How to Travel on an Emergency Passport
An emergency passport (also called a temporary or limited passport) works for most international travel but has restrictions: it's valid for 1-2 years instead of the standard 10, costs more, and some countries won't accept it. Apply in person at your passport agency or embassy abroad—you'll need proof of citizenship, ID, a travel justification, and sometimes a plane ticket.
- Budget
- 245
- Duration
- 3-7 days
- Best Time
- Weekday mornings
- Visa Required
- Depends on your destination
- Budget Explanation
- Minimum $185 (passport + execution fee). Add $60 if you pay for expedited processing, plus $15-20 for photos if you don't have them. This doesn't include visa fees.
- Duration Explanation
- From application to pickup. Emergency passports are called 'emergency' because they prioritize speed, but you still need at least 3 days. Plan your trip for 4+ days out if possible.
- Best Time Explanation
- Apply Monday-Friday, early in the day. Agencies have fewer emergency requests Tuesday-Thursday. Avoid Fridays and Mondays (backlog from weekends).
- Visa Required Explanation
- Your emergency passport is valid for visas, but a tiny number of countries don't accept them. Check with the embassy before booking.
Step by step
Determine if you actually need an emergency passport
Check your current passport's expiration date. If it expires in 6+ months and your trip is more than 2 weeks away, get a standard passport renewal instead—it's cheaper and lasts longer. Emergency passports are for people who lost their passport, had it stolen, or need to travel within days and can't wait for regular processing.
Gather your documents
You'll need: proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization papers, or expired passport), a government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID), proof of travel (booking confirmation, plane ticket, or written explanation of why you need to travel), and 1-2 passport photos (4x6 inches, taken within 6 months). Some agencies also require a completed passport application form.
Go to your passport agency in person
Walk-in appointments don't exist for emergency passports—you must apply in person. Call ahead or check your country's passport website for location, hours, and whether you need to book an appointment. In the US, go to a passport agency (not a post office or library). Processing typically takes 1-7 days depending on the agency's backlog.
Explain your situation clearly
Tell the officer exactly why you need an emergency passport. 'My flight is in 3 days' works. 'I'm traveling next month' does not. Bring your ticket or itinerary. The more time pressure you have, the faster they'll process it. Be honest—they can tell when you're exaggerating, and lying can delay your application.
Pay the fee
Emergency passports cost significantly more than standard ones. In the US, expect to pay $135-200 for an adult passport plus a $35 execution fee, versus $130 for a standard passport. Other countries charge differently—check your passport agency's rates. Most accept cash, cards, and checks.
Pick up your passport at the scheduled time
The officer will give you a pickup date—often 1-7 days later depending on how urgent they rate your case. Some agencies mail it; others require in-person pickup. Go exactly when they tell you. Bring your receipt and ID.
Check your passport before you leave
Before you leave the office, open it and verify all information is correct. Look at the expiration date (usually 1-2 years from issue, not the standard 10). Emergency passports are noticeably different—they may be smaller, have a different cover color, or say 'temporary' or 'limited' on them.
Notify your airline and destination country
Email your airline with your new passport number. Some countries flag or delay travelers with emergency passports at immigration, so contact the embassy of your destination country 48 hours before departure to confirm they'll accept it. A few countries still refuse emergency passports—better to find out now than at the border.
Questions people ask
Can I use my emergency passport for all countries?
Almost all will accept it. The EU, Canada, Australia, and most of Asia have no restrictions. Check your specific destination's embassy website to be sure. If they reject it, you've learned it before you get on the plane.
How long is an emergency passport valid?
Usually 1-2 years from the issue date. Standard passports are 10 years (adults) or 5 years (minors). This matters if you're planning to travel again soon—you'll need to renew your passport quickly after this trip.
What if I lose my emergency passport while traveling?
Go to your country's embassy in that country. Bring your pickup receipt from the passport agency and any ID you have left. They can issue you an emergency travel document (a single-use document that gets you home). This is slow—expect 1-2 weeks. Don't wait until your flight home.
Can I apply for an emergency passport online?
No. Every country requires you to apply in person. You cannot use a mail-in application or notary service. This is partly why they're 'emergency'—they're for people who can physically get to the office.
Do I need a visa for my destination if I have an emergency passport?
Your visa requirements don't change because of your passport type. If your destination requires a visa from your nationality, you still need one. Apply for it as soon as you get your emergency passport—don't wait.
Will immigration delay me because I have an emergency passport?
Possibly. You might get a second look or extra questions. Bring your backup documents (birth certificate, etc.) and your travel itinerary. Most border agents process you normally, but some are skeptical of emergency passports. Be patient and straightforward.
Can I upgrade my emergency passport to a full passport before I travel?
Not easily. Your emergency passport is already issued. If your trip is more than 2 weeks away, cancel it (some agencies refund part of the fee) and apply for a standard passport instead. If your trip is sooner than that, you're stuck with the emergency one.
- Execution Fee
- 35
- Total Minimum
- 185
- Passport Photos
- 15
- Total with Expedited
- 245
- Emergency Passport Fee
- 135
- Expedited Processing Fee
- 60
Packing
- Your emergency passport plus a physical copy
- Proof of citizenship document you submitted (if not your expired passport)
- Pickup receipt from the passport agency
- Contact info for your country's embassy in your destination
- Travel itinerary and boarding passes printed out