All U.S. citizens traveling outside the United States must have a U.S. passport. If you do not have a current passport, there may be backlogs and long delays in passport processing so plan accordingly.

Application Processing

For the most up to date information on application processing times, please visit the U.S. State Department's website:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/processing/processing_1740.html

Checking Passport Status

Track your passport application status online. It is extremely difficult to reach staff at the Passport Agency by phone to ask questions. You can try to set up an appointment through the automated system if leaving the U.S. or schedule a visa appointment within 14 days, but the system is overloaded.

Perry International (and probably other visa/passport agencies) has limited ability to assist due to backlogs at the passport processing agency.

Passport Status and Suggested Actions

If you have not yet submitted your passport application

• Apply immediately and expedite it. You may have to travel to a regional passport agency to try to get an emergency appointment if you have not received a passport within 14 days of a visa application deadline or 14 days before departure.

If you have applied but have not heard anything

• Check the U.S. State Department’s website for a status update immediately and continue tracking until you receive a passport
• Contact the U.S. State Department 24-hour passport hotline. This line has high call volume, especially during business hours, so you might have a better chance getting through to someone by calling at night or on a weekend
  
• If you have not received a passport within 14 days prior to departure, you may have to travel to a regional passport agency to make an emergency appointment

If you are within 14 days of visa appointment or departing for a program and still do not have a passport

• Make an appointment with the regional passport processing office. These offices may issue a temporary passport.
• If you are NOT able to get an appointment at the regional passport office, plan to make a personal appearance at the office 48 hours prior to departure or before their visa application deadline. Arrive VERY EARLY (before opening hours—even if you have an appointment) to get in line. Be prepared with two completed passport applications, including payment, photos, and official birth certificate. Therefore, it may be advisable for students to obtain an extra official copy of their birth certificate.
  
• Try contacting your senator’s/congressperson’s

Last modified on February 19, 2008

Last modified on November 21, 2008