Skip to content
How-to · Getting around

Get a passport appointment for urgent international travel

Passport agencies accept urgent-travel appointments within 14 days of travel, or within 28 days when a foreign visa is needed.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Use the online system if you have not appliedOpen the Online Passport Appointment System, enter travel details, verify email and mobile codes, and choose an appointment. Confirm it within 15 minutes or start again.
  2. Call if you have already appliedCall 877-487-2778 about an existing application. State Department will notify the processing agency if time permits, or arrange an appointment when appropriate.

More getting around how-tos

  • How-to

    Apply for a U.S. passport for a child under 16

    Getting around
    1. Prepare the applicationUse the official form filler, print on single-sided paper, and wait to sign until the acceptance agent instructs you.
    2. Gather citizenship and family documentationProvide evidence of the child’s U.S. citizenship and legal parent or guardian relationship, the adults’ physical photo IDs, and the child’s passport photo. Bring the original or replacement citizenship document with its seal or stamp, a photocopy of it, and photocopies of the front and back of the adults’ photo IDs.
    3. Apply at an acceptance facilityBring the child, application, documents and fees to an authorized acceptance facility. The agent checks ID, administers an oath and has you sign.
    U.S. Department of State
    Full guideOfficial page
  • How-to

    Claim USPS insurance for a lost or damaged domestic package

    Getting around
    1. Check your service’s filing periodEach claim has a filing window. Use the domestic-claims filing-period table for the service used.
    2. Keep the packaging and contentsSave the original packaging and everything in the package until the claim is settled. Keep damaged items even after photographing them, and do not reship undamaged items.
    3. Use the online claim serviceFile online at USPS.com. If you cannot file online, start a claim by mail. Keep your evidence documents until the claim is resolved.
    U.S. Postal Service
    Full guideOfficial page
  • How-to

    Enroll an international trip in STEP travel alerts

    Getting around
    1. Create an account or choose guest messagesSet up a free STEP account. A guest subscription is available for messages if you do not want to register for Login.gov.
    2. Register the tripWith Login.gov, sign into STEP and enter the location and duration of your upcoming visit.
    3. Update changes to the tripUpdate your STEP information when travel plans change.
    U.S. Department of State
    Full guideOfficial page