is my understanding that this is no longer valid due to passport renewal being in process. What am I to do?

Answer: At this point, the only thing you can do is keep calling the NPIC for an 1-877-487-2778. Cancellations may happen and you might chance on that slot.
Family emergency while passport being renewed
by: Anonymous

Question: I submitted my application for online passport renewal in January - status is received. I selected standard processing. My great-aunt is hospitalized in Spain and the outlook is not encouraging. How can I travel to Spain to be by her side?

Answer: You may contact the NPIC for an appointment under life-or-death circumstances. Here are the numbers to call:

-8am-8pm ET, Mon-Fri (excluding federal holidays), call 1-877-487-2778
-Outside of these hours, call 202-647-4000

There will be no need to resubmit your requirements since your application is already in the system.
Leaving in 5 days
by: Anonymous

Question: I submitted my passport renewal online 12/23 and paid for expedited processing along with overnight shipping. It is 2/3/23 and my status JUST changed to "processing" does this mean that during the 5 weeks of it sitting in "received" it was not being worked on?

Answer: The status update "in process" means that your application is being reviewed at one of our agencies or centers. The length of time your application remains In Process depends on the service you selected and our current processing times. Since you requested expedited service, it should change to approved, then mailed soon.
Traveling in 16 days
by: Anonymous

Question: Sent in a renewal that was received 12/19. Chose routine service (stupidly) thinking it would arrive in time for travel on 2/16. Question is, once it hits the 14-day mark, can I call to schedule an in-person rush passport, even though my current one is already sent in for renewal?

Answer: Yes, you may call 1-877-487-2778 for an appointment.
Travel to DR
by: Anonymous

Question: I realized that my passport expired in June, and my travel date is March 14th. I applied for my renewal on 1/7/23 I originally submitted standard and on 1/25 upgraded to expedited and express shipping. Will it make it on time and if not how can I travel to the Dominican Republic?

Answer: Expedited processing takes 3 to 5 weeks so your passport should arrive by the first week of March at the latest.
Passport Application
by: Anonymous

Question: I mailed my passport application on December 30 last year and I paid the expedited fee of $60. I have a flight set for February 10 to Mexico for religious purposes. I have been checking my passport status recently and it still says "In Process." The agency received my passport on January 5, 2023. I am starting to lose hope as the date of my flight gets closer. What can I do?

Answer: Expedited service takes 3 to 5 weeks excluding shipping times. At this point, there is no telling whether or not your passport will arrive in time for your departure.

What you can do now is call 1-877-487-2778 for an in-person appointment at a regional passport agency. These places can get your passport issued within 72 hours of your appointment. There will be no need to bring your requirements since they're already in the system but you need to bring proof of urgent travel like a copy of your airline tickets.
Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I am renewing my passport now and plan to get expedited processing. I have a trip planned to start on April 25. Can I travel on my renewed passport?

Answer: Yes. You should be able to travel with your new passport once you receive it.
Online Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I submitted my online application on October 24, 2022, it went "in process" on October 25, 2022, and I still have not received anything. Is there anything I can do?

Answer: Since you submitted an online renewal, you may call 855-865-7750 or email PPTOPR@state.gov on Mondays through Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Can I use my passport during online renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I renewed my passport online 12/26. It expires on 1/27. I have a business trip to Mexico next week. Can I travel on my passport that is in my possession since it is not expired and good for more than 6 months?

Answer: No, you cannot use your passport. It was immediately invalidated when you submitted your online renewal application.
Passport Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: I renewed my passport via mail and it was received on 12/14. I requested expedited service, but the online status portal said it is under routine service.

With the 6-9 wait time for routine service, my passport most likely won't be back in time for the date I leave for international travel on 1/19/23.

Can I contact the passport office to rush my passport or do I need to go in person and redo the process?

Answer: You may contact the NPIC to make sure they expedite the process since you paid for the service. The number to call is 1-877-487-2778.
Travel while online passport renewal & timeline
by: Eric

Hello, I successfully submitted my online passport renewal (a new service) on 12/15 and the status changed to received on 12/16. So I still have my current passport with me with an expiration date 1/23. My questions:

1. How long will take the online renewal process in general?
2. Plus since I paid expedited and 1-2 return mail service, would I expect to receive my new passport in 4 weeks by 1/16/23, or even earlier?
3. Can I travel internationally to Mexico or Colombia with my current passport and return before 1/23 expiration date since I still have the current passport with me? Otherwise, I need to cancel my flight tickets.
4. Will the online renewal process will invalidate my current passport with me?

Thanks.

Answer: 1. Processing times are the same for both mail-in and online renewals. It takes 6 to 9 weeks for standard service and 3 to 5 weeks for expedited.

2. Your passport should arrive around January 5th at the earliest and around January 19th at the latest.

3. One of the requirements for applying online is that you should not travel internationally for at least six weeks from the date you will submit your application. You need to cancel your travel plans.

4. Your current passport was immediately invalidated when you submitted your online appplication.
US to Mexico
by: Anonymous

Question: I am traveling from the USA to Cabo, Mexico on February 1st. My passport expires on May 23rd.

My understanding is that I can use this passport for this trip until its expiration date and I don't need to follow the 6-month validity rule that some countries have. Is this correct?

Answer: Yes, you are correct. Mexico does not impose a 6-month validity rule for U.S. passport holders. Have a safe trip!
Two trips with renewal in the middle
by: Steve

Question: I have a pending international trip in two weeks and another one in 3 months with a passport set to expire on May 23.

Can I renew my passport ONLINE now (prior to the trip in two weeks) by using my existing passport so that prior to my next trip I will have my new renewed passport back in time?

Note that I plan to use the expedited service as well. The reason I am concerned is that I don't want to travel with a renewal pending if it will act to invalidate the passport I am traveling with on this first trip. Thanks for the clarification.

Answer: You cannot renew and travel using your existing passport. Since your passport has at least 5 months left, you should still be able to use it unless it no longer meets your destination's entry requirements.
Philippine passport renewal traveling abroad to CANADA
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a U.S. green card holder with a Philippine passport. I am planning to go to Canada, but my passport is expiring. Planning to renew my passport and I know it's roughly two months before I receive my renewed passport.

Is it possible for me to travel abroad while waiting for my new passport, is there an extension while waiting for that passport because my scheduled travel date is before I receive my new passport?

Answer: You need a valid passport to travel overseas, even just to Canada. If you are not in possession of a valid passport, you cannot travel.
America to Philippines
by: Jacinth

Question: I'm a dual citizen: American and Filipino. I was born and raised in the Philippines. I am currently in America. I am going back to the Philippines two weeks from now, but my American Passport is currently being renewed. As I go to college in the Philippines, can I travel to the Philippines with just my Philippine passport?

Answer: As a U.S. citizen, you need to depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport.
Expedited Service
by: Anonymous

Question: I submitted my expedited renewal by mail today 8/18/22 and priority mail states it will be received on 8/23/22. I have a planned trip on 10/10/22, which is cutting it close to the 7-week mark. Is there anything I can do to make sure I receive it on time?

Answer: You may pay for 1 to 2 days delivery so the passport gets to you shortly after it is issued.
Travelling to the USA from Sweden
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi. I will be traveling to the USA from Sweden next week with my passport that expires on the 23rd of November 2022 and my F-1 Visa is in that passport.

I applied for a new passport here in Sweden back in June but passport delivery times are so long here in Sweden now due to Covid etc. Therefore, my passport will be ready after I have left for the US. The American Embassy and the police in Sweden say I can travel to the US with my passport that expires in November and that I can arrange to have my new passport sent to the Swedish embassy in Washington and that I can collect it there.

Is this a viable option and will I be allowed into the United States with my passport expiring in November? Otherwise, I just have to book a ticket home to Sweden before my passport expires and collect it here.

Answer: According to CBP, your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in the United States. Since you're on an F1 visa, you should be okay entering the country with your passport and valid visa, and then arrange for your new passport to be delivered to you or your embassy.

We recommend that you contact the CBP for confirmation.
Can I travel from US to Mexico with the passport receipt? .
by: Anonymous

Question: I need to travel to Mexico and still have not received my new passport. Can I travel to Mexico with the passport receipt?

Answer: No, you cannot. A passport receipt is not a valid travel document.
Frequent Traveler on non-rev standby
by: Anonymous

Question: I am an Airline Pilot spouse who travels frequently in last-minute non-revenue standby status. Would booking an international flight in this status count to expedite my passport? I'm extremely concerned with mailing in my passport within a 3-month window where I do not travel but I'm unsure what counts as a booked international flight when I do not book traditional airline tickets.

Answer: It should count but you may ask the NPIC when you call 1-877-487-2778 for an appointment to be sure.
Passport renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: If my passport is being renewed, can I cross the border from Mexico walking with my ID and birth certificate?

Answer: No, you need a valid passport book, passport card or any other WHTI-compliant like an enhanced driver's license to travel between the United States and Mexico by land or sea.
Traveling with passport to expire during trip
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I am a natural US citizen and have a study abroad trip to New Zealand planned in early July. The trip will end in early August, but my passport will expire during this trip in mid July.

I have tried to get appointments to renew my passport, and have been canceled on and turned away for various reasons (ex: didn't have a photocopy of secondary ID which I didn't think I needed, but apparently did as I was applying out of my home state) for nearly four weeks now. I don't think I am able to do an expedited process because my previous passport was issued before I was 16. Is there anything I can do to guarantee I have my renewed passport by early July, or any way I could travel on the passport that will expire, and travel back on the renewed one?

Answer: You may employ the services of a registered passport courier service. Our trusted company, Rush My Passport, can get your passport in 5 weeks.

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Traveling to Canada
by: Anonymous

Question: I just got citizenship and applied for a US passport. I don’t have my green card on me because I had to turn it in. Can I travel to Canada without it? If there is a way, what kind of visa/document do I need to prepare? Thank you.

Answer: You cannot depart the United States without a valid U.S. passport book or card. You have to wait until you receive your passport before you can travel.
Travel to Mexico before or after passport renewal?
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport expires on 6/19 next year and I have a trip to Mexico in Nov this year. (exactly 7 months prior to renewal) and then a trip to Asia in Jan/Feb 2023. Should I start my renewal in July?

Answer: You may begin the renewal process anytime. You may submit your renewal application now so you have plenty of time to receive the new passport and then make final travel arrangements.
U.S passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I just applied for a US passport on April 5 & I'm traveling to Vietnam in mid-July for 5 weeks. I’m a US citizen so I have to wait till my passport arrives before I book a flight ticket. They say it takes 5-7 weeks and online it says it’s longer. I paid 60$ extra. What do I do?

Answer: Routine service takes 8 to 11 weeks. Since you paid the expedite fee, processing should be down to 5 to 7 weeks. Your passport should arrive in plenty of time before your scheduled departure.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a US citizen who just applied for my passport. Will I be able to travel domestically while my passport application is being processed?

Answer: Yes, you certainly can. Travel safe!
Travel with passport card
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, is it possible to travel on a U.S. passport card while my passport booklet is being renewed?

Answer: You may travel with your passport card by land or sea between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
U.S. passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hey. My wife and I are U.S. citizens. We were born in Israel and we have valid U.S. and Israeli passports. Our son is 6 years old, born in the USA, and has a valid Israeli passport and expired American passport.

We expedited the passport application for him on 2/17 and our flight to Costa Rica is on March 10. We are afraid that the passport will not arrive in time. Can my sontravel to Costa Rica with his valid Israeli passport and enter the USA withthe valid Israeli passport and his American birth certificate?? If not, what is the best solution for us?

PS. Costa Rica does not require visas for Israelis to enter the country, we get 90 days free entry.

Answer: As a U.S. citizen, your son is required to leave and re-enter the United States using a valid U.S. passport. You may call 1-877-487-2778 for an appointment so you can apply for the passport in person and get it 72 hours or less before your trip. There is no need to pay the fees and submit the requirements again.
Renewed passport but traveling
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport expires end of Jan 2023 but decided to renew it now & selected routine processing. They received it on 2/15 and it is in process. But now I have plans to travel on April 18th. Will I get my new one in time or should I have it expedited? So anxious.

Answer: With routine processing, your application should be completed by April 12th at the earliest and May 3rd at the latest. These do not include mailing times.

We recommend calling 1-877-487-2778 ASAP to request expedited service to possibly get your passport in time for your trip. Also, add $18.32 for 1-2 days delivery to make sure it gets to you as quickly as possible.
Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: My child is 15 years old. She has an expired passport from the Dominican Republic, Can she travel within the country while her passport is renewing?

Answer: If you are in the United States and you plan on traveling domestically, the answer is yes. Minors do not need to present IDs for domestic travel but it will be wise to bring a green card or any other identification document just in case.
Dual Citizen with one expiring passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a dual citizen of Finland and the United States and I live full time in the US. I have an international trip coming up, but my US passport will expire (3/15) before my scheduled return (4/2) and current renewal times are too long to get my new US passport while I am abroad.

Can I use my Finnish passport to leave and return to the US?

Answer: You need a valid U.S. passport to depart and re-enter the United States.

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American Brazilian passports
by: Liz

Question: My son is 5 years old. He has a valid Brazilian passport and an expired American passport. We are traveling to Brazil next month and we don’t have time to get the new American passport to him.

Can he come back home using his Brazilian passport? The two countries don’t need visas anymore. I have a green card and we can prove he is American with other documents. I need to be sure we can come back without both passports valid. Thank you.

Answer: As an American, your son needs to leave and re-enter the United States using a valid U.S. passport. You need to apply for your child's new passport before traveling.
Waiting on Renewal
by: Anonymous

Question: My current 5-year child US passport expires in Dec 2022. I want to apply for a new adult one, but I plan to travel internationally within the next few months. Can I still travel with my current passport which has not yet expired if I apply and am in the process of getting a new one?

Answer: If you apply for your adult passport now, your current passport will be invalidated and can no longer be used for travel. You should just use your current (minor) passport for your planned trips and then apply for your adult passport when you get back.
Travel to Japan
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter who is 16 years old is a dual citizen( Japan and US). Can she travel to Japan and come back to the US while her US passport is renewing? She has a valid Japanese passport.

Answer: No, she cannot. As a U.S. citizen, she is required by law to leave and re-enter the United States with a valid U.S. passport.
Can a Minor Travel With a Valid Passport While We are waiting on a new Passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Our Minor has a current and valid US Passport that Expires In January 2022. If we submit an application for a new passport now, can she use her current, valid passport for travel while we wait for a new passport?

Answer: No, the child cannot travel while a passport application is in process. Once an application is received, the old one in your possession is automatically invalidated.
Traveling to Guyana
by: Anonymous

Question: I do not have an American passport and have to travel to Guyana to marry. I only have a Guyana passport. What do I do?

Answer: You may use your Guyanese passport to travel to your home country.
How can Child travel before passport is ready?
by: Anonymous

Question: My child was born a few weeks ago, we won’t be getting her passport until about October(10-12 weeks expedited).

However, my wife and I need to be home sometime in September. We are foreign passport holders and have to get back to work soon. How can we get our child’s passport in time before we travel? Since it’s being processed, could we still get the 72hrs expedited option from the agency? or could we apply for a one-way travel certificate from our home country for our child and have the agency send our child’s passport to the US consulate in our home country?

Answer: As a U.S. citizen, your child needs to exit the United States with a valid American passport. If you can secure an appointment at a regional agency, your child's passport will likely be issued in 72 hours or less. Please call 1-877-487-2778 for an appointment.
Travel within US Territory without passport or certificate
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi, I just became a US citizen and I'm in the process of receiving my passport but I need to travel to the US Virgin Islands in a week. My passport will take about 4 more weeks to arrive. I understand that I do not need a passport to travel to a US Territory, but upon return to the mainland, I will be asked for proof of my citizenship.

I do not have my certificate of naturalization either, since it was sent with the application. What can I do in my position, how can I prove I became a US citizen without my Certificate or Passport?

Answer: Please contact the CBP regarding your concern.
Using UK passport during renewal
by: M Ward

Question: My 5-year-old daughter is a US and UK citizen. I am a UK citizen and a green card holder.

My daughter's US passport is currently being renewed. Her UK passport expires in Nov 2021. She also has a US passport card.

Can she travel with me to the UK and return to the US in Sept 2021 using her UK passport if her new US passport does not arrive before departure? If so, are there any visa / ESTA requirements?

Answer: As a U.S. citizen, your daughter is required by law to depart and re-enter the United States using a valid U.S. passport. You will have to wait until the new passport arrives before making any final travel arrangements.
No green card
by: Anonymous

Question: I just got my US citizenship. I am part of a wedding party and need to travel to Mexico for the wedding in September. Obviously, they took my green card. Getting a US passport is taking up to 16 weeks at the moment. Can I go to Mexico on my Irish passport? How do I re-enter the US without my green card, can I present my certificate of citizenship at customs?
Thank you.

Answer: As a U.S. citizen, you are required to depart and re-enter the United States with a valid U.S. passport. While you can use your Irish passport to enter Mexico, you cannot it to leave the U.S.
Travelling abroad while waiting for a passport
by: Anonymous

Question: Hi,

I'm a dual French/US Citizen. I just received US citizenship. I had to leave the US to go to France for a family emergency and did not have time to make a passport, emergency or otherwise (there were no appts).

I got authorization from the US Embassy in Paris to leave the US on a French passport and make a US passport once in Paris. I am now waiting for that passport. Can I travel to the UK on my French passport while I wait? Thanks.

Answer: Yes, you may use your French passport to travel anywhere while you are overseas. Have a safe trip!
Can I travel internationally during USA passport process?
by: Anonymous

Question: Good morning. I have already applied for a US passport and I’m still waiting for it. I have a Moroccan passport and it has a stamp on it for 1 year. I’m going to travel this month and I want to know if I can travel without my green card because at the moment. I don’t have it because I sent it in my file for the US passport.

Thank you.

Answer: No, you cannot. As a U.S. citizen, you are now required by law to leave and re-enter the United States with a valid U.S. passport. You are free to use your Moroccan passport while you are overseas but you need your American passport at U.S. airports.
New passport for my baby
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello, I went to do a passport for my 9-month-old daughter and I paid for expedited service. Now it’s been 4 weeks and I check her passport status it said in-process. I’m 1 week away from my trip, I don’t know what to do because I’m afraid that her passport will not be here on time for our trip.

Answer: Expedited service may take up to 12 weeks. The only place that can issue a passport before your trip is a regional passport agency.

Regional agencies can issue passports in 72 hours or less to individuals who need to travel urgently. They strictly require an appointment.

Schedule an Appointment

Your appointment date must be 3 business days before your departure date. There will be no need to submit your child's requirements again but you need to present proof of your upcoming trip.
Travel while passport app is in-progress
by: Anonymous

Question: Hello. I recently became a US citizen and applied for my US passport. I had to submit proof of citizenship (original doc) with the passport application.

I still have a valid Pakistani Passport. Based on the comments below it seems like I will need an American passport to return to the US. Is there anything I can do to travel to Mexico and return to the US while my passport app is in progress?

I would like to travel on Aug 2nd. Is there a way to expedite this process? Thanks!

Answer: As an American citizen, you are now required to leave and return to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. You cannot travel while your U.S. passport application is still in pending or in process.

The only way you can get a passport issued sooner is by applying in person at a regional agency. These agencies require an appointment.

Schedule an Appointment

Your appointment date must be within 3 business days of your travel date. You will start to see open slots two weeks prior to the travel date you enter in the reservation system.
Renewal at passport agency
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport has already been mailed but I have to travel before. Can I get an expedited passport from a passport agency while my passport renewal is processing?

Answer: Yes, you can.

Schedule an Appointment
Haven’t received passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a USA Citizen. I renewed my passport and sent it in the mail on May 4th. Still haven’t received it. Can I still travel out of the country? Supposed to leave on July 9th? Thank you.

Answer: You cannot board an international flight without a valid passport. If you have a foreign passport, you may use it overseas but as a U.S. citizen, you are required by law to leave and re-enter the United States with a valid U.S. passport.
Travel internationally
by: Anonymous

Question: I do have dual citizenship. My US passport application is in process. Can I use my other country's passport to travel abroad?

Answer: You may use your foreign passport while overseas but as a U.S. citizen, you are required to present a valid U.S. passport when you leave the United States and when you return.
Waiting on passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I just got my citizenship 2 yrs ago and I applied for my passport. Can I travel to Mexico with a copy of my citizenship?

Answer: You can't. A valid passport to enter Mexico and get back in the United States.
Expired philippine passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I am a green card holder with a Philippine passport but my passport is expired. Can I come back in the U.S. with my expired US passport?

Answer: I am not sure I understand. You have a green card but you also have an expires U.S. passport? Please clarify.
Entering US with US Driver's License and voided Passport with VISA
by: Marco Paulo

Question: Hi,

I'm renewing my European Passport than contains my L1A visa, so while I wait for that they cut my passport and added a voided stamp.

Can I enter the US with that voided passport and US driver's license? The L1A VISA is still valid and the voided passport is still readable.

Answer: Please contact the CBP regarding re-entry to the United States.
TRAVELING WHILE WAITING ON US PASSPORT
by: ELENA

Question: My dad is taking his citizenship this month and will apply for a passport (if passes and is given the certificate of naturalization). I know they will keep his green card at the court house when he submits the papers for application for passport.

He has a plane ticket bought already 2 days after his test and cannot wait for the U.S. Passport. He will give his green card away with the passport application.

The question is : Can he go to his home country without the green card just with his foreign passport please? On return from the trip, in meantime we can send him the passport for entry, correct?. Thank you.

Answer: While he can use his foreign passport to enter his home country, as a U.S. citizen, he will be bound by law to depart the United States on a U.S. passport. Please contact the CBP for more information.
Passport collection
by: Mrs.Rajes

Question: I applied for renewal and got a letter that it's ready for collection but earlier dates are not available for collection. and my passport still valid for next 8 months. Can I travel with the original passport with me before collection of new passport.

Answer: Hi, Mrs. Rajes. Are we talking about a U.S. passport?
International Passport Renewal.
by: Anonymous

Question: I am living abroad and submitted paper work for passport renewal at the U.S. Embassy. They photocopied my passport to be used for processing my new passport and gave me my original valid passport back. I can still travel with this passport while i am waiting for my new passport, correct?

Answer: In the United States, passports ate invalidated when a renewal application is received. The case many be different because you are overseas. Please contact the U.S. embassy where you applied for assistance.
Renew of a valid passport
by: Anonymous

Question: I don’t know if the rules have been changed. In 2013, I applied to renew my passport while it was still valid but the visa pages were full. The valid passport was left with me until I received the new one.

Answer: You need to submit your most recent passport (valid or expired) with the rest of the application requirements.

Passport services no longer issues additional pages so you may want to request for the non-regular 52-page passport book. The old passport will be returned to you once the renewal process is completed.
Parallel process
by: Rajiv

Question: This does present issues for individuals who frequently travel abroad and sometimes cannot predict their day of travel because of changes in business situations.

What instead should happen is that the old valid passport should be returned immediately after authentication and let the person be able to travel while the new passport is being processed, printed and sent.

Answer: Citizens who travel frequently and need to submit his/her passport for visas have the option to apply for a second passport.

Please call customer service at 1-877-487-2778 for more information.

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More Passport & Travel Information

Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office
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Applying at a Regional Passport Agency
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Using a Registered Courier Service
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Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
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How to Renew a U.S. Passport Fast
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About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
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