Travel plans have a reputation for changing without warning. Even the most detailed and specific itineraries are sometimes forced to experience alterations. A much-anticipated business trip is suddenly happening next week instead of next year, for example. Or, maybe the original plans haven’t changed but somehow you can’t find your passport and realize that replacing it might be impossible in such a short time frame. An entire trip may be in jeopardy. These nightmare scenarios are custom-made for the creation of an Emergency USA Passport.
Although completing an application for a normally issued passport is not complicated, the turnaround time can be at least six weeks and even longer during certain peak travel times. Typically, someone applying for a new document must have proof of U.S. Citizenship, two recent passport photographs, a completed application form, a currently valid photo id and the ability to pay the required fees. This can be done easily at the United States Post Office and they will handle the processing.
Going through these normal steps is adequate when there is enough turnaround time. If, however, the need for a passport is immediate, there are other measures which may be taken. Those travelers who find they must be ready to leave within 14 days, but have not yet applied for the correct passport and necessary foreign visa, can gain assistance from a U.S. Government agency created for this type of issue. The Regional Passport Agency is designed in part to help push through within two weeks the process needed to obtain the correct documentation for travel internationally. Those needing this service call for an appointment at a local Regional Passport Agency.
These regional Passport Agency offices are easily found on the internet, located in U.S. Government travel websites. These offices are very helpful, of course, but are not the only option available when a traveler needs to speed up the process of documentation. Also found on the internet are an entire host of private businesses who have become specialists in nearly every facet of passport detail. If your personal time is limited, a search of these websites will probably help you understand the services they provide and any fees that are required.
These apply primarily to existing or new passports. Sometimes, however, passport tragedy strikes when a traveler is already abroad. The papers get stolen or lost. Unfortunately, this happens more often than it should and the result can be devastating on a trip that has a tightly planned itinerary. Lost connections mean lost time and money. Be sure and do the one thing many people ignore, make a good-quality photocopy of your present passport. Wrap it well to protect it from the elements, and pack it in a completely different bag if possible. Having this copy as backup can speed the entire process if necessary.
Then, if the worst really does happen, you will need assistance from the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The group to ask for is the American Citizens Service unit within the Consular section. They will need the details of your immediate travel plans, and will make every effort to help circumvent any bureaucracy that may slow things down. They will ask you to complete a new passport application, and they must be convinced that your identification is legitimate before any replacement.
Information routinely needed includes your personal data, meaning your name, date and place of birth, and old passport information such as the number, date and location of issuance. This is where a photocopy of your lost document is extremely valuable. Officials will need an affidavit or sworn statement before a consular officer regarding the theft or loss. The information provided will be confirmed through the U.S. Passport Verification System, and the original data on it will be retrieved.
In addition to name clearance and citizenship verification, you may need further proof of identity to get a stolen or lost US passport replacement. This may be provided by others in your travel group, or information may be needed from family living in the U.S. If necessary, proof can be obtained from previous passport records. If you have been robbed and are destitute, or are part of a natural disaster, normal fees may be waived. Once the office has the information it needs, however, your emergency passport will be issued, and your trip can continue on its way.