The United States government has made a decision where if you are currently overseas and your passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until December 31, 2021.
How Do I Qualify to Return to the US?
You do qualify for this exception if all the following are true:
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- You are currently abroad seeking a direct return to the United States.
- You are flying directly to the United States, a United States territory, or have only short-term transit (“connecting flights”) through a foreign country on your direct return to the United States or to a United States Territory.
- Your expired passport was originally valid for 10 years. Or, if you were 15 years of age or younger when the passport was issued, your expired passport was valid for 5 years.
- Your expired passport is undamaged.
- Your expired passport is unaltered.
- Your expired passport is in your possession.
You do not qualify for this exception if:
- You wish to depart from the United States to an international destination.
- You are currently abroad seeking to travel to a foreign country for any length of stay longer than an airport connection en route to the United States or to a United States territory.
- Your expired passport was limited in validity.
- Your expired passport is a special issuance passport (such as a diplomatic, official, service, or no-fee regular passport).
- Your expired passport is damaged.
- Your expired passport is altered.
- Your expired passport is not in your possession.
How Long Will It Take to Process My US Passport?
Currently, routine passport processing in the United States can take 10-12 weeks. If you need a passport in less than 10-12 weeks due to international travel plans, you can pay an additional $60 fee to expedite your passport, which will shorten the processing time to 4-6 weeks.
If your U.S. passport expired on or before December 31, 2019, please speak to an immigration professional for information on how to renew your passport before traveling.
How Do I Get Started?
All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure they can be located in an emergency.
Visit the Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Canada and refer to the U.S. Government website for the latest Alerts and Messages for U.S. citizens: Alerts and Messages.
Make sure you consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19. For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations on the webpage mentioned above.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. Be sure to check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
It is recommended that you speak to an immigration professional in order to have the best chance in obtaining a new valid passport and returning to the United States. Please contact us at VisaPlace through the information we have provided below.
Are You Interested In Returning to the US with an Expired Passport?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
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VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
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