Planning a last-minute trip outside the United States but don’t have a passport? You’re not alone! Many travelers find themselves in this situation.
To get your passport quickly, you’ll need to visit a Regional Passport Agency and apply for expedited service. These agencies cater to individuals with documented travel plans within the next 14 days.
Please note: If your travel plans require a visa, that window extends to 4 weeks.
If time is short, a registered passport expediting service can help you get the correct application materials together right now.
Regardless of whether you opt to try to expedite your passport application yourself or with professional help, you must provide specific documentation that proves your travel plans are legitimate. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of acceptable proof of travel based on your mode of transportation: air, land, or sea.
Proof of Travel for Passport Expediting
| Mode of Travel | Type of Proof | Details |
| Air |
– Flight itinerary email – Original tickets/boarding passes – E-tickets – Private air charter | Includes essential flight information and confirmation. |
| Land |
– Hotel reservation confirmation – Event tickets – Official letter from business/organization | Shows where you will stay, events you will attend, or work-related details. |
| Sea |
– Cruise itinerary email – Private charter plan | Provides itinerary details for cruises or charter plans. |
Travel by Air
If you’re flying to your destination, you can use several types of documentation to prove your travel plans:
- Flight Itinerary Email: This is the most commonly accepted form of proof. Simply print the confirmation email from your airline, which should contain all the necessary flight details.
- Original Tickets or Boarding Passes: Hard copies of your tickets will also meet the passport agency’s proof of travel requirements.
- E-tickets: A photocopy or printout of your electronic ticket is just as valid as a paper ticket issued by the airline.
- Private Air Charter Documentation: If you’re traveling by private plane, ensure you provide the official letterhead documentation from your charter service.
Travel by Land
For those traveling by land to Canada, Mexico, or Central America—whether by bus, train, or car—acceptable proof of travel includes:
- Hotel Reservation Confirmation: A copy of your hotel reservation that includes the address and dates of your stay in the destination country.
- Event Tickets: If you plan to attend an event during your trip, tickets to that event serve as viable proof of travel.
- Official Letter from a Business or Organization: If your travel is work-related, obtain an official document detailing your itinerary from your employer or organization, printed on official letterhead.
- Download Example Letters:
Travel by Sea
If your journey involves traveling by sea, you can provide proof of travel through one of the two following methods:
- Cruise Itinerary Email: For those going on a cruise that includes stops in foreign countries, provide a copy of the email outlining your cruise itinerary.
- Private Charter Plan: If you are sailing on a private boat or yacht, present the documentation that outlines your charter plan.
Whether you are traveling by air, land, or sea, having the appropriate documentation for your travel plans will facilitate a smoother passport expediting process.
Preparing for Your Passport Application
Regardless of your mode of travel, it’s crucial to present sufficient evidence of your imminent travel plans when applying for an expedited passport at a regional agency. If you lack the necessary documentation, you must contact your nearest passport agency for guidance before visiting.
Please note: The documents mentioned above are only required if you need to expedite your passport within 2 weeks or 4 weeks if a visa is needed. If you opt for expedited service by mail or choose routine processing, no proof of travel is necessary, but be prepared for a turnaround time of approximately 2-3 weeks for expedited service or 4-6 weeks for routine processing.
Need Help with Your Last-Minute Trip?
Feeling unsure about your eligibility, document requirements, or the timing of your last-minute trip? Consider hiring a registered passport expediting service. These professionals are equipped with the knowledge and experience to ensure your application is complete and can help you obtain your passport quickly. In many cases, a registered passport courier can deliver your passport within 24-48 hours!
By ensuring you have the right proof of travel, you’ll be one step closer to embarking on your next adventure. Safe travels!
Need more help planning your next getaway? Check out our helpful passport and travel guides at U.S. Passport Service Guide. Want to stay in the know? Subscribe below to the USPSG blog and receive all the latest US passport news and international travel tips directly to your inbox.
