Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of State announced that beginning May 21, 2021, U.S. citizens will be able to return to the United States on an expired U.S. passport through December 31, 2021, if they:
- are a U.S. citizen.
- are currently abroad seeking to return to the United States.
- are flying directly to the United States, a U.S. territory, or have only short-term transit (connecting flight) through a foreign country on their return to the United States or to a U.S. territory.
- have an expired passport that was originally valid for 10 years (or 5 years if the individual was 15 years of age or under when the passport was issued).
- have an expired passport that is undamaged and in their possession.
Please note that an expired U.S. passport may not be used to travel from the United States to an international destination for any duration longer than an airport connection.
I have received many calls from U.S. citizens living abroad who have been unable to get an appointment to renew their expired U.S. passport at the U.S. embassy in their country of residence. This announcement will permit U.S. citizens with expired passports to enter the U.S. and apply for a new passport while in the U.S.
We assist many clients in this process. If you need our assistance, please fell are to contact our office.