(Please allow time for the processing of the request.) If you

travel abroad frequently, you may request a 48-page passport at

the time of application.

Some countries require that your passport be valid at

least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport

is expiring in less than the required validity, you will need

to get a new one. Check with the nearest embassy or consulate

of the countries you plan to visit to find out their entry

requirements.

In addition to foreign entry requirements, U.S. law must

also be considered. With certain exceptions, it is against U.S.

law to enter or leave the country without a valid passport.

Generally for tourists, the exceptions refer to direct travel

within U.S. territories or between North, South, or Central

America (except Cuba).

Note: If you mutilate or alter your U.S. passport, you may

render it invalid and expose yourself to possible prosecution

under the law (Section 1543 of Title 22 of the U.S. Code).

What If I Need a Passport in a Hurry?

If you are leaving on an emergency trip within five

working days, apply in person at the nearest passport agency

and present your tickets or travel itinerary from an airline,

as well as the other required items. Or, apply at a court or

post office and have the application sent to the passport

agency through an overnight delivery service of your choice

(you should include a selfaddressed, pre-paid envelope for the

return of the passport). Be sure to include your dates of