track my passport us travel docs

U.S. Passport Application Status

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. passports

Find out how to apply for or renew a passport and what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.

Apply for a new adult passport

You need a passport to travel to most countries outside the U.S. Learn how to apply for a passport in person, check your application status, and get it changed or corrected.

Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or need a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or online, get it changed or corrected, or what to do if it expires soon.

Get a passport for a minor under 18

Find out how to get a child's passport, depending on their age.

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the State Department right away. How you replace it depends on if you are inside or outside the U.S.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Get a Passport

Renew or Replace a Passport

Get My Passport Fast

Prepare to Apply

Passport Help

Legal Matters

How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast

Share this page:

Make an Appointment at a Passport Agency

Life-or-Death Emergencies

Courier and Expeditor Companies

• Life-or-Death Emergency  (appointment required)
• Urgent Travel  (appointment required)
• Routine      
• Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times + mailing times (up to 2 weeks) = total time to get a passport

Expand the options below to learn more about the four types of service we offer.

You may qualify for a life-or-death emergency appointment if you need to travel to a foreign country in the next 14 days because your immediate family member outside of the united states: has died, or is dying (hospice care), or has a life-threatening illness or injury see our  life-or-death emergencies  page for more information on how to make an appointment. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 2-3 weeks.  if you have not applied, make an appointment online . your appointment at a  passport agency or center  must within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  if you have already applied, call us at 1-877-487-2778 .  we cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. , choose this service if you are traveling in less than 8 weeks from the date you submit your application.  expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can  expedite at an acceptance facility  or  expedite a renewal by mail .    , choose this service if you are traveling over 8 weeks from the date you submit your application. routine service takes 6-8 weeks and does not include mailing times. mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. you can apply for routine service at an  acceptance facility  or  renew by mail .    , contacting us if you have urgent travel.

Check your application status online and sign up for updates via email . How our contact center can help you depends on your travel date, and if you have applied or not yet applied...

I have already applied and do not have my passport

I have not applied yet, reminders for contacting us.

• Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We close on federal holidays.
• Our primary number is 1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
• Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

Traveling in Less Than 2-3 Weeks

Make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

We have two types of appointments:  Life-or-Death Emergency Service  and  Urgent Travel Service .

• You cannot walk in without an appointment. 
• We do not charge a fee to make an appointment.
• You cannot transfer your appointment to another customer.

Life-or-Death Emergency Service is for customers who are traveling in the next 14 days for a life-or-death emergency. Learn more on our  Life-or-Death Emergency page .

Urgent Travel Service : If you have not yet applied , make an appointment online . Your appointment must be scheduled within 14 calendar days of your international travel date.  

If you have already applied , call 1-877-487-2778 . 

We cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. 

Traveling in Less Than 8 Weeks

Expedite a first-time application or a child's application.

Use our Form Filler to fill out Form DS-11, print it, and apply in person at an acceptance facility.

• Follow the steps on how to apply in person
• Include your $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Find an  acceptance facility  near you to submit your application

Expedite a Renewal or Name Change by Mail

Use our Form Filler  to fill out your form, print it, and mail it to us.

• Use Form DS-82 if you are renewing. Follow the steps on how to mail your application
• Use Form DS-5504 if you are changing your name within one year of a passport being issued. Follow the steps on how to change your name.
• Include the $60 expedite fee with the application fee
• Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope you send us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i pay for faster delivery and return shipping.

Yes. You may choose one or both of the following shipment options:

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster shipping. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with postage pre-paid. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings. If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services if you only applied for a passport card.

What are passport expeditors and courier companies?

Passport expeditors and couriers are companies that are not part of the U.S. Department of State. These companies submit applications and pick up passports for customers. 

These companies may charge several hundred dollars in extra fees. They may also charge for services that we offer for free such as making an appointment and filling out a form. 

To learn more about these companies, visit our  Passport Expeditor and Courier page .

Make An Appointment at a Passport Agency or Center

We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . You cannot walk-in. 

Not Yet Applied : Make an appointment online

Already Applied : Call  1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call  1-888-874-7793  for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

Requesting a Refund for Expedited Service

Service Commitment

If you paid the $60 fee for expedited service when you applied and you did not receive expedited service, you may be eligible to  request a refund  of this fee. We cannot refund any other passport fees or your travel expenses if you miss your trip.

Non-Refundable Fees

We cannot refund the passport application fee and the execution fee. By law, we collect both fees and keep them even if a passport is not issued.

Learn more about refunds on our Refund of Expedited Passport Fee page.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Visa Status Check

Please enter your case number..

This site is managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. Copyright Information   Disclaimers  

US Visa Stamping: Passport Tracking Statuses Meaning at USTravelDocs

When you apply for US Visa , you go through steps such as registering an account at ustraveldocs.com and booking an appointment. Depending on your situation, you either attend the interview or submit documents for dropbox stamping.

US Consulates/Embassy uses the CGI Federal website in most countries for booking US Visa appointments, and applicants can use the same for tracking the passport after either document submission or interview. The online statuses can be confusing at times and do not clearly indicate what they mean. In this article, we will review all the passport tracking statuses when you submit your passport for US Visa Stamping at the USTravelDocs/ CGI Federal website.

Before we get into the details, let’s quickly understand the term ‘Post’ in the context of US Visa stamping as you would see the same in the passport tracking status messages.

What is ‘Post’ in the context of US Visa Stamping?

Usually, when you check the passport tracking status, you might see the word ‘ Post ‘ in the statuses like ‘Transit to Post’, ‘Delivered to Post’, ‘Transit from Post’, etc. It can be very confusing at times when you see the word ‘post’ as you may think it is a post office or mailbox, but it is not.

The word ‘ Post ‘ in the context of US Visa stamping passport tracking means ‘ US Consulate ‘ or ‘ US Embassy ‘. When the status says ‘Transit to post’ they are literally saying ‘Transit to the US Consulate’ or ‘Transit to the US Embassy’.

Now that we have some context, let’s look at where the passport status appears in the USTravelDocs website and where you can track your passport otherwise.

Tracking Passport on CGI Federal/ USTravelDocs Website

The USTravelDocs.com website, which is nothing but the CGI Federal website is the place, where you can track your passport status. You can see the passport tracking status on the CGI Federal home page, which looks like as in the below screenshot. As your US Visa stamping status changes, the corresponding tracking status is reflected for your passport delivery.

The below screenshot is a snapshot of two different statuses of the passport tracking. The upper screen just shows “ Document Delivery Information: “, which is blank without any status. Whereas, the bottom screen shows the passport status as “ Your Passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate “.

Let’s look at the other two common ways you can check your passport status.

How to Track your Passport Status by Email?

To get the latest status of your passport that was given for US Visa Stamping, you need to send an email to [email protected]  with the email subject and body as your passport number. You should exactly enter the same passport number without any additional text or signature info in your email as shown in the below screenshot.

The below screenshot is a sample of how to do the same in Gmail. Read more details at CGI Federal Website

Track Passport on the USTravelDocs Website

Also, in some countries, the CGI Federal website has a section on the website, where you can enter your passport number and it shows the status. It used to be available in the USTravelDocs website of India as well, in the past, but with the new website, you do not see it.

For example, USTravelDocs Philippines website has a page for passport tracking. All you need to do is enter your passport and click on ‘Track My Passport’, then the system will show the status of the passport. Below is a screenshot of the same, on how it looks.

Now that we have an understanding of how to track your passport, let’s now look at the most common status that you may see on the USTravelDocs or CGI Federal website and what they mean.

Passport Tracking Statuses for US Visa Stamping, Meaning

Below are the various passport tracking statuses that you might see on the CGI Federal website or in the email that you send them for passport tracking status. You may or may not see all of these statuses as some are country-specific due to the older systems and older terminology.

Transit to Post

• Your Passport is being delivered to the Post

Delivered to Post

Passport is still with the us embassy or consulate, origination scan, passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery, transit from post, your passport is ready for pickup, there is no status update available for the passport number submitted, out for delivery.

• Your Passport has been picked up
• Your passport has been returned to Post

If the passport tracking status says “Transit to Post”, it means that CGI Federal has just collected the passport and it is on the way to the US Consulate and Embassy. It indicates that the US Consulate or Embassy has not received your passport and they have not started working on your case yet. You would usually see this status right after you submit your passport for stamping at a Visa Application Center(VAC) or CGI Federal collection location.

Your Passport is being delivered to Post

When you see the status message of your passport tracking as ‘your passport is being delivered to post’, it means that your passport has been picked up from the VAC or passport collection location and then completed the transit to the Consulate/ Embassy. The passport is at the Consulate or Embassy, but not technically picked up by them for processing. They verify the mail and once they collect it, then its status changes to ‘delivered to post’. It looks like in the below screenshot

When you see the message ‘Delivered to Post’, it indicates that your passport was successfully delivered to the US Consulate/ Embassy. It does not indicate anything about the current status of processing your US Visa. It is only related to your passport tracking and just tells you that US Consulate/ Embassy has received your passport.

Your CGI Federal dashboard would show a message that says “Passport is still with the US Embassy or Consulate”, indicating that the Consulate/ Embassy has your passort. Again, it does not tell anything about processing of your visa, it is only about your passport. It looks like in the below screenshot.

The passport status ‘Origination Scan’ is something that you see, when the US Consulate/ Embassy has completed processing from their side and has filed a courier slip for the delivery partner to pick up the passport. Once the delivery partner collects your passport, they would likely issue an Airway Bill(AWB) or some tracking code so that you can track your passport. Depending on the country, you may or may not see this status.

When you see the status ‘ Passport has been received from the consular section and is currently being processed for delivery ‘, it means that US Consulate/ Embassy has completed processing of your passport and it has left the US Consulate or Embassy. Your passport is now at the delivery service center and is prepared for shipping of the same. It looks like as in the below screenshot.

It can take anywhere from two to three days for the delivery of the passport to VAC. Sometimes, it can take up to a week as well.

If you are in India and have paid for the premium courier fee of Rs. 650 INR, then you can expect the passport to be delivered to your given location. If you have opted for pickup, then you will get an email/ SMS for you to collect your passport. Also, if you done any last-minute changes such as, selecting ‘pick up’ first and then changing to deliver at your location, then it will get delivered and the courier service will collect the INR 650 from you at the time of delivery.

If you see the passport tracking status as ‘Transit from Post’, it means that the delivery partner/ courier service is transporting your passport from the US Consulate to the Visa Application Center(VAC) or the location you have selected for passport pickup.

If you have selected an address for delivery, it will be delivered to that location. If you have selected the VAC location for pickup, it will be sent to the VAC location.

When the passport tracking status says ‘your passport is ready for pickup’, it means that your passport has arrived from the US Consulate/ Embassy after their processing and is now available at the VAC location or pickup location for you to go and collect the passport. Sometimes this status is also shown as ‘Ready for Pickup’, both mean the same.

You can now go to the VAC location or pickup location address and collect your passport by presenting your identity proof and your appointment letter. Make sure you check the timings of the VAC location for pickup. They have fixed hours of operation and you need to go only during their operating hours.

When you check the passport tracking on the USTravelDocs website, you may see the message that reads ‘there is no status update available for the passport number submitted’. You get this message, if you have entered an incorrect passport number or if your passport is not yet ready for tracking. You will see the status change after a day or two.

The below-listed statuses may or may not appear across all countries. You may see the below in countries like Japan. If you do come across them, below is what they mean.

You would see the status of your passport as ‘Out for Delivery’ when the passport was dispatched from the US Consulate/Embassy and it is on its way for delivery at the address that was specified by you for delivery. When you see this status, you can track the passport delivery status at the courier website as well.

Your passport has been picked up

Your passport tracking status would say ‘your passport has been picked up’, if your passport was actually delivered at the location you specified or you have personally collected the passport from the VAC location. You also would see this message, if the courier person tried to deliver and you were not there and they provided a note for pickup. You can track the status on the courier website as well.

Your passport has been returned to post

You would see the status as ‘your passport has been returned to post’ when the passport is sent back to the US Consulate or Embassy. Usually this happens, when there are any issues with the delivery of your passport due to any errors in your name or address and they could not deliver it. Also, it can happen, if you could not collect the passport after the courier service requested you to pickup. You need to contact the customer service to get your passport re-delivered to you.

How to Track Passport in Courier website Blue Dart in India

If you are in India, Blue Dart is the delivery partner for US Consulates. If you have not got any tracking number related to blue dart, then you can use the UID that is listed on your appointment confirmation letter to check the tracking status. You can check your passport delivery status after the passport tracking status has changed ‘ Passport has been received from the consular section and is currently being processed for delivery ‘.

All you need to do is enter the UID number in the Blue Dart Courier Tracking website. Below are the steps.

• Go to the Blue Dart Tracking page
• Select the ‘Ref No’ radio button as shown below in the Track your shipment
• Enter UID in the tracking box
• Click on Go button
• You will get the result of the passport status.

Below is a screenshot of the Blue Dart website, where you can track your passport using the UID.

If you are not sure, what is your UID, check your Visa Appointment confirmation letter. It will be on that. It will be under MRV Fee Payments. Below is a sample screenshot of UID on the appointment confirmation letter.

Why does the ‘Document Delivery Information’ shows blank on CGI Federal Website?

The ‘Document Delivery Information’ section on the CGI Federal/ USTravelDocs website is the place where you would see your passport status that is related to US Visa processing. The word ‘Document’ here corresponds to ‘Passport’. In general, after you submit your passport for US Visa renewal using dropbox you may sometimes see this section as blank. Below are some of the common reasons.

• US Consulate / Embassy Still Processing your Visa: If your US Visa stamping-related process is not yet complete for your passport, you would see this as blank. Meaning, they cannot really give an update on your passport, when it is being processed by them.
• US Visa Processing Completed, but not yet tagged : Sometimes, when you check the CEAC website, your status may show as ‘Issued’ or ‘Approved’, but still the passport tracking status may not be updated and be shown as blank. The reason is, they move it as batches and the status of the passport will get updated soon. Do not have to worry about your passport status, it has nothing to do with your US visa approved/ issued status. Usually, wait for two to three days after the ‘Issued’ status in CEAC, you would see it updated by then. You can read How to check US Visa Status on the CEAC website to know more.
• US Visa Appointment is not booked or have not dropped off documents : You also see the status as blank, if your US Visa appointment is not yet booked and you have not given your passport to the VAC or consulate/Embassy.
• US Visa Status still in ‘Application Received’ Status: Sometimes, there are delays in your US Visa processing and your CEAC status can be stuck for a long time in ‘Application Received’ status. In such cases, you will also see the blank status for the ‘Document Delivery Information’. This basically means that they still have the passport and they will need it for processing. Until the CEAC status changes to ‘Issued’ or ‘Refused’, you may not see the blank status change.
• Intermittent Status During Visa Processing: You would also see the status as blank when your US Visa is still being processed by Consulate/ Embassy and goes from one status to other. Also, sometimes, when your visa is under 221g administrative processin g, you may see this as blank after the submission of your passport during the processing phase.

Common FAQs

‘CGI Federal’ is the outsourcing company that works with the US Department of State to facilitate booking appointments, and shipping various documents and passports between consulates. That’s the reason you see USTravelDocs.com redirect to the CGI Federal website for appointment booking.

Usually, the CGI federal website shows updated information in the ‘Document Delivery Information’ section two to three days after you see the status as ‘Issued’ on CEAC Website.

What has been your experience using the passport delivery with USTravelDocs? Share your thoughts and experiences in comments section below.

References : You can check USTravelDocs Japan Passport Status

Other Articles

118 comments.

This guide on tracking US visa stamping passport statuses at USTravelDocs/CGI Federal website is incredibly helpful! The breakdown of each status and its meaning clears up any confusion users may have. Plus, the inclusion of screenshots and step-by-step instructions adds clarity to the process. Thanks for sharing this valuable resource—it’s sure to be a lifesaver for anyone navigating the US visa application process!

Hi, My visa was “Approved” on Jan 18, 2024. It went to Application received in between and then back to Approved since then (it is Jan 23 today). Does this happen? How long the process would take to go from “Approved” to “Ready for pick up”? My passport was submitted on Jan 8. Thanks in advance!

Hi my visa was approved on 17/04/2024. With my spouse. My husband received his passport on 21/04/2024. But I have not received my passport until today.

Manisha, Do not worry. Sometimes, there are delays, just give it few more days.

I have completed my interview on nov 6th 2023 . my visa status is issued and passport status is ready for pickup . Still not yet received the passport at bluedart . How many days it will take to receive the passport ?

sravya, It can take few days, should be in less than a week.

i also have the same issue, dropbox on nov 5, status show ready for pick up on nov 21st. but bluedart has not yet delivered and no idea how to track. tried on bluedart website with ref no as UID.

Anyone has any idea how to track, i have to catch flight in a week

same for me.

I finally been able to connect with VAC customer agent. Apprantly bluedart don’t deliver to address provided. You have to open a case to provide an address where bluedart has service

Mam please tell me, how did you get passport ? Mine is also same problem.

So my visa was approved and issued on 22nd Aug and the USvisascheduling site (the new one) is currently showing as “Originator Scan” since this morning i.e. 24th Aug. But, no further movement or tracking beyond that.

Does anyone have any idea how long from that status change to passport getting delivered to home address provided or at least getting a tracking ID or UID being active to track?

This whole process has been a information black hole, no one picks up any calls and there is no clear timeline on how long what step takes. I’ve had to guestimate this whole Dropbox process thru forums and indirect information. The worst managed process ever.

My visa is also approved on the same date and “Originator Scan” status also updated on 24th Aug only. Still no update. Did you get any status update today or still same?

Did you get the passport back? Did you receive any mail for AWB number? I am in same situation, CEAC website says Issued on 24th August. I called up the contact center they said passport left the embassy but the AirWayBill number is not generated yet at the Blue Dart Location.

Did you you get your passport back? My status changed to ‘Origination Scan’ on August 29 morning. Can I expect my passport back in the next 2 days?

So here are some data points that will help ease a few nerves. I do not want anyone else to go thru the information blackhole and utter disrespect in terms of communication that our India counterparts who manage this process dish out:

– Status updates happen only once a day around 10.30 AM – When you see the page that says you will be directed to the page shortly, that means data upload is happening – Everything moves only once a day, i.e. – Approved (1 day in that status) – Issued (1 day in that status) – Origination Scan (1 day in that status: what this means is the the package for pick up from consulate is ready, either to go back to the self pickup location in the major cities or ready for Blue Dart to pick up and Deliver to applicants provided address) – After Originator scan it will only update to “Ready for Pick Up” if you had set self pick up, which might be the same day but mostly the next day – If you had opted for Premium delivery it will not update beyond that till delivered to address – IMPORTANT” Blue Dart will pick up only the next day after Origination Scan status AND you can track on the delivery progress on their website ONLY after its picked up. To track you need to use the UID# provided on your appointment letter – It usually gets delivered the same day late afternoon if you are located in any of the main cities

I hope this explanation will help ease the stress and anxiety of many others in the same boat. Best of luck!

What is the call centre number? Status is updated as Not delivered but I didn’t get any call regarding the delivery yet.

Hi bindu , did you get your passport? If yes how ? I have flight in 4 days and I didn’t receive my passport it. It shows not delivered status and I also didn’t get any call.

I’m in tha same boat. Did you get your passport? If yes how ?

did you receive the passport? did Orgination scan changed to something else after somtime ?

Where in the new usvisascheduling website is status “Originator Scan” show ?

Under passport status

today i have attended the interview when can i expect the passport.

Did you got any pickup confirmation ?

mine says ” There is no status update available for the passport number submitted.”

Respected sir, I have done drop box of US visa on 18tt at India chennai, but yet I dint get any SMS or email about my passport status, even customer service number is also not working….so how can I check the status

Mine shows ‘Created’ not sure what that means. I have gone to interview at Hyd consulate.

Mine is also showing as “Created”. What does that mean?

Did your status change? Have you received your passport?

Did you get any update? I am seeing the same status as “created”. It’s been 4 days in same status.

Hi SN, I am also seeing my passport pickup status as “Created”. What happened to your case?

It changes to from created to “origination scan”. Once it’s in origination scan, courier picks it up the next day and you get it after a day.

Update: It changes from created to “origination scan”. Once it’s in origination scan, courier picks it up the next day and you get it after a day.

It means that your visa has been received and enterd into the system, have not been processed yet. Neither denied nor accepted. Awaiting Processing.

Hi Saisri, I am also seeing my passport pickup status as “Created”. What happened to your case?

Hi Saisri, Did you find out what is the meaning of “created”?

Hi Deus , How many days it took in the processing.

Hello i had completed my interview on June 15 it’s been 30 days till now I don’t Received ani updates of my passport.i had sent the mails did calls but no proper response. From their side what should I do?

Hi Sai Were you able to reach out anyone. I deposited my passport and when i send the tracking mail they say there is no status available for the passport number.

Did you get your passport after that. I have also deposited my passport and when I send the tracking email I get the same update as no status update available for this number. The call centre no also does not work .

Did u get ur passport ?

Please can somebody provide any information on my experience. I submitted my document at the VAC in Abuja, Nigeria by way of Drop Box for renewal on the 14th June 2023 but up till today 07th July 2023, my CEAC status is still showing ”Application Received” and my Document Delivery Information on the CGI Federal Website is blank. What do I do. I am so worried.

Hey have u recieved ur passport? Is visa approved ?

I had drop box appointment at Chennai VFS office On 07/07.The Status on CEAC site shows No Status,Passport Tracker shows “Your Passport is still with US Consulate/Embassy”, was told to wait for 7 working days, but the speed at which its processing doesn’t look like by 07/13 i would have an update.

I submitted documents and my passport on 09-June-2023(dropbox). The status update on CGI portal is blank, and receiving a standard reply when tracking with the passport number. It’s been four weeks without any status update. Has anybody faced this situation earlier?

That is exactly my situation. I submitted on the July 14th 2023 by way of Drop Box but still showing blank up till date. I am very worried about it even though I have read everything about it included that I should not worry.

That is exactly my situation. I submitted my documents since 14th June 2023 but uptill now, my Document delivery Information page is still blank. I am worried about it.

hi I had an official interview and consular told me “I am approving your visa” after that my status has been “Your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate” for past 1 week. Should I be worried?

Hana, No need to be worried. It can take few extra days at times.

Document Delivery is blank and CEAC website shows Refused.

Any comments or suggestion will be greatly appreciated!! Just want to if someone had same situation and what was the outcome?

Would you mind email at [email protected] to know complete details or it.

I am pretty nervous and stressed about this situation.

Please respond.

Regards, Vik

I am also facing same issue in Hyderabad Consulate. Let me know if you have any update.

bro is it dropbox or Inperson interview

With the Grace of God final my Visa is Approved, Below is the timeline]

May 18th – Drop Box Appointment May 24th – Refused in CEAC website May 26th – Received Passport with 221g slip (White and Yellow) May 30th – Attended Visa Interview in New Delhi June 5th – Submitted all additional docs along with 221g slips to VFS New Delhi June 6th – Administrative Processing in CEAC website June 16th – Refused

At point I was so stressed out it because it sounded like may be rejected or another 221g but after going through with all blogs and case studies I found that after completion of administrative processing (10 business days) they send back all info/documentation/information to US consulate in India then they start processing again and embassy (New Delhi in my case) change status to whatever was the old status in my case it was refused.

June 20th – Bingo, it got APPROVED

Hopefully this timeline will helpful whoever is in same situation.

Thanks All.

How long did it take after “Issued” status and what is the Bluedart tracking ref no.

Sunil any news

Hi, I am also experiencig the same and my status says” No update available for the submitted passport status” when did you finally get the passport and is it approved?

Did you get any update?

I Submitted my documents for H1b drop box on april 28th .The CGI federal still shows “”your passport is still with embassy/consulate”. Until yesterday ustraveldocs email returned “delivered to post ” ,today its showing “There is no status update available for the passport number submitted.” cpuld anyone please let me know what does this mean ,i did not see any other status other than these.

Hi Sindhuja, I’m in the same boat. I submitted my passport on May1st. Have you received any update so far?

Hi Haritha, I also submitted my passport on May 1st but have not received my passport. Any update?

My husband also had drop box on May1st and got status as issued on May12th. Still no email for pickup yet. Did you receive it?

when did you receive it?

Hi Sindhuja,

I have the same experience. Till yesterday ustraveldocs email returned “delivered to post ” ,today its showing “There is no status update available for the passport number submitted.” Please let us know, if there is any update in your case.

I drop boxed on may 3 rd still no update regarding the status and email says no information available for the passport number.. and nether did i receive the passport..

Hi, I am in the same boat and my status says” No update available for the submitted passport status” when did you finally get the passport and is it approved?

Any update?

I’m on the same boat ! Status changed from Delivered to post to No status … Dropbox – 04May .

Whats the update

I’m in same boat kindly share how a long did it take ?

I dropped my documents at mumbai location on April 28 today is May 3 and the status is “ The current status of your passport is Delivered to post”

What does this mean and when I can expect the status change what is turn around time ? This is renewal .

On average 20-25 days at Mumbai. Mine took 22 days to change status to Issued. I’m still waiting on the courier, which might take another few more days.

When did you finally receive your passport. I am also on the same boat .

CGI portal says “ready for pickup” i have opted for premium pick up. But i have not received any e mail or sms that the VAC location received my passport. What should i do now?

Hi, what did you do in this case? I am currently at same stage. When did you get your passport?

Customer care number to check

Mine is in person interview on May 25th , from then it’s in Approved status. No updated still.Any one had similar experience and waiting for issued

Hi Kalyan, Could you pls tell me how long it took for you to get the passport after it said approved. Thanks

Hello Shubh, did you get any updates ? We are in the same boat and need some help !!

Hi, I had drop box (Visa waiver) at Mumbai location for H4 on Feb 24th, 2023. They said it will take 10 to 14 days for processing. My passport status showed as “Passport at US Consulate”. Now from past week my status changed to ” Document Delivery Information:”. I have gone through your website and sent email to “[email protected]” and sent my passport number. I got reply immediately saying ” No status update available for the passport number submitted”. I am worried about my passport now and I have ticket back to USA in 15 days. Thanks, Jyothi.

Hello Jyothi Did you get any update on your passport tracking? My case is also same.

Did you receive the passport? My case also same. In CGI status changed to “Document delivery information:” .

Thanks, Purusotham

Hi I am on same situation , Can you please update what happened after that?

Hi Jyothi, did you get response from Embassy? I am in same boat 🙁

Same for me. The status was “passport is still with Us embasy” till yesterday and it changed to “document delivery information” Today but still showing as Refused in CEAC.

Kindly update your status and how many days it took?

Were you able to get your visa?

have you got any update? I am in the same situation, please let me know

Hi Susmitha,

I am in same boat. What happened after that?

Would you mind email at [email protected] about what did you see ur passport?

any update on this, as I am also having same response on portal

DID U GET UR PASSPORT, HOW LONG TOOK ?

Did you get the visa?

Hi, I had an Interview waiver appointment on Feb 10, later from then my “Case Last Updated” changed to 21st Feb, 24th Feb, and 1st March with the Status as “Application Received”

Later on 10th March, my status got updated as “Refused” with a Big description and in CGI portal said “Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery”

Is this the final verdict that I don’t get the visa or is there any hope I can still wait?

If they approved the status would have been issued

My Visa also got refused in the same way then I spoke with an attorney. This is what he had to say, if your Visa status on CEAC website has changed to “Refused”, doesn’t mean your visa is denied. It simply means, either they are going to issue you 221g and ask for documentation or would call you for an interview. When you receive your passport from consulate after such scenario, it may have further instructions to follow. I’m also waiting for my docs to arrive and see where it leads me. I wish you luck! 🙏🏽

My Visa has been “approved” on March 9th and “Issued” on March 13th on CEAC Website.

How long does it usually take for me to receive it by BlueDart?

Hello, how long did it take to receive your passport?

My wife submitted her passport for Dropbox (interview waiver) H4 stamping on 22 Feb 2023 at Mumbai with in-person pickup option. It’s been 18 days now. For the past week, I see the status on CGI site as “Document delivery information :” Is there any contact / place where I can request them to update the current status ? Or can we walk-in to the office in Mumbai to check current status ?

Same for me on Mar 14th. Did you got any updates by any chance?

Have you get your passport now or is there any status change. I am also facing the same issue, had my dropbox on 22nd Feb but no update till now. Status is still ‘Document Delivery Information’.

The courrier company shows that my documents have been delivered since a week ago, but don’t say to who.

And in my account status is still on “ Send documents”.

What does that mean?

Hi , my status changed from ‘’passport is still with the embassy’’ to ‘’documents delivery information’’ (blank) what do u think it is ? Should I send an inquiry?

Same happened to me.

same happened to me

same happened to me. I submitted my application in HYD on 10th march 2023. my status still “Document Delivery Information”. Please update here if any got any response / change in status. thanks!!

Aliq, No need to. Just wait. Sometimes, it shows blank for unknown reasons as well.

For my wife, the passport was submitted for Dropbox (interview waiver) H4 stamping on 22 Feb 2023 at Mumbai. It’s been 18 days now. For the past week, I see the status on CGI site as “Document delivery information :” Is there any contact / place where I can request them to update the current status ? Or can we walk-in to the office in Mumbai to request for current status ?

Did you get any update on your wife stamping status ? we are on same boat..

Same problem bro what happened did you get your passport back?

What happend after that as i have the same issue

What happend after that as i have the similar issue

Same happened to me, have you gotten your passport now?

H1 B renewal, CEAC status changed to approved on Dec 6th 2022 and after that no update. Consulate replied once as undergoing internal processing and visa cannot be printed right now.

Any one waiting in similar status?

That is a long time. Is your passport with the embassy since Dec 6th?

Hi Praneeth,

Did you get your passport back?

Hi Praneet, Are you still on ‘Approved’ status. I’m also in same situation. My status changed to ‘Approved’ on April 28, still not changed to ‘Issued’. My passport is with US Consulate. Whenever i reach out ustraveldocs email, getting standard reply messages. Please let me know if your status is changed and if you know anything about ‘Approved’ status and why they’re keeping so long without issuing Visa.

Hi Sudhir, When was your status changed from Approved to Issued?

Please include me in the replies. I interviewed on 22nd April, and my status is still in ‘Approved’ stage.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

IMMIGRATION LAW BLOG

Stay up-to-date on the latest immigration law news, with the Cohen & Tucker team's insights behind the headlines

U.S. Visa Passport Tracking: Processing & Return of Passport

Important information about the application process.

When you schedule your visa appointment, you’ll be given a few choices regarding how you’d like your passport returned when your visa is issued. You may be able to pick it up yourself, or you have your passport delivered to your home or a pickup location. 

You must track the process to know when to expect your passport to be available for pickup or delivery. Here’s how to follow along with the steps of the passport tracking process.

How Do You Apply for a U.S. Visa? FAQs Answered

You need a valid reason to apply for a U.S. visa . 

You can apply for a short-term visitor visa if your intention is to take a short trip to the United States. If you want to stay for longer, work in the country, marry a U.S. citizen, or invest in a U.S. business, you need to choose the visa type that suits your situation.

How Do You Know If You Qualify for the Visa Waiver Program?

The U.S. visa waiver program waives the visa requirement for certain types of visits. If you live in a participating country and you intend to stay in the United States for 90 days or less, you may be able to enter without a visa. 

The visa waiver program covers tourism and business-related visits , so long as you won’t be directly financially profiting from your business-related visit to the United States.

If you live in a visa waiver-participating country and have authorization through ESTA, you may be able to enter the United States without a visa.

What Is ESTA?

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a global network that pre-approves travelers from certain countries who intend to visit the United States for short periods. 

If you plan to visit the United States for 90 days or less, you don’t need a visa if you receive ESTA approval prior to travel. ESTA makes traveling faster, more efficient, and less expensive than using the traditional visa system, especially when a visa isn’t always necessary. 

ESTA authorization is currently available to nationals or citizens of the following countries:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Why Do I Need a Valid Passport To Apply for a Visa?

A passport shows proof of your identity and your country of origin. It includes a photo ID to clarify that it belongs to you. 

Your U.S. visa is placed inside your passport. It contains the dates of validity for your passport. When you enter or exit a country, officials are able to verify that you are who you say you are using your passport and that you have proper approval to travel to the place you’re visiting using your visa. 

While you’re in the United States, your passport with your visa and your I-94 serves as proof that you’re visiting the country.

Can You Apply for a New Visa With an Expired Passport?

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the date when you applied for a new visa. If your passport expires after you receive your visa, but your visa is still valid, you can use your valid visa in your old passport to enter so long as you also travel with your new passport. The combination of the two documents will serve as proof of your eligibility to travel and your visa.

When Will I Get My Passport Back?

When some countries issue a visa, they take your current passport and send it away for an official visa stamp. If you apply for a visa in India, you must wait to receive your passport after your visa application has been approved.

When you apply, you can select to have your passport delivered to you with tracking via an approved passport delivery courier. There are no delivery fees if you choose to have your passport sent to a valid delivery address. They’re already included in the cost of your visa. You can also choose to pick up your passport from a location on a list of approved destinations.

It usually takes seven to 10 business days from the date of your approval to get your passport back. You can use the CEACvisa application status-checking tool to check the status online. 

The tracking system will give you up-to-date information about the case status of your visa application. You’ll be notified when your visa is issued and either sent to the courier service for delivery or available for pickup at the location you chose. 

Enter your passport number and click “Track My Passport.” If your passport status shows “Origination Scan,” that means your passport is on its way to the delivery location. If you chose to pick your passport up in person, wait until the status says “Ready for Pick Up.” This means your passport is waiting for you at your chosen pickup location.

Do You Have To E-File Your Application Form?

E-filing is required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. E-filing will also let you track the status of your visa application through the online portal. 

What Does Administrative Processing Mean?

Administrative processing is a review visa applications undergo after they’ve been processed the standard way. Administrative processing is used after a visa interview if the U.S. Department of State has any concerns or information they need to verify after your interview appointment. 

This doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll be denied a visa, but it does mean you’ll need to wait longer than usual to receive a decision.

What Is EVU.S.?

The Electronic Visa Update System (EVU.S.) is an online visa updating system used by citizens of China who hold long-term B visas that allow them to visit the United States. 

EVU.S. allows visa holders to update their biographical information. B visa holders are required to register with EVU.S. before they can travel. 

Approval usually only takes a few minutes. In some cases, it may take as long as 72 hours.

How Do You Read and Understand Your Nonimmigrant Visa ?

After you receive your visa, you need to check it for errors and make sure it’s valid. You also need to be aware of the expiration date. 

If you try to enter the United States past or near the expiration date on your visa, you may be denied admission to the U.S. When you enter the U.S., you will be issued an I-94 . This tells you how long you can stay in the country. If you overstay your authorized period of stay , you may be prohibited from re-entering the United States. 

Checking for Errors on Your Visa

Errors on your visa can cause you trouble while traveling. Make sure that all of the information shown is correct. If you accidentally provided incorrect information on a form, you’re responsible for paying to correct your error. 

If the authority who processed your visa is responsible for the error (such as misspelling your name), they will fix it at no cost to you. Do not attempt to travel if you discover errors on your visa. Wait for the errors to be resolved.

Understanding Your Visa Expiration Date

Your visa will show the date it was issued as well as the date your visa will expire. The period of validity is the time between those two dates. You will need to travel to the U.S. prior to the expiration date on your visa. You can remain in the U.S. beyond the expiration date on your visa so long as your I-94 has not expired. It is the I-94 that authorizes you to stay in the U.S. not the visa. 

A ten-year B visa does not grant you permission to remain in the U.S. for ten years. It simply means you can travel to the U.S. over the next ten years. Most people that enter with B visas are authorized to stay in the U.S. for six months. 

If you’d like to stay in the United States for longer, you need to apply to extend your stay with USCIS at least 45 days before your nonimmigrant status expires. Extensions usually add another 6 months to your authorized stay. 

You may be deported if you overstay your authorized stay. Even if you are not deported, you could trigger unlawful presence bars or be unable to change or adjust your immigration status in the future. You may also have difficulty attempting to return to the U.S. or applying for a new visa even if you did not trigger an unlawful presence bar. 

If you’re granted an extension, you’re allowed to stay until the date you receive in the approval of your extension. 

Most of the tools you need to apply for a visa, check the status of your visa application, or track your passport are available through online portals used by the U.S. Department of State or through your local U.S. embassy or consulate. 

Most of the Visa status check process is self-service, so you won’t need to wait for a return phone call from the consular office’s call center or a letter in the mail. You’ll have access to information in real-time. 

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding your visa, the compassionate lawyers at Cohen, Tucker, and Ades are here to help.

Visa Waiver Program | U.S. Department of State | Bureau of Consular Affairs

Electronic System for Travel Authorization | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

What is the Electronic Visa Update System (EVU.S.)? Will EVU.S. enrollment be required for admittance into the United States? | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Not sure which option is right for you? Request a confidential consultation today.

How do I track my passport on US visa travel docs?

Tracking your passport during the process of applying for a US visa is crucial to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Fortunately, the US visa application process provides a convenient online tracking system that allows applicants to stay updated on the status of their passport.

To track your passport on US visa travel docs, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website: Begin by visiting the official website of the US Department of State, which manages the visa application process. The website provides accurate and up-to-date information on visa application procedures and guidelines.

2. Locate the tracking system: Once on the website, look for the section dedicated to passport tracking. The specific location of this section may vary, but it is typically found under the “Visas” or “US Visa” tab.

3. Enter required details: In order to track your passport, you will need to enter certain details into the tracking system. These details may include your passport number, date of birth, and the type of visa you have applied for. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information to avoid any delays or errors in tracking your passport.

4. Track your passport: After inputting the required details, click on the “Track” or “Submit” button to initiate the tracking process. The system will then display the current status of your passport, informing you of its location and the stage it is in within the visa application process.

It is important to note that the tracking system provides real-time updates and may vary based on the specific US consulate or embassy that is processing your visa application. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check the status of your passport to stay informed about any changes or updates.

FAQs about tracking your passport on US visa travel docs:

1. Can I track my passport without a passport number? Unfortunately, you cannot track your passport without a valid passport number. The passport number is essential for the tracking system to identify and retrieve your specific application details.

2. How long does it take for the tracking system to be updated? The tracking system is typically updated within one to three business days. However, during peak seasons or high application volumes, it may take slightly longer for the system to reflect the latest status of your passport.

3. What does the status “In Transit” mean? When the tracking system displays the status “In Transit,” it means that your passport has been dispatched to the next processing location. It may be on its way to the US embassy or consulate for further evaluation or to the designated passport collection center.

4. Is it possible to expedite the passport tracking process? The passport tracking process follows a standardized procedure, and expediting it is not typically possible. However, if you have an urgent travel requirement or an unforeseen circumstance, you may contact the relevant US embassy or consulate for further assistance.

5. What should I do if the tracking system shows an error or incorrect information? If you encounter any errors or discrepancies in the tracking system, it is advisable to contact the US embassy or consulate where you submitted your visa application. They will be able to provide you with accurate information and address any concerns you may have.

6. Can someone else track my passport on my behalf? Yes, with your consent, someone else can track your passport on your behalf. However, it is important to ensure that the person you authorize to track your passport has all the necessary details, including your passport number and date of birth.

7. What does the status “Ready for Pickup” mean? When the tracking system displays the status “Ready for Pickup,” it means that your passport is available for collection at the designated passport collection center. Make sure to bring all the required documents and follow the instructions provided to collect your passport.

8. Can I track my passport if I applied for a visa through a third-party agency? Yes, even if you applied for a visa through a third-party agency or a visa service provider, you can still track your passport using the official tracking system provided by the US Department of State. You may need to enter additional information provided by the agency during the tracking process.

9. What happens if my passport gets lost during the visa application process? In the unfortunate event that your passport gets lost during the visa application process, it is crucial to immediately report the loss to the US embassy or consulate. They will provide you with the necessary instructions and procedures to replace your lost passport.

10. Can I track my passport after I receive my visa? Once you have received your visa and your passport has been returned to you, the tracking system will no longer provide updates. At this point, it is important to make sure that you keep your passport and visa in a secure place.

11. Does the tracking system provide information on the visa processing time? No, the passport tracking system solely focuses on providing updates on the status and location of your passport. Information regarding visa processing times may vary and is usually provided separately by the US embassy or consulate.

12. Can I track the progress of my visa application along with my passport? The passport tracking system primarily focuses on the tracking of passports. For specific information on the progress of your visa application, you may need to contact the US embassy or consulate directly. They will be able to provide you with updates regarding your visa approval or any additional documentation required.

About The Author

Eevee Lewellen

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• PSP Division
• Passport Seva
• Passport Offices in India
• Mission/Post Abroad
• Citizens' Charter
• General Information
• Chief Passport Officer
• Passport Offices
• Vigilance Unit
• Visa Services
• Consular / Visa

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Ready to renew your US passport? You can now apply online

FILE - The cover of a U.S. Passport is displayed in Tigard, Ore., Dec. 11, 2021. The State Department has opened a trial run allowing a limited number of people to apply to renew their passports online. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

• Copy Link copied

WASHINGTON (AP) — There’s an easier way to renew your passport — online.

The State Department has opened a trial run allowing a limited number of people to apply for their updated travel documents with a few clicks. You can’t just start anytime — windows will open at midday Eastern time each day and then close once the system has reached its daily limit.

The department says it’s taking it slow so it can monitor how the system is working. There are also a series of requirements to meet to be able to apply online, including:

— You’re 25 or older.

— You’re renewing a passport issued between 2009 and 2015.

— You aren’t changing any personal information.

— You won’t travel overseas for at least eight weeks after you apply.

There are plenty of other criteria on the State Department’s travel website , where you have to create an account to renew online. Expedited service still has to be done by mail.

It comes after travelers faced massive wait times to renew their documents amid a backlog blamed on lingering pandemic effects like staffing shortages and a pause in online processing last year that flooded the agency with applications.

Current processing time for a routine passport renewal is six to eight weeks.

• Nation & World

You lost your passport. Now what?

While just about every other document is accessible online, a lost passport is one of the last analog emergencies that can derail an international trip.

Here’s a guide to replacing a lost passport according to how fast you need it, how much money you have to spare and where you live. (The process for last-minute renewals of expired passports, by the way, is fairly similar.)

If you’ve got at least three weeks

You’ll be OK. On the State Department website, at travel.state.gov/passports, first report your passport lost and then follow the process for a replacement. On the website, you’ll find a list of 7,500 passport acceptance facilities — including post offices, public libraries and clerk of court offices — where you can make an appointment or, in most cases, come during scheduled walk-in hours. They’ll verify your documents and send them to the State Department, and you’ll get your passport in the mail.

Before the day of your appointment, check what you need to bring, a list that will include at least proof of U.S. citizenship, payment (acceptable forms vary by facility), the right forms (for lost passports, that’s the DS-11 and DS-64) and at most facilities, a properly taken photo.

The “routine” processing time to replace a passport takes six to eight weeks and costs $165; choose the “expedited” service, for an additional $60, to receive your passport in two to three weeks.

You might even get yours “faster than advertised,” said Matt Pierce, a managing director of passport services for the State Department, noting that the pandemic-era backlog was cleared up as of December.

Avoid delays by carefully following instructions, and consider spending an additional $19.53 for faster shipping.

When time is tighter

If your trip is less than three weeks away, you’ll need to take the extra step of going through one of 26 passport processing offices across the United States. If you’re doing it without an outside expediter, you must make an appointment online or over the phone, up to 14 days in advance of your trip.

There are no more walk-ins, an option before the pandemic, but the State Department has increased capacity to eliminate the need for them, Pierce said, and the offices give special priority to documented “life-or-death emergencies” of immediate family members. You’ll need to bring all of your documents, and proof you are traveling soon — like a plane or cruise reservation.

Things can get dicey if you need an appointment in the next day or two. In such cases you can call for an appointment, or contact your local member of Congress.

Laurie Lee, CEO of Chicago-based Swift Passport and Visa Services, an expediter, has seen cases where clients on the verge of missing a wedding or another once-in-a-lifetime event spend hours refreshing the site to find a last-minute appointment, and even end up booking flights across the country if they can find an opening. That, of course, costs both time and money.

At the passport office, the process will be similar, except that you’ll likely be able to pick up your passport later in the day. In most cases, said Pierce, you won’t have to return the next day, but it can happen. (You can also have your passport mailed to you, if you have time.)

Using an expediter

If you have at least three business days and are willing to spend hundreds of dollars for help, consider Swift or one of the other 200-plus agencies registered with the State Department as couriers, or expediters.

Expediters are especially helpful for people who live far from the nearest passport office and cannot or do not want to drive or fly there. But they can also benefit anyone having trouble getting a timely appointment, because they have reserved slots that allow them to bring a client application directly to certain passport offices. Swift, for example, can bring 10 applications a day to the Boston office, and five to the Chicago one. Depending on urgency, Swift’s assistance costs between $155 and $599.

To work with an expediter, you will still need to go to your local passport acceptance facility, like a post office, where workers verify and seal your documents in an envelope, which you then send (or hand-deliver) to the expediter. They’ll take care of the rest, and get your new passport back to you.

What can go wrong

If you’re traveling to a passport agency, leave plenty of time to get there. Screwing up something on the form can also lead to delays that can cost you your trip.

“Common errors include signing in the wrong place, not putting the date on their application, having an incorrectly sized passport photo or not being framed correctly in the photo,” said Steve Diehl, chief corporate development officer of CIBTvisas, a large expediter.

Once you get it

When your passport arrives, make digital and paper copies. Change your number on trusted traveler programs like Global Entry, and remember that if your old passport had a visa in it for the country you’re headed to, you’ll also need to rush a replacement of that.

If you do find your old passport later, keep it as a souvenir: It is no longer valid.

If you lose it while abroad

First of all, try not to. Unless you are traveling in a country that strictly requires you to have your passport on your person at all times, stow it in a hotel safe and carry around a photocopy, plus your driver’s license.

But if you do lose the passport or have it stolen, report it online to protect yourself from identity theft and then contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for an emergency appointment. You’ll need that paper or a digital copy of your passport, plus similar documents to what you would need for a replacement in the United States. You may receive either an actual replacement passport or an emergency version, usually good for one year.

Most Read Life Stories

• Death & Co. cocktail bar will open next year in Pioneer Square
• Vote here to help us crown Seattle’s best pizza
• WA James Beard finalist closes one restaurant, opens another — and more
• Rant and Rave: Reader on a journey to end overuse of the word ‘journey’
• Q&A with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, Seattle Pride 2024 grand marshals

In a real emergency, you can try a last ditch maneuver: Ask the airline to contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seek permission for you to enter the country without a passport.

Preventive measures

Several expediters advised that many of their clients misplaced their passports during recent moves, so when you pack up your home, be sure to remember where your passport is packed.

Oh, and before you give up on that lost passport, check your home copier or scanner. “I can’t tell you how often people find it in their copy machine,” Lee said.

Online passport renewal is now available for some applicants. Here's how it works.

• The State Department is running a trial for online passport renewals.
• Online renewals will be available to a limited number of applicants each day for now.
• To qualify for online passport renewals, applicants must meet certain criteria.

You may not need to go to the post office to renew your passport anymore.

The State Department is running a trial for online passport renewals and says it plans to fully open the system for online renewals in the coming months.

Online renewals will be available to a limited number of applicants each day for now, and those applications will only be accepted during Eastern time zone midday hours.

“We plan to continue to limit the number of applications accepted each day so we can monitor the system’s performance in real time,” a statement from the State Department said. “This beta release during which we are limiting the daily applications is an important and standard part of the software development process.”

To qualify for online passport renewals, applicants must: 

• Have an existing U.S. passport that was issued no more than 15 years prior to the new application date. It must still be in the applicant’s possession, and not previously reported lost or stolen.
• Not be changing their name, gender, date of birth or place of birth for the new passport.
• Be applying for a regular tourist passport.
• Live in a U.S. state or territory.
• Be able to pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card online.
• Be able to upload a digital photo.

The State Department will not offer expediting for online passport renewals during the system trial period, so it requires applicants to certify that they have no international travel plans for at least eight weeks from the application date.

Cruising Altitude: See Europe as the Europeans do this summer with these pro tips

The fee for online passport renewal is the same as renewal by mail – $130. The State Department advises applicants that their existing passport will be canceled as their renewal application is processed. New passports will still be delivered by mail after the application is approved.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Money Talks News

Need a New Passport? Here Are Your Options

Posted: June 25, 2024 | Last updated: June 25, 2024

If traveling overseas, be aware that many countries and cruise lines require your passport be valid for 6 months after your return date. This video walks through the routine passport renewal process and timeline to ensure your documents are in order before your trip.

More for You

Fact Check: Rare Photo Depicts Country Music Icon Dolly Parton Without Signature Full Face of Makeup?

Kendrick Perkins shares what pisses him most about LeBron James: "With your power, all you had to do was say 'Hey, look'"

Jeremy Renner goes shirtless, revealing scars from near-fatal snowplow accident: 'I look great!'

Simon Cowell raves over 10-year-old's heavy metal performance on 'America's Got Talent': Watch

This small U.S. town is considered the best place to retire. Here's why.

World's Largest Cruise Ship Catches Fire

We Asked Car Mechanics, And These Are 10 Things They Would Never, Ever Do With Their Own Cars

‘I feel ripped off’: Californians fed up with fast food chains hiking prices are now biting back — by taking their business elsewhere. Where they’re going instead

Map reveals best places to live in the US if nuclear war breaks out

Huge shipping company shuts down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcy

The Adorable Garden Decor You Can DIY With Leftover Bricks

Dear Richard Madeley: We love having our daughter back home but worry she is stagnating

Fishermen Discover a Fish as Big as a Chevy Suburban

This Is What a TSA Agent First Notices About You

This U.S. City Is the No. 1 Choice Among Baby Boomers for Retirement

Raiders Coach Involved in $28 Million Bankruptcy Case

Cut down on waste with this chef's tips to keep bananas fresh for two weeks

Mighty Muscle Shoals, Alabama flexes its legacy as birthplace of global music and miracles

Bob Marley's Children: All About the Reggae Legend's Sons and Daughters

Fact Check: Babies Are Supposedly Born Partially Blind: Here's What the Science Says

تغيير اللغة: Change to Arabic

Apply for a U.S. Visa

• Bank and Payment Options
• DS-160 Information
• Appointment Wait Times
• Photos and Fingerprints
• Visa Waiver Program
• Security Regulations
• Apply for a Visa
• Pay My Visa Fee
• Complete My DS-160
• Schedule My Appointment
• Change Document Delivery Address
• Track & Retrieve My Passport
• Apply for an Expedited Appointment
• Renew My Visa
• Application Pending Further Action
• Visa Information
• Check My Petition Status
• Visa Wait Times
• Select Document Delivery Address
• Travel Coordinator
• Group Appointments
• Diplomatic and Government Officials
• Visas for Children
• U.S. Embassy
• Passport/Visa Collection Locations
• Document Drop-Off Locations
• Bank Locations
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Holidays and Closures
• Rights and Protections
• Helpful Links

You are here: Home / Track My Passport Passport/Visa Collection Locations

Track My Passport Passport/Visa Collection Locations

On this page:

Change Delivery Options

Check the status of your visa, passport tracking options, collecting your passport/visa, expedited pick-up location, required documents for passport retrieval.

If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa will be returned to the Aramex location you previously selected.

You must collect your passport within 15 days. Aramex will hold your passport for only 15 days, after which it will be returned to the U.S. Embassy.

Do not come to your selected Aramex location before you have been informed by our services that your passport is ready for pick up. You can only pick up your passport at the location you have selected.

You may change your preferred document delivery address  online  or through the  call center  until midnight on the day of your interview appointment. There is no cost to change your delivery preferences. For drop-off service applicants, you may change your delivery location up to the time you drop off your application materials at the Aramex location.

We strongly advise you not to change the pick-up location after the time limit. Any changes to your desired pick-up location after this time limit will lead to a delay in your passport delivery.

You can check the status of your application any time at this website: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx . Please wait at least three business days following your visa interview to check on the status of your application. The system may not have updated the status of your application prior to that time, and thus the message you receive may not reflect the actual status of your application.

For your convenience, you have several options to choose from to track the location of your passport.

Instant:  Enter your passport number below to check on the status.

If your status shows "origination scan", it means your passport has left the U.S. Embassy and is in transit to the delivery location you have chosen. It is however not available yet.

Only when the status shows "ready for pick up", it means you can go to the Aramex location you have chosen to pick up your passport.

Please do not go to your delivery location if your status does not show "ready for pick up" as it means your passport has not reached its final destination for pick up.

The U.S. Embassy cannot help you regarding the status of your passport delivery. Please do not contact the U.S. Embassy regarding the status of your passport delivery.

Email:  Send an e-mail to  [email protected]  and in the subject and/or body enter a valid passport number exactly as it was entered at the time the appointment was scheduled. Do not include any additional text. You will receive an automatic response with the status.

Online:  You can track your passport online  here .

If you chose to collect your passport/visa at the courier office you will need to visit an Aramex location during normal business hours. To find the Aramex office nearest to you:

Aramex has identified a location where you can pick up the passport on the same day as we receive it from the U.S. Embassy. Should you have an emergency case or need to pick up your passport early, please select the Aramex office listed as the Same day collection service available as your pick-up location. Please note that by selecting this location, you are not applying for expedited visa processing; if you need information on expedited visa processing, please see this page . Your passport will be available for collection once the visa is processed and the U.S. Embassy has handed it over to Aramex for delivery.

Note:  School groups can designate one person to collect multiple passports for students and teachers from their institution traveling together. The person picking up the passports must have a signed letter from the school that officially authorizes this person to retrieve the passports on behalf of the group and lists the names of all the group members as they appear in their passports.

© CGI Federal Inc.

• NIV Information
• NIV Application
• Immigrant Visas
• Local Visa Programs
• General Information

Watch CBS News

Passports can now be renewed online. Here's how to apply.

By Khristopher J. Brooks

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

June 13, 2024 / 11:24 AM EDT / CBS News

U.S. travelers can now renew their passport online under a pilot program the U.S. Department of State launched on Thursday. 

The State Department's new online system will allow U.S. passport holders to start a renewal application for a short window of time every day, closing once the system has reached a designated number of new applications, officials said in a statement . The agency is preparing a full launch of the renewal system at some point after testing, but didn't provide an exact date. 

If successful, an online renewal system could shorten the sometimes monthslong process travelers experience when trying to update their passport. 

"During the next several months, we plan to continue to limit the number of applications accepted each day so we can monitor the system's performance in real time," the department said. "If you are unable to start your application, try again on another day."

Processing passports has become a growing problem for the State Department ever since COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted, with the agency bombarded with an overwhelming number of applications  each week. The passport application backlog grew so heavy last year that federal lawmakers from California, Colorado and Oklahoma introduced separate proposals to the Senate to speed up the application process. 

Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma  proposed legislation  that would improve the online tracking of passport applications and allow the State Department to hire more staff. Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu of California introduced the  PASSPORT Act  to streamline the passport application and renewal process.

The number of Americans holding valid U.S. passports has grown at roughly 10% faster than the population over the past three decades, said Jay Zagorsky, an economist at Boston University. Just 5% of Americans had a passport in 1990, according to the State Department. That number grew to 48% in December.

The State Department issued a record setting 24 million passports in 2023. Wait times for passport applications and renewals  returned to their normal 6-8 week time frame in December , the State Department  said . 

Renewing your passport online involves a six-step process:

• Create a free MyTravelGov online account. 
• After the account is created, log in and start a renewal application by clicking on the "Renew Your Passport" button.
• On the form that appears, fill in all the boxes with the information currently printed on your passport.
• Enter your plans to travel internationally if your departure is within the next eight weeks.
• Upload a jpeg photo of yourself. No selfies. 
• Pay the passport renewal fee and digitally sign the application.

Visit the State Department's online renewal website for more details. 

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

More from CBS News

Is a $100,000 long-term CD worth opening now?

3 debt relief moves to make for July

Maui leaders target vacation rentals in proposal to house more locals

How much does it cost to refinance a home equity loan?

Change Language: Change to Tagalog

Apply for a U.S. Visa

In the philippines.

• Bank and Payment Options
• DS-160 Information
• Appointment Wait Times
• Photos and Fingerprints
• Visa Waiver Program
• Security Regulations
• Apply for a Visa
• Pay My Visa Fee
• Complete My DS-160
• Schedule/Change My Appointment
• Change Document Delivery Address
• Download My Appointment Letter
• Track My Passport
• Apply for Emergency Appointment
• Renew My Visa
• Visa Information
• Check My Visa Status
• Applying for an Appointment
• Submitting 221(g) Documents
• Priority Interview Program
• Crew and Manning Program
• Group Appointments
• Diplomatic and Government Officials
• Visas for Children
• U.S. Embassy, Manila
• Passport/Visa Collection Locations
• Document Drop-off Locations
• Bank Locations
• Holidays and Closures
• Rights and Protections
• Useful Links

You are here: Home / Track My Passport

Return of Passports by Courier Service

If your application is approved, you will receive your passport through the 2go courier service at the address provided when you scheduled your appointment. You have several options for tracking your passport:

Chat: Please click here to start a session with the Chat Service.

E-mail: Please write to us at [email protected] ; we respond to e-mail inquiries within two working days, Monday through Friday.

Online: To track your passport status online, please click here

Telephone: Please contact us at + 632-982-5555 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why only one passport per envelope? Why no family discounts? A: There is no additional charge for courier return of your passport; all costs are included in your MRV application fee. Security and safety rules for the courier require that every passport be tracked separately.

A: 2go will attempt delivery of your passport only at the address you provided when scheduling your interview. If unable to deliver, they will leave a "sorry" card indicating that they had attempted delivery. Please contact 2go immediately upon receiving this card. If the passport is not delivered within 5 business days, it will be returned to the Embassy. Please contact our helpline for further information.

A: In order to ensure that your passport and visa are not given to an unauthorized person, a government-issued photo ID is required. Examples of such IDs are:

• Driver's License
• Civil Service ID
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)
• Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• Social Security System (SSS)
• Their own original government-recognized photo ID, i.e., Identity Card.
• A copy of the applicant's government-recognized ID.
• Full name of the representative as stated on the ID card.
• Name of the applicant whose passport is to be collected.
• Fee receipt number of applicant whose passport is to be collected. Immigrant visa applicants must mention the receipt number on the letter.
• Original signed letter of authority from either parent.
• A clear photocopy of the government-recognized photo ID, i.e. ID card of the parent who has signed the letter of authority.
• The original government-recognized photo ID of the representative.

Please note: In case of a group/family, a single authority letter with the required information for each of the applicants will be accepted.

IMPORTANT: 2go will be unable to deliver the passport if any of the above mentioned documents are not available.

Q: What is "Hold At Location?" A: "Hold at Location" offices are the 2go offices where your passport is held for delivery in case your address is not serviceable by 2go. You are required to choose the most convenient collection location (closest to your current residence or office) from the list displayed to you when scheduling your appointment. You will be shown the option for HAL offices available for collection prior to confirming your interview appointment.

2Go will make three attempts to deliver your passport. After that, your passport will be held by 2go for collection for 10 business days at which time period your passport will be returned to the Embassy.

Q: How can I or my representative collect my passport at an 2go office location? A: In order to ensure that your passport and visa are not given to an unauthorized person, government-issued photo identification is required to collect your passport from the 2go HAL location. Examples of such IDs include:

• Civil Service iD
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Q: How will I get my passport back after the interview? A: 2go will deliver passports only at the address specified by you at the time you scheduled your interview. The delivery address cannot be changed after the visa has been approved. The cost of the courier is included in the MRV application fee.

Q: Can my representative collect my passport in my absence? A: Yes. Representatives need to provide the authorization letter and proof of identity listed above.

Q: Do I have to pay any fees to 2go for the courier service? A: No. This fee is already included in your MRV application fee or immigrant visa fee.

©2010 CGI Federal Inc.

• NIV Information
• NIV Application
• Immigrant Visas
• Special Visa Cases
• General Information

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked