Have a question about passport services? Please take the time to review the information on our website together with the following most frequently asked questions. If, after reviewing the information your question remains unanswered, please get in touch using our contact form.
Question: Help! I just realized my passport is expired and I have a trip planned next week with a purchased ticket. What can I do?
If you have an urgent need for a replacement passport and can show proof of imminent travel, we may be able to issue you a limited-validity emergency passport within 72-hours at the discretion of consular staff. Also, if no appointment is available, you may be able to appear during appointment hours without an appointment at the discretion of consular staff. It is recommended you appear at 7:30am Monday –Friday (except U.S./Thai holidays or the last Wednesday of the every month).
Please note: An emergency passport has only 5 pages, 1-year validity, and is issued under special circumstances. The validity cannot be extended and pages cannot be added.
You may be denied entry into certain countries if traveling on an emergency passport. Research your travel destination’s entry regulations by visiting our website www.travel.state.gov before you apply. Indonesia does not permit entry for individuals traveling on emergency passports.
Question: My passport just got stolen! (Or lost) What should I do?
If your passport is lost or stolen, please make an appointment and visit the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in person to replace your lost passport. Please follow the detailed instructions for a lost or stolen passport.
Question: My Thai visa is getting ready to expire and my passport does not have 6 months validity or I am out of pages. Can I get an emergency passport?
No. Visa expiration does not constitute an emergency passport. You will need to apply to renew your passport and will be issued the standard 52-page book. Please see passports for further details.
Question: Can I renew my passport by mail?
In many cases adults (ages 16+) can renew a passport by mail. Please follow the detailed instructions for adult passport renewal by mail.
Question: How long does it take to have my passport issued?
Full-validity passports are printed in the United States and mailed to an Embassy or Consulate. It takes approximately 4-6 weeks for a full-validity passport to be processed.
Question: Can I pay to expedite my application?
No. Expedited service is only available for applications within the United States.
Question: When should I renew my passport?
You may renew your passport at any time before or after it expires. However, we encourage you to renew your passport at least six months before it expires. Please note that some countries require more than six months validity on your passport to enter that country.
Question: Will I get my old passport back?
Yes. We will cancel your old passport and return it to you with your new passport.
Question: Will you transfer my Thai visa to my new passport?
Thai immigration law requires entry/exit stamps and Thai visas be transferred into new passports. After receiving your new passport, please visit any Thai immigration office to have the visa transferred.
Question: What is a passport card? Do I need one?
The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. If you cross the U.S. border by land regularly, it is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card can NOT be used for international travel by air.
Please see the Department of State website at travel.state.gov for passport card fees and additional information.
Question: What if I am almost out of pages in my passport?
Adding visa pages to your passport service is no longer available. Applicants who need extra pages will need to apply to renew their passports and will be issued the standard 50-page book. Please see passports for further details.
Question: How do I submit supporting documents for a pending passport application?
Please complete the Bangkok contact form or Chiang Mai contact form and do not forget to include the full name of the applicant and list the documents you are submitting.
Question: How can I contact the Embassy/Consulate regarding a question that I can’t find on your website?
Please be sure to check our website first. If you still cannot find your answer, contact us: