Briefly Explaining The Emergency Passport

by erin on April 25, 2011

An emergency passport may be issued for several different situations. This article will briefly describe some of these scenarios. It will also provide some advice regarding the process of obtaining one.

Issued By Embassies

One scenario involves a traveler losing their passport while overseas. Once this loss is discovered, the traveler should immediately report it to the local authorities. The next step is to contact the local embassy. Embassies are authorized to issue emergency passports that will cover the remaining trip, as well as a little extra time. Once the person returns home, they can apply for a standard one without paying an additional fee if the replacement has not expired yet.

Sudden Trip

Another scenario involves a person planning on a sudden trip. An opportunity for a vacation, or an important business meeting that cannot be missed, are a couple of reasons where an individual may find themselves in need of accelerating the processing time for this important form of identification. There is no limit on the type of passport that can be accelerated, including first time applications and renewals. Renewals can be processed through the mail; others need to be completed in person. If completed via mail, the applicant may consider using a delivery service that includes tracking capability in order to confirm delivery. Expediting fees are added to the standard charges and any shipping fees.

Additional Fees

Applicants may want to confirm that these additional fees are necessary. An Internet search will reveal the current turnaround processing time, which can vary throughout the year. If the applicant feels there’s a chance that the necessary documentation will not arrive in time, they may consider going ahead and paying these fees.

Standard Passports

There are people who will never travel overseas. However, for those who have jobs that may require business travel, keeping one on hand can mean one less item to be concerned about while planning for a sudden meeting. People with relatives overseas might consider keeping one current just in case they receive news of a sudden illness or death. Individuals who may find themselves in this kind of scenario could keep a standard passport nearby. But there means for obtaining an emergency one just in case.

Expedite Services

First time applicants and those wishing to acquire such a document in a very short period of time need to apply in person. Renewals who have a little more time can be processed through the mail. U. S. Passport agencies are located in major cities. Expediting services can also assist, especially in cases where the applicant is too far from an agency. The Internet contains a large list of expediting service providers and what they offer.

Emergency Renewal

The simplest form of an emergency passport is an emergency renewal. This is designed for cases where a traveler discovers that their current one has expired or is about to expire. Rather than delay a trip, this is an option.

Quick Service

An emergency passport allows an individual to obtain this needed document quickly in an unusual circumstance. A businessman is robbed while overseas. A daughter receives word that her parents have been involved in an accident in another country. A family plans on a vacation thinking that their current passports are still valid. Applicants can seek the assistance of an agency, embassy, or a service provider in order to obtain the documentation they need in order to renew a passport.

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