What qualifies as a travel emergency for same-day passport service?

Life-or-death emergencies, urgent medical treatment abroad, urgent business travel within 72 hours, or immediate family death/serious illness requiring travel within 72 hours. Tourist plans or missed flights don't typically qualify.

Can I get a full 10-year passport at an embassy?

Most embassies only issue limited-validity emergency passports (1-2 years). Some major consulates can issue full-validity passports, but expect 5-10 business days. Ask specifically about full-validity options when you call.

What if I don't have any documents with me?

The embassy can help verify your identity through various means, but the process takes longer. Contact family to overnight documents if possible. Bring any documentation you have - driver's license copies, social security card, or even expired documents help.

Do I need to file a police report for a stolen passport?

Yes, always file a police report for stolen passports. Many embassies require this documentation. It also protects you if someone uses your stolen passport fraudulently. Keep copies of the police report.

How to Get an Emergency Passport While Traveling Abroad

Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate immediately to apply for an emergency passport. Bring proof of citizenship, ID, passport photos, completed DS-11 form, and payment. Emergency passports are issued same-day to next-day for urgent travel needs and cost $165 plus expedite fees.

Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. Find the closest US diplomatic mission using the State Department's website or call the 24/7 emergency line at +1-888-407-4747 from the US or +1-202-501-4444 from abroad. Explain your situation and ask about emergency passport services.
Gather required documents. You need proof of US citizenship (certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport if available), government-issued photo ID, two 2x2 inch passport photos, and evidence of your travel emergency (flight tickets, medical records, or death certificate if applicable).
Complete Form DS-11. Fill out the passport application form online at travel.state.gov or get one at the embassy. Do not sign it until you're in front of the passport acceptance agent.
Schedule an emergency appointment. Call or visit the embassy to schedule an emergency appointment. Explain your urgent travel needs - they prioritize life-or-death emergencies, urgent medical situations, and urgent business travel within 72 hours.
Attend your appointment. Arrive with all documents, payment method (credit card or cash depending on location), and be prepared to explain your emergency situation. The consular officer will process your application and may issue a limited-validity emergency passport.
Receive your emergency passport. Emergency passports are typically issued same-day or next business day. These are usually limited-validity passports (1-2 years) that get you home or to your next destination. You'll need to apply for a full-validity passport once back in the US.

What qualifies as a travel emergency for same-day passport service?: Life-or-death emergencies, urgent medical treatment abroad, urgent business travel within 72 hours, or immediate family death/serious illness requiring travel within 72 hours. Tourist plans or missed flights don't typically qualify.
Can I get a full 10-year passport at an embassy?: Most embassies only issue limited-validity emergency passports (1-2 years). Some major consulates can issue full-validity passports, but expect 5-10 business days. Ask specifically about full-validity options when you call.
What if I don't have any documents with me?: The embassy can help verify your identity through various means, but the process takes longer. Contact family to overnight documents if possible. Bring any documentation you have - driver's license copies, social security card, or even expired documents help.
Do I need to file a police report for a stolen passport?: Yes, always file a police report for stolen passports. Many embassies require this documentation. It also protects you if someone uses your stolen passport fraudulently. Keep copies of the police report.