US only issuing passports to citizens for life-or-death emergencies

Apr 3 2020, 7:10 pm

With border closures and numerous travel bans in place, the US Department of State decided to close its passport agencies to the public.

In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, passport agencies in the US are only able to offer services to those with a qualified life-or-death emergency who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours.

The life-or-death emergencies include serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in the immediate family that requires travel outside the US within 72 hours.

Those looking to receive a passport will need to provide proof of the emergency, translated to English. Accepted documents include a death certificate, statement from a mortuary, or a signed letter from a hospital or medical professional.

On top of the proof of emergency, customers will also need to provide proof of international travel, such as an itinerary or flight ticket, as well as a completed passport application.

Those looking to make a reservation must call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm EDT, or Saturdays 10 am to 3 pm EDT. Call 202-647-4000 outside of these hours to make an appointment.

Alyssa TherrienAlyssa Therrien

+ News
+ Coronavirus
ADVERTISEMENT