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US Department of State US Issues a limited number of emergency passports on a case-by-case basis to citizens who need a passport to travel.

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

U.S. citizens who need this type of passport abroad may apply for a passport issued by the principal U.S. embassy or consulate; Emergency passports will be valid for limited travel.

Here’s what you need to know about emergency passports.

What is an emergency passport?

“An emergency passport is a type of limited-validity passport issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate in urgent or emergency situations to U.S. citizens who must return to the United States as soon as possible from a foreign country,” a State Department spokesman said. “Emergency passports have a purple cover with the words ‘Emergency Passport’ on the front.”

An emergency passport is valid for a maximum of one year only.

Emergency passports are issued in the following circumstances:

• To replace a lost or stolen passport
• To help in the event of a life-or-death emergency, such as serious illness, injury or death in your immediate family (the US government considers parents or legal guardians, children, spouses, siblings and grandparents to be “immediate family” — aunts, uncles and cousins are not counted) who need to travel within 72 hours

“An imminent life-or-death emergency means an immediate emergency that seriously threatens the health or safety of the applicant or another person (such as a life-sustaining medical procedure that can only be performed in another country) or impairs his ability The U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland, said an applicant whose death is imminent or to attend a relative’s funeral. “Applicants seeking a life-or-death exception must provide sufficient documentary evidence to validate the situation.” .”

Where can emergency passport be used?

Some countries including France, do not allow Americans to enter using emergency passports.

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

Just go through it France The US Can do so with an emergency passport en route.

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

“Some countries may not accept emergency passports and you may be denied entry by immigration officials or denied boarding by airline personnel,” it notes. Consulate General of the United States for Hong Kong and Macau. “We strongly recommend that you research your destination’s entry and exit requirements before traveling.”

Turnaround time will vary by embassy and availability. For example, the US Embassy in Switzerland issues emergency passports during office hours. They are usually available within 24 hours and must be taken in person.

How is an emergency passport obtained?

The procedure for obtaining an emergency passport is similar to applying for a lost passport replacement. The State Department asks travelers to contact their nearest US embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passengers have to apply for replacement passports in person. The process involves taking passport photos and paying an expedited passport fee, which costs the same as a non-emergency passport ($130 plus $60 for expedited service).

“If you will be leaving a foreign country soon, please provide consular staff with your travel details. We will make every effort to assist you quickly,” a US State Department spokesman said. “If you don’t have enough time to get a regular passport, the consular department may be able to issue you with a limited-validity emergency passport, which can be valid for up to one year.”

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

Bottom line

Not having a passport when experiencing an emergency that requires you to travel internationally can be excruciating — but it’s possible to get an emergency passport to get you where you need to be as quickly as possible.

If you are abroad, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate to your destination to find out if they will issue an emergency passport and if the country you are visiting will accept it.

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