Anyone traveling outside of the United States today must have either a passport book or passport card. This law went into effect June 1, 2009. In order to re-enter the U. S., even from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, persons must have this documentation. This applies to persons traveling by land, air or sea, so if you have family living outside of the U. S. you will need to make preparation for emergency situations. This can prevent need of having to apply for an emergency passport application.

As soon as you find out that a close family member is moving out of the United States, you should apply for your passport. If you ever intend to visit, you will have to have this documentation. Having a passport means freedom to visit family when you want to make the visit.

In order to obtain that passport, you will need to follow the rules that the State Department has established. These rules, as well as the applicable forms, can be found on the website for the U. S. Department of State. The application will need to be returned to a passport processing center. There is at least one in most cities of any size. Currently, the return time is four to six weeks.

People planning to travel in fewer than fourteen days or who need a passport to obtain a visa can pay an extra fee and get an expedited passport. You will also want to pay for overnight delivery and choose the passport book as this will be the quickest way to get the passport back. In addition, you will need proof of your travel dates.

If you pay the extra fee, you can have the passport in two to three weeks. For many people, this is will be soon enough for their travel. It is quicker to get the passport book by overnight service, but the passport card is only sent through the mail.

In life or death situations, you can apply for an emergency passport. To make this application, you or your agent will need to travel to a regional passport agency to submit your paperwork. There is no charge for the appointment and you can schedule the appointment twenty four hours per day seven days a week using the toll-free passport number. Appointments are often available within twenty-four hours and you will normally receive your passport at the appointment if you supply all the necessary documentation, including proof of travel within the 14 day period.

When an individual needs an emergency passport but is unable to travel to the regional agency, an agent can be hired to take care of processing the application. These agents often use overnight delivery companies to receive your application and to ship your passport. Many are able to obtain your passport within twenty-four hours. These professionals are experienced at dealing with the State Department.

By employing a service to act as your United States passport agent, you will be required to pay their fee. In addition you may need to pay more for shipping of the application packet and the return passport. While this can increase the cost of obtaining the emergency U.S. passport, it is much less stressful than trying to get to the center yourself. It also gives you more time to prepare for your trip.