What is the Deal With Proof of Travel as a Passport Requirement?

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, they must then go through the trouble of changing their flight. In other cases, travelers may be flying privately, or they are driving to Mexico or Canada, and do not have anything to prove they are traveling.

Regardless of the reason, it seems to be a common problem for our travelers to have a difficult time meeting this requirement. Please read on if this sounds like you so we can help you understand and meet the “proof of travel” requirement for your passport.

What Does Swift Require?

• For our 4-6 Day Service and 10 Day Service, proof of travel needs to be in 17 calendar days or less. 
• For our 15 Day Service, proof of travel needs to be in 21 calendar days or less.   

In most cases, this is a printout of your flight itinerary, such as the confirmation email you are sent after booking a flight online. 

• If you need to obtain a travel visa prior to traveling, your proof of travel is allowed to be 30 days out. 
• If you are traveling for work purposes, you also have the option of providing a company letter of intent instead of a printout of your flight itinerary.  This letter should detail your travel plans and be signed by someone in your company other than yourself.

What Does the Acceptance Agent Require?

If You Are Applying for a NEW, LOST, or CHILD Passport

The Passport Acceptance Agents typically require 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 for your proof of travel. Please note, you may have to call more than one acceptance facility. Often times, the passport 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. A printout of the confirmation email that you are emailed after booking a flight is ideal.
• A signed letter on company letterhead detailing your business travel. Must include your next international destination, where you will depart from, expected flight number, and the date and times you plan to travel. It should state that you need an expedited passport and be signed by a supervisor or somebody else in your company.

Keep in mind that the passport acceptance agent has instructions in their manual that indicate that they should REQUIRE you to have proof of travel in 2 weeks or less. However, they may look outside the box and accept one of the items listed above since they prove the immediate need for travel in an alternative format.  Keep in mind, some may 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.

Help Booking a Flight

Here are some websites that will allow you to book or reserve a flight:

• Contact a Travel Agent!
• Use a “book now and pay later” flight booking service
• Kayak allows you to book and change flights for free.
• Yatra lets you hold flights for free.