What If My Passport Doesn’t Come in Time?

Traveling is exciting.

But—

As your departure date approaches, you might wonder, “What if my passport doesn’t arrive in time?”

This article will ease your worries and help you stay calm.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Explore other passport-related articles:

Passport Processing: What to Expect from Application to Arrival

The processing time for a passport varies by season, country, and application type.

On average, routine applications take 6–8 weeks, but this isn’t the total wait time. You’ll need to add up to four weeks for the passport agency to receive and ship your documents.

Thus, you should expect to wait between 10 and 12 weeks for your passport.

What Can Delay a Passport?

Delays in receiving passports may happen due to:

High demand (during peak travel seasons or global events.)
Shipping and postal disruptions
Incomplete applications
Errors on the application form

💡 Did you know? In 2023 alone, the US Department of State processed 24,021,257 passport applications—the highest number in the last 27 years.

Unacceptable passport photos are another common cause of delays.

That’s why it’s best to take your passport photo with the PhotoAiD® app for iOS or PhotoAiD® for Android.

Here’s how it works:

Take a self-portrait.
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A picture snapped with a mobile phone and converted into a passport photo.]

My Passport Still Hasn’t Arrived: What to Do?

If your passport hasn’t arrived on time, you have two options:

Check your application status online: Visit the official US Passport Application Status page for an update on your passport. You can also sign up for email notifications there.
Contact the National Passport Information Center: Call 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793. Have your application number and personal details ready.

Delayed Expedited Passport: Refund

If you opted for expedited service, your passport application should be processed within 15 business days.

If it takes longer, you’re eligible for a refund of the $60 expedited fee but not the $130 application fee for adults or $100 for minors under 16.

US passport processing times for routine applications and expedited service.

5 Ways You Can Get Your Passport Faster

Can’t wait 10 or more weeks for your new passport? Here are five ways to speed up the process:

Apply for expedited service: Your passport application should be processed within 15 business days.
Opt for a 1–2 day delivery: It costs $19.53, and your passport arrives 1–2 days after mailing.
Use priority mail: Reduces shipping times for your application package.
Visit a passport agency in person: If your travel date is soon, schedule an appointment at your nearest passport agency or office. You can find more information on the US Department of State’s website.
Emergency passport: Available for life-or-death situations involving an immediate family member.

Pro tip: You can pay extra for expedited service or 1–2 day delivery even after submitting your application. Just call (877) 487-2778 to upgrade your service.

FAQ

What’s the fastest way you can expedite your passport?

The quickest way to expedite your passport is by scheduling an appointment at a passport agency and providing proof of urgent travel. This can reduce processing time to 24–48 hours.

What if my passport doesn’t arrive in time?

You may need to reschedule your trip if your passport doesn’t arrive in time. Contact your airline or travel provider to learn about your options and any potential fees for changes.

Plus, if you paid for expedited processing and a passport agency took more than 15 business days to process your application, you can request a refund of the passport expedited service fee.

What if my expedited passport doesn’t come in time?

If your expedited passport is delayed, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793. They’ll guide you on the next steps and emergency services.

Sources:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/about-us/reports-and-statistics.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew/check-status.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html

Sylwia Green

Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and a knack for storytelling. For the past two years, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.