March 13, 2002

Changes in Obtaining U.S. Passports While Abroad

According to a recent announcement from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, effective April 8, 2002, American citizens residing or traveling abroad who apply for a U.S. passport will be issued the latest, state-of-the-art passport incorporating a photo-digitized image and other enhanced security features, these new passports will be produced in the U.S. rather than at the Embassy abroad. U.S. Embassies and Consulates will continue to accept and approve passport applications, but the consul anticipates that the new passports will have a delivery time of approximately two weeks after the application is submitted.

All citizens traveling abroad should have a valid passport; however, Americans living and traveling in Mexico are not required to have a current U.S. passport for return to the United States. To board an aircraft or make the land crossing, Americans only need to present a valid photo I.D. and proof of citizenship. Proof of citizenship can be an expired U.S. passport, a U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a naturalization certificate.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates will continue to issue passports in emergency cases. However, the passports will be limited in validity, and cannot be extended.

Courtesy of American Embassy, Mexico City