Everyday, our travelers ask us if proof of travel is really necessary in order for Swift to expedite a passport. Many travelers do not want to book a ticket unless they have a passport in hand. After all, if there is a problem getting the passport, then they have to go through the trouble of changing their flight. Other travelers are flying privately, or they are driving to Mexico or Canada, and do not have anything to prove this. Regardless of the reason, it seems to be a common problem for our travelers to have difficulty meeting this requirement. Please read on if this sounds like you, so we can help you understand and meet the “proof of travel” requirement.
If You Are Applying for a NEW, LOST, or CHILD Passport
Ideally you should have a flight itinerary showing proof of travel in 2 weeks or less. If you do not meet this requirement, call the passport acceptance agent that you plan to visit to what else they may accept. You may have to call more than 1 acceptance facility. Frequently, acceptance agents will accept one of the following:
- A copy of your airline ticket or flight itinerary from your travel agent, airline, or online booking company that shows poof of travel, even if it is more than 2 weeks away
- A signed letter detailing your business travel. Please follow this letter format
- A signed letter detailing that your job requires you to travel frequently and with short notice. Please follow this letter format
- A signed letter explaining that you will be driving to Canada and/or Mexico. Please follow this letter format
Keep in mind that the acceptance agent has instructions in their manual that indicate that they should REQUIRE YOU to have proof of travel in 2 weeks or less. Many of them will look outside the box and accept one of the items listed above since they prove immediate need for travel in an alternative format, but some will not budge from requiring proof of a flight in 2 weeks or less. If you plan to provide one of the items listed above as proof of travel, call your passport acceptance agent to confirm it will be OK with them. You should also confirm their hours since the website is not always accurate. ANY of the items above will be accepted by Swift and the Passport Agency, so getting the acceptance agent to allow it is the only challenge.
If You are Applying for a Passport Renewal
If you are applying for a US Passport Renewal or Adding Pages to your Passport, proof of departure can be any of the following:
- A copy of your airline ticket or flight itinerary from your travel agent, airline, or online booking company. A print out of he confirmation email that you are emailed after booking a flight is ideal.
- A signed letter detailing your business travel. Please follow this letter format
- A signed letter detailing that your job requires you to travel frequently and with short notice. Please follow this letter format
- A signed letter explaining that you will be driving to Canada and/or Mexico. Please follow this letter format
If you cannot provide any of the items listed above, we invite you to find an alternate creative way to prove you have upcoming travel, however sticking to one of these options above is your best bet.
Hopefully this answers any questions that you have about the proof of travel requirement, and you can use your resources to produce something acceptable. Please contact us at 877-917-9438 if you are unclear on what is needed to meet this requirement.
Rob Lee is co-founder of Swift Passport and Visa Services. Originally from Michigan, Rob is an avid fisherman and SCUBA diver who enjoys adventure travel.
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