U.S. State Department Not Issuing Passports, Unless it’s Life or Death

The State Department has temporarily stopped issuing passports, after being temporarily stopped due to Covid-19. Here’s what you need to know.

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UPDATE (6/29/2020): The State Department announced a phased re-opening of its passport processing services, a process that began on June 15th. During Phase 1 of reopening, only applications that have been received (along with life-or-death emergencies) will be processed. The backlog reached nearly 1.8 million passport applications; but as of June 24th, had gone down to 1.6 million.

State Department officials estimate they can process up to 200,000 applications per week. Thus, it will take a minimum of eight weeks to get caught up. If you have fall travel plans, get your application in now!

Original Post Filed April 5, 2020…

The world is in the midst of a global pandemic. All but the most stubborn US states have issued shelter in place orders. Nations across the globe have closed their borders to non-essential travel. This hit home for me when the United States and Canada, two countries that share the world’s longest unprotected border, decided to shut it down. Trade and essential travel is continuing, but the grand Canadian tradition of crossing the border to buy cheap gas and liquor is done, at least for now. (Update: The border is closed to everyday travel through June 21st, but that may be extended).

As it should be.

Who Qualifies, and Who Doesn’t

This is not the time to travel internationally, nor is it easy to do so. Airlines have cut international schedules to the bare bones, and now we’re learning that the U.S. State Department has suspended issuing nearly all passport services in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. The one exception is what the State Department calls a “life or death” emergency.

To qualify for an emergency passport under this rule, the State Department requires you to apply 72 hours (3 days) before your trip.

Documentation

You must provide documentation of the emergency, either in English or translated to English. This could be a death certificate, a letter from a hospital medical professional, or a statement from a mortuary. In other words, life or death literally means life or death. You can’t get a passport because some big financial deal will fall through without your presence. Nor can you get a passport to visit your girlfriend. Of course, you’re good to go if you already have a valid passport.

You’ll also need to show proof of international travel (i.e., a ticketed reservation) and your passport application with the usual supporting documentation.

If you’re hoping to take a big international vacation this summer, you can still apply for a new passport or file for a renewal online. But the State Department is NOT currently processing these applications. Thus far, they’ve offered no guidance as to when they’ll start up again. You can check on the latest info at their website.

Final Thoughts

In a normal world, this would be some truly dystopian stuff. The United States is all about freedom of movement for its citizens. International travel is arguably a fundamental right. The State Department may at times be overly protective in its travel guidance. But they aren’t in the business of telling citizens they can’t go somewhere, not even to Cuba. But when a country stops issuing passports, they essentially take its citizens’ freedom to leave the country.

The United States hasn’t traveled back in time. We are not Communist Eastern Europe of the 1960s. Passport holders can still travel, at least to countries that haven’t already closed their borders during this pandemic. And these measures are temporary in a time when traveling abroad is a terrible idea. Travel will be back, both domestic and international.

But for now, the State Department is not issuing passports, except for emergencies. If you want to apply for or renew a passport, you should still start the process. For new passports, make an appointment at U.S. post offices that are still taking them. If you’re eligible to renew by mail, I’d recommend you get started now. The State Department will eventually start processing applications, and you’ll already be in line.