Curious about a diplomatic passport?
You’re in the right place.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about US diplomatic passports, from eligibility and the application process to the benefits and more.
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What’s a US Diplomatic Passport?
US diplomatic passports are issued by the Special Issuance Agency (SIA) to individuals traveling abroad on official government business. Unlike a regular passport, a diplomatic passport grants the holder certain privileges and immunities under international law.
The passport is distinguishable by its black cover (as opposed to other US passport types and cover colors) and the words “Diplomatic Passport United States of America” inscribed on the front.
Note: Diplomatic passports, like other official passports, cannot be used for personal travel. For that purpose, you need a regular tourist passport (Type “P” passport).
Who Can Get a Diplomatic Passport?
Diplomatic passports are reserved for individuals serving the US government in official roles.
Key categories of eligible individuals include:
- Diplomats and consular officers representing the United States in foreign countries need special passports to perform their duties.
- High-ranking government officials who travel abroad for official business.
- Immediate family members of diplomatic passport holders accompanying them on official duties.
How to Apply for a Diplomatic Passport
There’s no universal guide to obtaining a no-fee diplomatic passport.
That’s because the steps vary by employer, such as the US Department of State, Defense, or other federal agencies.
But—
We can outline the general application process.
Step 1: Obtain authorization
Your application must be endorsed by an authorized official from your department. This step verifies you’re traveling on official government business. Here’s what you must submit if you’re employed by:
- US Department of State: A letter of authorization signed by your bureau’s executive office, which you must submit with the application. Get it by sending a request to the Bureau of Global Talent Management.
- Department of Defense: A copy of your travel plans and an authorization letter, which you can get by submitting Form DD 1056 to an authorized passport acceptance agent (DoD passport facility) or the DoD Passport and Visa Office.
- Other federal agencies: A letter of authorization signed by an authorized official from your agency and a copy of your travel orders.
Step 2: Fill out the application form
Go to DoS’s online application wizard, complete, and print the form.
Step 3: Take a photo
Your diplomatic passport photo must meet the official US passport requirements.
Luckily, you get one from home using PhotoAiD®.
You can download the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android for free and take your photo instantly. Alternatively, upload a self-portrait using the button below.
Step 4: Submit the application and supporting documents
First, you’ll need to gather all the necessary documents:
- A completed and printed application form.
- One color passport photo.
- Any previously issued special issuance passport (if applicable).
- A photocopy of your regular tourist passport (if applicable).
- A birth certificate (may be requested).
If you’re applying in the US, you’ll need to submit your application package to the issuing body depending on where you’re employed:
- Department of State: Via SIA’s “Where to apply” page.
- Department of Defense: Contact the DoD Passport and Visa Office or the nearest DoD passport issuance facility.
- Other federal agencies: Contact your agency.
Unfortunately, processing times for special issuance passports aren’t publicly available.
US Diplomatic Passport: Benefits
How powerful is a diplomatic passport, and what other benefits does it come with?
Let’s find out:
- Diplomatic privileges: Holders often enjoy certain immunities and privileges under international law, facilitating smoother international relations. Note that this passport doesn’t provide diplomatic immunity.
- Expedited processing: Official passport applications are usually processed faster than regular ones.
- Access to diplomatic channels: Holders can access special diplomatic channels at airports, expediting customs and immigration procedures.
- Waived visa requirements: In some cases, holders may cross international borders visa-free.
Diplomatic Passports in a Nutshell
- Eligibility: Persons traveling abroad on official diplomatic business
- Validity: Five years
- Use: Valid only for official business travels
- Cost: Free
- Cover color: Black
- Diplomatic immunity: No
FAQ
What color is a US diplomatic passport?
An American diplomatic passport has a distinctive black cover with the words “United States Diplomatic Passport” inscribed on the front.
How long does a diplomatic passport last?
Typically, a diplomatic passport book is valid for five years. However, the validity period may be shorter depending on your assignment’s duration or the specific issuance terms.
Is a no-fee passport a diplomatic passport?
A no-fee passport isn’t the same as a diplomatic passport. No-fee passports are issued to military personnel and their families for specific purposes and don’t grant the same privileges as diplomatic passports.
Is a diplomatic passport a US service passport?
No, a diplomatic passport and a service passport are distinct documents. While both are used for official government business, a diplomatic passport grants certain immunities and privileges that a service passport doesn’t.
How long does a diplomatic passport last?
Diplomatic passports are valid for five years and must be returned to the US government after they expire.
Sources:
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/sia-apply.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/after-getting-sia-passport.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
- https://www.usembassy.gov/
Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
