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What if I need to travel overseas while my passport is being renewed?

by Gary
(Atlanta, GA)

Question: My passport expires in September, and I need to travel in October. However, I may also need to travel to Switzerland in August. Is there some document that I can print out to show that I have a valid passport, but it is currently being renewed?

Answer: A passport book is the only acceptable document for air travel to another country. In fact, you need to renew your passport before you travel to Switzerland. Although you are not required to obtain a visa, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay in order to enter Switzerland.

Expediting a passport renewal by mail takes 2-3 weeks. The only way to get your passport renewed in less time is to submit the application at a regional passport agency where it can be done in one day.

There is an agency in Atlanta. It is located in the following address:

Atlanta Passport Agency
230 Peachtree St NW, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30303

If you are unable to visit the regional agency, you can submit the application through a professional expediting service. To begin the process of getting your passport renewed quickly, click the link below.

Expedited Passport Renewal

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Travel While Passport Renewed
by: Anonymous

Question: My passport did not expire until November, but I sent it to be renewed. I am being sent to Mexico next week. Can I still travel with my passport number until I receive my new passport?

Answer: When you apply for a passport renewal, your previously-issued passport is cancelled and can no longer be used for international travel. A valid passport is required for entry to Mexico.

You can check the status of your passport application here.

We recommend you visit the nearest regional passport agency a day or two before your departure date if your passport does not arrive before then.
Emergency
by: Anonymous

Question: I need to travel to Mexico because my fiancee's sister is dying. I have applied for my passport but it has not come yet. What can I do? Thank you.

Answer: All U.S. citizens are required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel into Mexico. Documents are not always checked at immigration checkpoints when entering Mexico but you cannot re-enter the United States without a valid passport.

Contact the National Passport Information Center to see if you can get expedited service. There is a $60 fee so you will need a credit card to pay for this. The phone number is 1-877-487-2778.

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More Passport & Travel Information

Getting a Passport Expedited at a Post Office
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.

Applying at a Regional Passport Agency
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.

Using a Registered Courier Service
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.

Routine vs. Expedited Passport Service: How to Choose
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.

How to Renew a U.S. Passport Fast
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry?
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.

In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service:Expedite My U.S.Passport Now!
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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