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.
Related reading:
- Real ID vs. driver's license: Everything you need to know
- Speed your way through customs in Asia: Guide to the APEC travel card
- Online passport renewals have resumed - here's what to know
- What to do if you lose your passport while traveling internationally
- Current passport processing times reach pre-pandemic estimates
- If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
- When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.