Emergency U.S. Passport - It Doesn't Have To Be Difficult

Let's talk about having an expedited passport first. This is the more common type of passport application that's given to those who want to get their passports faster than the routine application. So if you cannot wait for the typical four to six week processing periods in routine applications, getting your application expedited is a better option.

Compared to routine passport applications, expedited Passport Applications are usually processed within a two to three week period. And because routine passport applications sometimes take longer than six weeks to process, the US Department of State recommends travelers who need to leave the country in ten weeks to have their application expedited instead. For some, two to three weeks is still a long waiting period. However, it definitely is a huge improvement from the routine application.

Why would you need an expedited passport? You generally need to have your US passport application expedited if you need to travel outside of the country in less than two weeks. Aside from that, expedited applications are recommended to those who need their passports within four weeks when applying for a foreign visa.

Again, the typical processing period of an expedited passport takes two to three weeks. But there are times when you cannot wait that long to get your passport. An example would be family emergencies that you would require you to leave the country sooner. That's where you'll need to apply for an emergency passport.

For emergency situations, the US Department of State issues emergency passports to those who really need it. Emergency passports are issued to citizens who have family emergencies outside the country and therefore need a passport in 48 hours or less. So in times of dire need, you can count on emergency passports to get you out of the country quickly.

Now how does one apply for an emergency passport? In case you find your family outside the country in an emergency situation, all you need to do is to contact the National Passport Information Agency. This agency is the one tasked to deal with emergency passport applications. Because of the nature of its work, you can call the agency's office at any time of the day. However, in cases where you cannot set an appointment with them, you can talk to a customer service representative who can provide you with further assistance.

The two that we mentioned above are the two options you have if you need to get a Passport quickly, and cannot afford to go through the routine passport application. Usually, an expedited passport application would work for most people. But in cases where you are faced with a family emergency, the Emergency American Passport is what you need to leave the country in less than 48 hours.