It Is Likely You Might Need An Emergency Passport
Sometimes you are forced to leave the country unexpectedly, and realize that you still need to apply for a passport or renew your expired one. In this case, going through the routine passport application wouldn’t be an option. Currently, you’ll need to wait four to six weeks to have your passport processed for routine applications.
This is especially the case during family emergencies. In the unfortunate event where your loved ones based outside the country need your immediate help, you’ll need a passport option that will get you to your loved ones sooner than later. This is where emergency passports come in. Emergency passports are designed to help you get out of the country in times of dire need.
Emergency passports are designed for those facing family emergencies outside the country and need to leave in 48 hours or less. At times when your loved ones can’t wait, this is the passport you’ll need. Applying for this type of passport ensures you are able to leave the country as soon as possible.
Now let’s discuss on how you can acquire an emergency passport. To get one, you’ll need to get in touch with the National Passport Information Agency (NPIA). They are the ones tasked on assisting people like you who need emergency passports. Call them any time of the day, and they’ll help you schedule an appointment with the passport agency nearest you. The passport agency will then help process your emergency passport.
There are times, however, when the NPIA is unable to set an appointment for you. You shouldn’t worry when this happens. Instead, stay on the line and you will be forwarded to a customer service representative (CSR). The CSR will then be the one to assist you regarding your application for an emergency passport.
What if you don’t really need to travel within the next 48 hours? You have the option of just having your passport application expedited instead. As far as processing speeds go, an expedited option sits in between the routine passport application and the emergency passport.
Expedited passports are designed for those who need to leave the country within the next 10 weeks. Current processing times for expedited passports are at two to three weeks. So if you need to get a passport during this time frame, then getting an expedited passport is the best choice you have. Take note that expedited passports require an additional fee to process. This is by no means a hefty fee. In fact, it’s a price that’s well worth every penny if you are looking for speed and convenience when applying for your passport.
If you need to be with your family in family emergencies outside the country, you have the option of getting an emergency passport. Having an emergency U.S. passport will enable you to leave the country in as little as 48 hours or less. However, if you can wait for at least 2 weeks, you have the choice of having your passport application expedited instead. This comes with an additional fee, but you get speed and a quick response in return.
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