In cases where you need to leave the country soon, the routine passport application is simply not an option. That’s because routine passport applications currently take around four to six weeks to complete, and if you’re really in a hurry, then that’s too long a wait.
In family emergencies, you wouldn’t be able to wait that long for your passport to arrive. This applies to family emergencies where you’ll need to travel out of the country as soon as possible. Good thing there’s an option for you to get a passport faster than is regularly allowed. For family emergencies, you’ll need an emergency passport.
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.
But just how do you apply for an emergency passport? It starts with a phone call that you’ll need to make to the National Passport Information Agency (NPIA). Tell them about your situation, and they will help you set an appointment with the passport office nearest you. The passport office will then be the one to take care of your emergency passport application.
In case the NPIA is unable to schedule an appointment for you, simply hang on the line. You will then be forwarded to a customer service representative (CSR). In turn, the CSR will handle your call and provide you with options on how you can get your emergency passport.
There are instances where you need to leave, yet aren’t faced with a very urgent situation that would require an emergency passport. If this situation applies to you, then you can just get your passport application expedited. Expedited passports are sought out by travelers who don’t need to travel within 48 hours, yet have to leave within the next four weeks.
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.
In cases where you really need to leave the country soon for family emergencies, you can always apply for an emergency passport application. Applying for one cuts the processing time to just 48 hours. However, if you aren’t really that in a hurry yet need to travel in four to ten weeks, then you can instead apply for an expedited passport. An expedited passport gives you a quick and convenient alternative to the routine USA Passport application.