All you need to know about emergency passports

The U.S. Department of State provides a limited number of emergency passports on a case-by-case basis for American citizens requiring a passport for travel.

Emergency passports are issued for critical situations and for those needing to replace a lost or stolen passport.

U.S. citizens who require this type of passport while overseas can apply for one at the local U.S. Embassy or consulate; the emergency passport will have limited validity for travel.

Here’s a complete guide on emergency passports.

What exactly is an emergency passport?

"An emergency passport is a limited-validity passport issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate during urgent situations for American citizens needing to return to the United States quickly from abroad," stated a spokesperson from the State Department. "This passport features a purple cover with 'emergency passport' printed on the front."

Emergency passports are valid for up to one year at most.

Emergency passports are issued under the following conditions:

• To replace a lost or stolen passport
• To assist in life-or-death emergencies, such as serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (the U.S. government defines immediate family as parents or legal guardians, children, spouses, siblings, and grandparents—other relatives like aunts, uncles, and cousins do not qualify) that necessitate travel within 72 hours

"An imminent life-or-death emergency refers to a critical situation that poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of the applicant or another person (such as a medical procedure necessary to sustain life that can only be conducted abroad) or affects the applicant's ability to be present for a dying relative or attend a relative's funeral," stated the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. "Applicants requesting a life-or-death exception must provide adequate documentation to support their claims."

Where can you use emergency passports?

Some countries, including France, do not permit entry for Americans traveling with an emergency passport.

"The Government of France does not accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, as a valid travel document for visa-free entry into France," explained the Embassy of the United States in France. "If you attempt to travel with this emergency passport, you may be denied boarding or entry by immigration officials."

Only travelers passing through France on their way to the U.S. are permitted to use an emergency passport.

Since the State Department does not provide a list of countries that accept emergency passports, it is essential for travelers to verify the entry and exit requirements for their intended destination.

"Certain countries may not recognize an emergency passport, which could result in being denied entry by immigration officials or being refused boarding by airline staff," advises the Consulate General of the United States for Hong Kong and Macau. "We highly recommend researching the entry and exit requirements of your destination before traveling."

Processing times vary by embassy and availability. For instance, the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland issues emergency passports during business hours, typically providing them within 24 hours, and they must be collected in person.

What is the process for obtaining emergency passports?

The procedure for obtaining an emergency passport is quite similar to applying for a replacement of a lost passport. The State Department advises travelers to reach out to their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help.

Travelers are required to apply for a replacement passport in person. This process involves taking passport photos and paying an expedited passport fee, which is the same as for non-emergency passports ($130 plus $60 for expedited service).

"If you are about to leave the foreign country soon, please provide consular staff with your travel details. We will do our utmost to assist you promptly," stated a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department. "If time does not allow for a regular passport, the Consular Section may issue you a limited-validity emergency passport, which can be valid for up to one year."

Individuals who have been victims of serious crimes or disasters and cannot afford passport fees may qualify for a free, limited-validity emergency passport.

In summary

Finding yourself without a passport during an emergency that requires international travel can be incredibly stressful — however, it is possible to obtain an emergency passport to reach your destination as quickly as possible.

If you are overseas, reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to your location to inquire whether they can issue an emergency passport and confirm if the country you are visiting will accept it.