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Emergency Passport Service While Abroad

Emergency Passport Service in the United States

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Everything you need to know about emergency passports

The U.S. Department of State issues a limited number of emergency passports on a case-by-case basis for U.S. citizens who need a passport to travel.

Emergency passports are available for life-or-death situations and to those attempting to replace a lost or stolen passport .

U.S. citizens in need of this type of passport while abroad can apply to have one issued by the presiding local U.S. Embassy or consulate; the emergency passport will be valid for limited travel.

Here's everything you need to know about emergency passports.

What is an emergency passport?

"The emergency passport is a type of limited-validity passport issued in urgent or emergency circumstances by a U.S. embassy or consulate for U.S. citizens who must return to the United States as soon as possible from a foreign country," a State Department spokesperson said. "The emergency passport has a purple cover with the words 'emergency passport' on the front."

Emergency passports are only valid for a maximum of one year.

Emergency passports are issued in the following circumstances:

• To replace a lost or stolen passport
• To aid in the case of life-or-death emergencies such as serious illnesses, injuries or deaths in your immediate family (the U.S. government considers parents or legal guardians, children, spouses, siblings and grandparents to be "immediate family" — aunts, uncles and cousins do not count) that require travel within 72 hours

"An imminent life-or-death emergency means an immediate emergency that severely endangers the health or safety of the applicant or another individual (such as a medical procedure to sustain life that can only be performed in another country) or impairs the ability of the applicant to attend to a dying relative whose death is impending or to attend a funeral of a relative," said the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. "Applicants seeking a life-or-death exception must provide documentary evidence sufficient to validate the situation."

Where can emergency passports be used?

Certain countries, including France , do not allow Americans to enter using an emergency passport.

"The Government of France does not recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free entry into France," said the Embassy of the United States of America in France. "If traveling on this emergency passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry by immigration officials."

Only those transiting through France en route to the U.S. can do so with an emergency passport.

Because the State Department does not maintain a list of countries that accept emergency passports, travelers must check the entry and exit requirements of their desired destination.

"Some countries may not accept an emergency passport and you could be refused entry by immigration officials or denied boarding by airline personnel," notes the Consulate General of the United States for Hong Kong and Macau . "We strongly recommend that you research the entry and exit requirements of your destination before you travel."

Turnaround times will vary by embassy and availability. For example, the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland issues emergency passports during office hours. They are generally available within 24 hours and must be picked up in person.

How are emergency passports obtained?

The process for getting an emergency passport is similar to applying for a lost passport replacement. The State Department asks travelers to contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.

Travelers must apply for a replacement passport in person. The process includes taking passport photos and paying an expedited passport fee, which costs the same as nonemergency passports ($130 plus $60 for expedited service).

"If you are scheduled to leave the foreign country soon, please provide consular staff with the details of your travel. We will make every effort to assist you quickly," said a U.S. State Department spokesperson. "If there is not enough time to get you a regular passport, the Consular Section may be able to give you a limited-validity emergency passport, which may be valid for up to one year."

Victims of serious crimes or disasters who cannot afford passport fees may be eligible for a free, limited-validity emergency passport.

Bottom line

Not having a passport while experiencing an emergency that requires you to travel internationally can be very distressing — but it is possible to get an emergency passport to get where you need to be as quickly as you can.

If you're abroad, contact the closest U.S. embassy or consulate to your destination and find out if they will issue an emergency passport and if the country you're visiting will accept one.

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USCIS I-131A Application for Travel Document Fee

Before you start the payment process, eligibility.

Anyone can pay the I-131A filing fee from anywhere in the world. Whoever pays the fee must use a credit or debit card or U.S. bank account.

The current filing fee is $575.00

You must submit your filing fee before going to a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file your Form I-131A. You must bring evidence of payment with you when you appear in person at your nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to file Form I-131A.

Refund Policy

USCIS does not refund fees, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition or request, or how long USCIS takes to reach a decision.

By continuing this transaction, you acknowledge that you must submit fees in the exact amount and that you are paying the fees for a government service.

Please refer to the instructions for the form(s) you are filing for additional information or you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) 800-767-1833.

Information You May Need

To pay the fee, you will need the correct first and last names, date of birth, and A-Number as they appear on the lawful permanent resident's (LPR's) Green Card or Reentry Permit.

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Emergency Travel Document:

What is it and how to get one, introduction.

Travel outside of the U.S. may have severe consequences for foreign nationals who are in the process of adjusting their status or are lawful permanent residents or “green card holders” already. It is important that before leaving the U.S. in an emergency, foreign nationals determine if a travel document to re-enter the country would be required. A travel document grants you permission to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad without having to get a new visa. There are mainly three types of travel documents – Advance Parole , Re-entry Permit and Refugee Travel Documents .

• Advance Parole

Advance Parole is permission to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad in order to continue processing an Adjustment of Status application. Foreign nationals applying for Advance Parole on the basis of a pending application for Adjustment of Status must be approved for Advance Parole prior to leaving the U.S. in order to avoid the termination of their pending application. However, this does not apply to aliens who have applied to adjust to permanent resident status and who maintain valid H-1B , L-1 or K-3 status and visas.

Travel outside of the U.S. without an Advance Parole may have severe consequences ranging from denial of admission into the U.S. to the Adjustment of Status application being denied. An Advance Parole does not guarantee admission into the U.S. and foreign nationals with Advance Parole are still subject to the immigration inspections process at the port-of-entry.

Individuals with a pending Adjustment of Status and who need to travel immediately but have not obtained their Advance Parole can apply for an Emergency Advance Parole at their local USCIS field office. While processing times for Service Centers ranges from 90-150 days, local field offices are authorized to issue an Emergency Advance Parole within 1-2 days.  The applicant must be ready to prove that the reason for the trip is truly an emergency, whether related to illness, business or other personal matters.

Re-entry Permit

A Re-entry Permit is a travel document issued to lawful permanent residents (LPR green card holders) and conditional residents to re-enter the U.S. after travel abroad of one year or more. Re-entry Permits are generally valid for two years from the date of issuance. While the I-551 card or green card is the proper document for re-entry after an absence of less than a year, the green card is only appropriate for entry if you have not abandoned your permanent residence. The legal requirement is that the absence must be for less than a year and you must be returning to an un-relinquished, lawful permanent residence after a temporary absence. With the Re-entry Permit an LPR or conditional resident may remain outside the U.S. for the validity of the Re-entry Permit without abandoning their permanent residence, even if that period is longer than one year..

It is important to note that a Re-entry Permit does not guarantee admission into the U.S. Lawful permanent residents with Re-entry Permits are still subject to the inspection process at the port-of-entry and must be ready to show that the U.S. still remains the individual’s permanent residence.

Legal permanent residents must apply for this benefit while physically in the U.S. It is possible, however, to travel while the application is pending . In the case where an LPR must leave the U.S. quickly and may be outside the U.S. for a prolonged period of time, s/he can file the application for the Re-entry Permit (Form I-131) with USCIS. The applicant should be prepared to stay for 3-6 weeks in order to appear for Biometrics or be prepared to return to perform the Biometrics.  The applicant can have the Re-entry Permit sent to their attorney’s office or to a US Consulate abroad

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Refugee Travel Document

A refugee travel document is an authorization that can be used instead of a passport by a Refugee  or Asylee . A foreign national who has fled their home country may not have obtained a passport before leaving and in most cases, it may be impossible or impractical to obtain one later, since the application would need to be made to the government of the persecuting country. In lieu of the passport, it is possible to apply to the U.S. government for a Refugee Travel Document. Refugees or Asylee applying for a Refugee Travel Document must attach a copy of the document issued by the Service showing the Refugee or Asylee status and indicating the expiration of such status.

In the case of an emergent need to travel, the applicant may submit an Expedite Request to USCIS through the National Customer Service Number.  Evidence of the need for the emergent travel should be available for submission if requested.

Foreign nationals often inadvertently fail to apply for a travel document and end up losing the hard-earned rights and benefits given by the U.S. government. Upon return, certain foreign nationals may be found inadmissible, their applications may be denied, or both. It is important that the proper documentation be obtained before leaving the U.S. even in the case of emergencies.

If you need an emergency travel document, click here to  speak with a VisaPro Immigration Attorney.

We at VisaPro have been regularly post travel advisories issued by the USCIS on Advance Paroles and Re-entry Permits. Subscribe to Immigration Alerts to get the latest news delivered to your email inbox.

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U.S. Travel Documents Requirements: Traveling to and from the USA

If you are planning a trip to or outside the U.S. , the first thing you need to make sure is that your travel documents are in order . A travel document is a form of identification issued by a government to ease the movement of individuals across international borders. Before you leave for the airport, you need to make sure that your travel document is valid , and that you have all the necessary extra documentation , including any required visas . There are different types of travel documents that are issued based on immigration status and purpose for the trip . U.S. law requires that every individual , regardless of citizenship, age or destination, needs to hold a valid travel document(s) to travel outside of the United States. Of course, the requirements for crossing international boundaries vary depending on the country of destination. It is paramount when traveling either domestically or internationally to make sure you have the necessary travel documents, required visas, for entering or departing the United States.

Main Travel Documents

It is important to keep in mind that the travel document requirements for traveling outside of the U.S. may not be the same required to enter another country. The main travel documents issued by the U.S. government are passports, U.S. permanent resident card (Green Card), R efugee or Stateless travel document , Re-Entry Permit , and emergency travel document issued by an embassy or consulate. But what are the differences between them?

The passport is perhaps the most common travel document there is. It is usually issued in a booklet format. It has a biometrics page with the holder’s information and also blank pages for entry and departure stamps and visas . It acts as a form of identification and proof of citizenship . Most countries require that a passport is valid for at least 6 months at the time of arrival.

The governmental entity responsible for issuing passports in the U.S. is the Department of State (DOS). U.S. passports act as proof of U.S. citizenship and allow their holder entry into a total of 156 countries visa-free.

Passport Cards

Both apassport and passport card are considered U.S. passports . They both serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship and identity. The passport card is a wallet-sized travel document that can only be used by U.S. citizens to re-enter the United States at land border-crossings or ports-of-entry by sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. This card is a smaller, more convenient, and less expensive alternative to the traditional passport, especially for those who frequently travel to these destinations. The passport card, like the passport book, is valid for 10 years for an adult, and five years for children age 16 and younger. If you already have a passport book, then you may apply for the passport card at a reduced price.

USA Travel Documents

Form i-94 and arrival/departure records.

Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record , is used to record traveler's’ arrival/departure information to the United States . However, CBP now gathers this information automatically from their electronic travel records. All those arriving in the U.S. via air or sea are no longer required to complete Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record . However, if they need the information from their Form I-94 admission record to prove their legal-visitor status, they can access their arrival/departure record information online. Because CBP only collects this information automatically for air and sea travelers, CBP will still issue a paper form I-94 at land border ports of entry.

To travel to and enter the United States, travelers need a visa . The type of visa you will need to apply for depends on the reason for your visit. You can apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Your approved visa will be placed on directly in your passport . A visa usually comes in either a stamp or loose piece of paper format and shows the purpose of your trip as well as its validity. You cannot enter the U.S. after your visa’s expiration date. At the port of entry, the DHS officer will enter the date when you are required to leave the U.S in your I-94 form. You have an obligation to leave the United States by this date since it is when your immigration status expires, or face not being allowed to re.-enter the U.S. even if you have a valid travel document.

In addition to the traditional visas, the USCIS also issues three types of travel documents for exceptional circumstances. These special travel documents allow their holders to re-enter the U.S. country without having to apply for a visa. To apply for these travel documents, individuals need to complete and file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document and choose which document they want to apply for:

• An advance parole document
• A refugee travel document
• A re-entry permit

All those who applied for asylum or were considered asylees on or after April 1, 1997, can lose their status should they return to the country for which they sought asylum.

Advance Parole

Individuals who are in the process of adjusting their status or applying for an immigrant visa (refugees and asylees) are required to apply for advance parole document. Failure to do so can lead to severe consequences upon returning and trying to enter the United States, as these individuals may be found inadmissible, their applications may be denied, or both. It is paramount for non-U.S. citizens to obtain the proper documentation before leaving the United States . However, there are three exceptions to the requirement for nonimmigrant visa holders to apply for advance parole: H1B, L and K3/4 holders as well as their dependents. Those who hold a K1/2 visa and who have married a U.S. citizen must apply for legal permanent resident (Green Card holder) status and advance parole before leaving the United States, by filing Form I-131.

Non-immigrant visa holders must obtain Advance Parole, before departure, to re-enter the United States if they have:

• Filed an application for adjustment of status but have not received a decision from the USCIS;
• Hold refugee or asylee status and intend to depart temporarily to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa in Canada; and/or
• An emergency or personal reason to travel temporarily abroad.

Refugee Travel Documents

The USCIS grants refugee travel documents to i ndividuals with refugee or asylum status and to lawful permanent residents who obtained their Green Cards based on their refugee or asylee status. If you want to travel abroad, you will need a passport. A refugee travel document is the equivalent of a passport for asylees and refugees who need to travel outside the U.S. temporarily. Before traveling abroad , those who were granted asylum or refugee status must apply for a refugee travel document . Family members who are classified as derivative asylees or refugees must also apply and obtain a refugee travel document before traveling outside of the United States. Failing to get a refugee travel document before leaving the U.S. could have serious consequences like being denied re-entry into the U.S. or even being deported. It is also important to keep in mind that both asylees and refugees you should never travel to the country from which they claimed persecution.

Re-entry Permits

A reentry permit allows a permanent resident (Green Card holder) or conditional resident to apply for re-entry after having spent at least a year outside of the United States. Those who are granted a re-entry permit are not required to apply for a returning resident visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you are a U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) , and you need to spend a year or more outside the United States, you are required to get a re-entry permit to maintain your status. While Green Card holders are allowed to travel, they cannot spend more than an allotted time outside the U.S. running the risk that immigration authorities may consider the act an intent to abandon U.S. residence status . A re-entry permit helps prove that you did not mean to give up your status . A re-entry permit is also useful for when you cannot, or do not wish to, get a passport from your home country. The permit (which looks like a passport) can be used in its place. Remember that you cannot extend the time on your re-entry permit. If it expires, and you want to renew it, you will need to return to the U.S. and apply for a new one.

Emergency Travel

In the case of emergency, and before leaving the United States , the USCIS might process an application for a travel document faster . If you are experiencing an extremely urgent situation, you may visit your local office to request an emergency travel document. You will be required to submit any additional documentation required, including proof of your emergency situation , e.g.; medical documents, death certificates, travel records, etc. It is important to understand that business trips, weddings, holiday parties and other planned events are usually not considered emergency situations. USCIS considers emergency situations to be, life-threatening conditions, a humanitarian situation like a natural catastrophe. Your requested assistance to attend a cultural or social program which would benefit the United States, etc.

So if you are a foreign national planning a trip outside of the U.S., please make sure you have all the appropriate travel documents in order or risk losing their rights and benefits given to you by the U.S. government. Failing to do so may result in being found inadmissible upon your return, or your applications may be denied, or both. That is why it is paramount that the proper documentation is obtained before leaving the United States .

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Travel documents for foreign citizens returning to the U.S.

If you are a citizen of another country and have been living in the U.S., you may need special documents if you leave the U.S. and then return.

Travel documents for permanent and conditional permanent residents

If you are outside the u.s. for less than one year.

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been away from the U.S. for less than one year, you will only need to show your Green Card upon re-entry to the U.S.

If you are outside the U.S. for one year or longer

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been outside the U.S. for one year or longer, apply for a re-entry permit before you travel. Use Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document .

• For permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.
• For conditional permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years after the date of issue. Or it is valid up until the date you must apply for removal of the conditions on your status , whichever date comes first.

Travel documents for other foreign citizens living in the U.S.

If you are a foreign citizen re-entering the U.S., the documentation you need may depend on your immigration status:

• Advance parole - You may use advance parole to re-enter the U.S. without applying for a visa. It is commonly used for re-entry by people in the process of applying for permanent residence, applying for a status adjustment, or applying for asylum.
• Refugee travel document - You may be able to use this document to re-enter the U.S. if you have refugee or asylum status.

If you need help, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) .

LAST UPDATED: May 22, 2024

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What Should I Do if I Lose My Passport While Traveling?

You will have to replace the passport before returning to the United States. Contact the nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate  for assistance. Contact information for U.S. embassies and consulates is also available in our  country information  pages. Ask to speak to the Consular Section to report your passport lost or stolen.

You will have to appear in person at the U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a new passport. If you are scheduled to leave the foreign country soon, please provide consular staff with the details of your travel. We will make every effort to assist you quickly. If there is not enough time to get you a regular passport, the Consular Section may be able to give you a limited-validity emergency passport, which may be valid for up to one year.

If a loved one tells you their U.S. passport was lost or stolen overseas, you can call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. They will be able to help you put your loved one in touch with the closest U.S. embassy or consulate.

What Do I Need to Replace my Passport Overseas?

Please bring with you to the embassy/consulate:

• One  passport photo  (get it in advance to speed the process of replacing your passport)
• Identification (driver's license, expired passport, etc.)
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, photocopy of your missing passport)
• Travel Itinerary (airline/train tickets)
• DS-11 Application for Passport
• DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport

Even if you cannot present all of these documents, consular staff will do their best to help you. They will help you get a new passport quickly. 

Police Report:

A police report is  not  mandatory but can help confirm the circumstances of the loss or theft. If you lose your U.S. passport, we recommend you tell local police. But you can skip the report if you are concerned about delaying your travel.

How Long is a Replacement Passport Valid?

Passports last ten years for adults, five for minors. Need a quick fix for urgent travel? Get a limited-validity emergency passport, which is valid for up to one year. You can exchange it for a full-validity one after your trip. You may also receive a limited passport if you have lost multiple passports or borrowed money from the State Department to fund your trip home. A consular officer can provide additional information.

Are Fees Charged to Replace Lost/Stolen Passports Abroad?

Replacement passports cost the same as any other passport. If you are unable to pay for a new passport, you can give the consular staff the names of people who might help. See our information about  Financial Assistance to U.S. citizens Abroad  and  Sending Money Overseas to U.S. Citizen in an Emergency.

If you have been a victim of a serious crime or disaster and cannot afford a new passport, you may be eligible for a free limited-validity emergency passport. If you want a full-validity passport, the regular fee applies for replacements.

Can the U.S. Embassy Issue a Replacement Passport on a Weekend or Holiday?

Most U.S. embassies and consulates cannot issue passports on weekends or holidays. All U.S. embassies and consulates have after-hours duty officers. They are available to assist with life-or-death emergencies of U.S. citizens abroad. Contact the nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate  after-hours duty officer for help. Do this if you have an emergency, need to travel, or have been the victim of a serious crime. In most cases, a replacement passport will be issued the next business day.

Can I travel if I find my passport after reporting it lost or stolen?

No. If you reported your passport lost or stolen, it is no longer valid for international travel. A foreign country may deny your entry if you try to use that passport. Or you might not be allowed to leave if you are already abroad. If you want to travel after reporting your passport lost or stolen, you need to apply for a new passport.

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

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