I’ll never forget the panic I experienced 36 hours before departing on my first trip to Bali. By no means was I a new traveler. I’d had a passport since I was in high school, had traveled abroad plenty, and even had Global Entry. However, it was my friend Craig (who’d never been overseas) who asked me if I’d checked my passport expiration date.
“Why would I need to do that?” I asked, dismissing the issue. “I’m sure it’s fine, we’re barely there over a week.” He continued to push the matter though, informing me that he’d read that Indonesia required passports to be valid for 6 months beyond date of arrival.
How Did You Not Know You Needed a Passport?
You’d think that an “expert” traveler might know more than a newbie, but think again. More than once I’ve learned the hard lesson of how frequent travel can lead you to dismiss the importance of research. Well, what do you know? My passport was set to expire 4 days shy of the six month requirement.
It was hard to ignore Craig’s “Told Ya So” as fear and panic began to set it. With just about 36 hours until departure, I began to frantically search for what time the local passport office would open in the morning. Luckily for me, I was living in Washington, DC. – probably the best place in the world to be if in need of an expedited US passport. 🙏🏼#blessed
Getting a US Passport When You’re in a Rush
If you’re a normal person who plans accordingly, getting a US Passport can be a fairly easy and stress free endeavor. Check out our handy “How-To” Guide for more info…
That said, if you’re like me or perhaps have an emergency, there are some options available. Besides the Special Issuance Agency located in the Nation’s Capital, there are offices in major metropolitan cities where you can apply in person and get a passport the very same day. Sometimes in a matter of 2-3 hours.
In cases not involving life-or-death emergencies, proof of immediate international travel, and an appointment are required for each application submitted. You can make an appointment online in a few minutes.
What You Need to Know About Expedited Passports
On top of the processing fees as outlined in our “How-To” Guide, there is an additional flat fee of $60 for any expedited request. Here’s some of the options for different expedited requests:
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 days). If you’re traveling in more than 72 hours, learn more about Where to Apply.
You must call in order to make an appointment for emergency passport service in case of a life-or-death emergency within 72 hours (3 days).
You must provide:
- A passport application with supporting documents
- Proof of the life-or-death emergency such as a death certificate, a statement from a mortuary, or a signed letter from a hospital or medical professional. Documents be translated or in English.
- Proof of international travel (itinerary)
From the United States:
- 1-877-487-2778/ 1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TDD) Monday- Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time, except federal holidays. Saturdays, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Eastern Time.
- 202-647-4000 outside of the hours listed above
From outside the United States:
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
I Can’t Get to An Office – Rush My Passport!!
If you’re not close to a passport office there are several services that can come in handy. One such service is RushMyPassport.com.
RushMyPassport.com is a trusted leader in expediting US passports. They’ve helped millions of Americans get their passports and visas on time by processing them in as little as 24 hours. They’ve partnered with licensed couriers of the US Department of State with over 20 years of experience in expediting travel documents. Their expedited service streamlines the steps of obtaining a passport by using secured online forms and offering professional customer support.
The post I Only Had 36 Hours to Get a Passport…was first published on Coworkaholic.