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How to Check the Status of a Passport Application

Anya Kartashova

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

To a frequent traveler, a passport is like a magical key that opens doors to other cultures and far-off destinations. Unfortunately, living out bucket-list dreams in other countries isn’t possible without one.

Applying for a new passport or renewing one can take longer than you might expect — which could cause stress to those who can’t wait to jet off somewhere new. Fortunately, it’s possible to track your passport application status while it’s processing, allowing you to keep an eye on its progress.

Here’s how to check your passport status and what to do if it hasn’t arrived before your trip.

How to check passport application status

Whether you applied in person or renewed a passport by mail, you can check the status of your passport by subscribing to email updates through the U.S. Department of State. Because your application is sent to an intake facility for payment processing before it’s forwarded to a passport center, it may take up to two weeks for the passport renewal status to be updated.

There are two main ways to check your passport's status: Online or by phone. Email can only be used to cancel an appointment at a passport agency or center.

This method will likely be the fastest and easiest for most individuals. To check the status of a passport online, you’ll need to provide the following:

Date of birth.

The last four digits of your Social Security Number.

It's worth noting that passport tracking isn't available if you've applied for a special issuance passport. The following types of passports are considered special issuance passports:

Diplomatic passports.

Official passports.

Service passports.

No-fee regular passports.

Regular fee passports issued by the Special Issuance Agency.

You can also check your passport's status over the phone by calling 877-487-2778. Customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. The call center is closed on federal holidays.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may use the teletype line at 888-874-7793.

It’s not possible to check your passport status by email; however, if you need to cancel an appointment at a passport agency or center, you can do so by emailing [email protected] .

» Learn more: Why you need a passport six months before your trip

What do U.S. passport status updates mean?

Once you locate your pending application, you can enroll in U.S. passport tracking updates by entering your email address. If you see one of the following status updates, here’s what it means.

Not available: This status update means your passport hasn’t arrived at a passport center yet. It can take as long as two weeks for arrival. This update also can appear in case of a technical issue with the website.

In process: Your passport application has reached a passport center and is being reviewed.

Approved: Your application has been reviewed, and your new passport book is being printed.

Passport mailed: Your passport is in the mail to the address you provided on your application. To get the tracking number, enter your information on the U.S. passport application status page .

Supporting documents mailed: Your supporting documents, such as an old passport, a birth certificate or a naturalization certificate, have been mailed back to you. These documents are mailed separately from your passport book.

» Learn more: How to get your first passport

How long does passport processing take?

If weeks have passed since you mailed your passport application, you might wonder where your passport is.

At the time of writing, the U.S. Department of State estimates it will take 10 to 13 weeks for routine passport service and seven to nine weeks for expedited service. Mailing time isn't included in the estimate, so you’ll have to add that to the total time it takes to receive a passport.

If you receive a letter or an email requesting additional documents, your processing time might be increased. To speed it up, reply as soon as possible.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport to book an international flight?

If you haven’t received your passport

If your passport is marked as “mailed” in the system and you don't receive it within 14 days, contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778. You’ll then need to fill out a DS-86 form stating that you haven’t received your travel document. Make sure to fill out the form within 90 days of the passport issue date or you’ll have to reapply for a new passport and pay the fee again.

Note that if the passport arrives after you report it missing, it’ll be canceled and you won’t be able to use it for travel.

If your passport hasn’t arrived within the time frame specified on the Department of State website and you have upcoming travel within 14 calendar days, you should call the National Passport Information Center, which will then contact the processing passport agency on your behalf.

Depending on your travel date, you might need to make an appointment at a passport center and request urgent travel passport service.

» Learn more: How to get a passport in one day

How to track your passport status, recapped

You can track your passport status online or by phone. It may take 10 to 13 weeks for your passport to be processed, or seven to nine weeks if you requested expedited processing.

If you haven’t received your passport and it’s been more than two weeks after it was mailed, contact the National Passport Information Center. If your travel date is coming up soon, you might need to visit a passport center in person to apply for a new document.

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On a similar note...

travel.org passport status

U.S. Passport Application Status

Sorry, we couldn’t find that page. here are several suggestions to help find what you’re looking for:.

  • Check our website's homepage, passportstatus.state.gov
  • Travel.State.Gov
  • U.S. Passports
  • International Travel

Easy ways to check your passport application status

Caroline Tanner

With Fourth of July travel behind us, we're looking ahead to the rest of summer and beyond.

If you are heading abroad during the remainder of this summer or in the fall, the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to renew their U.S. passport a minimum of six months in advance.

As of July, current passport processing times are the same as they were in March — 10 to 13 weeks for routine service and seven to nine for expedited, not including processing and mailing times.

If you've already applied, we encourage as much patience as possible, but you can always check the status of your passport online for updates.

How to check your passport application status online

Once you apply for your passport, it'll take seven to 10 business days for your application to be trackable online via the online passport status system .

travel.org passport status

From there, enter your last name, date of birth, Social Security number and security code.

Before that time frame, the only updates you will see are either "Not Found," which means it is in transit to a passport agency, or "In Process," which means it is with the U.S. State Department and will be reviewed by staff.

travel.org passport status

Additionally, you can provide your email address to receive automatic email updates on your passport status.

How to check your passport application status via phone

An alternative to the online tool, you can also inquire about your passport status via phone by calling the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 (or 888-874-7793 if you're hard of hearing).

Phone hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays.

Current processing times

travel.org passport status

As mentioned, both new applicants and those renewing can expect to receive their passports within 10 to 13 weeks for routine service, costing $130. For more immediate travel, the U.S. Department of State provides the option for expedited service within seven to nine weeks for an additional $60.

Note those time frames do not include mailing times, so be sure to factor in an additional two weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center and up to two weeks for an applicant to receive a completed passport in the mail.

Bottom line

In addition to processing times, remember that many countries, including most of Europe, require your passport to be valid for at least six months at the time of entry, so factor that into when you plan to submit your passport application.

As of July, online passport renewal is currently unavailable , though the U.S. Department of State expects to roll that out later this year.

Related reading:

  • Now up to 13 weeks: Why you should renew your passport for summer travel now
  • Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?
  • Guide to taking your passport photo at home
  • This trick could help you bypass long waits for passport renewals
  • 5 things I learned when renewing my passport for the 1st time

Additional reporting by Mimi Wright and Samantha Rosen.

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How to Check the Status of Your Passport Application

Find out how long it will take to get a new passport.

travel.org passport status

You've booked your flight, booked your hotel, and now you're ready to jet off on your next international adventure . But before you do, you have to make sure your passport is still valid.

Some countries require your passport to be valid for six months after your intended visit, so it's important to make sure you renew before it expires. Renewing a passport can take up to 13 weeks (you can find current processing times on the State Department website ), and you need to make sure you have a good photo .

If you're waiting on your new passport , there are a few ways to check the status of your application. To check your passport status, you will need your last name, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Check Your Passport Status Online

If you applied for your passport in person or by mail, you can check the status of your passport application on the State Department's website — status updates are typically available 14 days after you apply or renew your passport. Your application status will be listed as "Not Found," "In Process," "Approved," or "Mailed." There, you can also sign up for automatic email updates by entering your email address. If you applied online, you can check your status on your MyTravelGov account.

Check Your Passport Status by Phone

You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) to check on your status. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays. You can use the automated system to check your passport information 24 hours a day.

What to Do If You Have Not Received Your Passport

If your passport has been issued, but you have not received it after at least 10 business days, you should call the National Passport Information Center and fill out a DS-86 form . You must report the fact that you have not received the passport within 90 days from the date it was issued, or you will have to reapply and pay the processing fees again.

What to Do If You Just Can’t Wait

Passport processing times can be over 13 weeks, but if you just can't wait, you can pay an extra fee to expedite the application and have it processed in five to seven weeks.

If you have an emergency , like a serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family for which you need to travel outside the U.S. within three days, you can make an appointment for the emergency passport service by calling 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TDD) Monday through Friday (except for federal holidays) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time. For help outside those times, call 202-647-4000.

What to Do If You Applied Outside the U.S.

If you are residing abroad or traveling long-term you can apply for a new passport with the nearest embassy or consulate . However, the application process varies by country and you will either have to apply in person or by mail. Often, consulates will have specific instructions about what mail service provider to use. If you've already applied, you will need to contact the consulate or embassy directly about the status of your application.

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Fill Out Online and Print

You can fill out the following forms:.

  • Application for a U.S. Passport (DS-11)
  • Renewal Application (DS-82)
  • Data Corrections, Name Changes, and Limited-Validity Passports (DS-5504)

Report Lost or Stolen

  • SUBMIT ONLINE : A lost or stolen report for an adult
  • Print out and mail : A lost or stolen report for an adult
  • Print out and mail : A lost or stolen report for a minor

Check Status

  • Check the status of a recently submitted passport application

Add Visa Pages

  • Add blank visa pages to frequently used passports
  • Add blank visa pages when traveling to countries that require several blank pages

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Passport cover and passport photo on desk.

Thousands of Post Offices ™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo.

  • Renewing Passports : If you answer 'Yes' to all 5 eligibility questions in the " Renew a Passport by Mail " section, mail your renewal form directly to the State Department. If you don't meet all the renewal requirements, you'll need to go to a Post Office in person and do a new, first-time passport application.
  • First-Time Passports (and Passport Photos) : Schedule your in-person appointment online.

Schedule an Appointment

Alert: --> online scheduler to make an appointment for passport services to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. The State Department has extremely limited passport services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expect significant delays of several months before receiving your new U.S. passport. Learn More

Passport cover and passport photo on desk.

Alert: Please use our online scheduler , a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk, or visit a Post Office retail counter to make an appointment for first-time passport and photo services. Alternatively, find a location near you with passport walk-in acceptance hours.

First-Time Passports

First-time applicants and people who aren’t allowed to get a new passport by mail.

Apply at a Post Office

Expedited Delivery

Renewing Passports

Most people renewing a passport should mail their application directly to the State Department.

Renew by Mail

Passports for Minors

Passports for children under 16 have special requirements. Make sure you are prepared.

Apply for a First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, are 16 or under, or aren't allowed to renew an existing passport by mail, you need to apply for a new passport in person at the Post Office.

Step 1: Gather Documents Early

Generally, you should apply for your new passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally—at least several months in advance. Passport processing times may vary, so be sure to check the latest State Department service estimates . First-time applicants, minors, and applicants who need a new passport but may not renew by mail may submit their passport application at the Post Office. The U.S. State Department website explains what you'll need to bring with you.

  • Application forms (unsigned)
  • Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
  • Passport fees

Apply for a Passport in Person

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package

Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn how to apply for a passport and what documents you need.

  • Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
  • Print your completed application. DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A Postal employee must witness your signature.
  • Have a passport photo taken.
  • Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
  • Post Offices accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for Post Office acceptance fees.
  • State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."

Get Started on Your Application

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk.

Scheduling Online

  • Go to Schedule an Appointment .
  • Choose the passport service you need, along with the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
  • You can search for appointment by location or date first. If you search by location first, you'll then be asked to choose a date and time; if you search by date first, you'll then need to choose a location and time.
  • After you choose your appointment location and time, provide your contact information, and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
  • Click Review Appointment , then confirm your appointment.

If you need to modify or cancel your appointment, click the Manage Appointments tab and enter your confirmation number and email address or phone number.

Using a Self-Service Kiosk

  • Go to a Post Office location with lobby self-service kiosks. Find USPS Locations
  • At the self-service kiosk, touch the screen to begin, then select "Other Services," then "Passport Scheduler."
  • Choose the passport service you need, then enter the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
  • Search for Post Office locations by ZIP Code™ or City/State and choose a location.
  • Select an available appointment date and time, then agree to the Terms and Conditions.
  • Enter your contact information and decide if you'd like to receive SMS text notifications.
  • Review and confirm your information, then select “Schedule Appointment” to finalize.
  • Take your printed receipt listing your confirmation number and appointment details.

Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance & Processing Fees

First-time passport applications have two types of basic fees, the application acceptance fee and the application processing fee. Passport photos and fees for faster processing are extra. Learn how to calculate fees and what you can use to pay for them.

Application Acceptance Fees – Postal Service

Pay acceptance fees in person at the Post Office. You may pay by check or money order, payable to "Postmaster," debit card, or credit card.

  • $35.00 - Post Office acceptance fee
  • $15.00 - Post Office photo fee (if needed)

Application Processing Fees – Department of State

State Department payment is sent with your application package. State Department fees are paid separately from USPS fees.

  • State Department Fees State Department passport fees vary. Calculate passport fees online .
  • Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
  • Money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." You can buy a money order at the Post Office with cash, a debit card, or a traveler's check. You cannot pay with a credit card.

Application Status Updates

  • Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are on their way to the Department of State. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page " U.S. Passports ."

Renew a Passport by Mail

If you are eligible to renew your passport, please complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (see completion instructions on the form), and mail your completed renewal application directly to the State Department for processing. To verify if your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, please visit State Department Renew By Mail .

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail

A minor's passport may not be renewed by mail; to renew a minor's passport, you need to submit a new, first-time passport application in person . An adult passport may be renewed by mail if it meets certain requirements.

You can renew your adult passport by mail if you answer "Yes" to all 5 of the following statements:

Your passport:

  • Is in your possession to submit with your application.
  • Is undamaged other than normal "wear and tear."
  • Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
  • Was issued within the last 15 years.
  • Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change. (Name changes are explained on Change a Passport .)

If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.

State Department Renew by Mail

Apply early for renewals as many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.

  • Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
  • Print and sign your DS-82 form.
  • Have a passport photo taken. You can schedule a passport photo-only appointment at a Post Office ™ location.
  • Calculate your passport renewal fees .
  • Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
  • Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
  • TIP : Pay for Priority Mail Express ® or Priority Mail ® service and get free envelopes that are large enough to hold your application. Order easily online: Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope or Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope .
  • Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.

How to Renew a Passport - Details

Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application

Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.

Choose one of the following services:

  • USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Delivery Confirmation
  • USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Signature Confirmation
  • USPS Priority Mail Express ® Service (for overnight delivery requests)

Compare Delivery Tracking Services

Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress

If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking ® to see when your package is delivered.

  • With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.

USPS Tracking Status

U.S. Passport Application Status

Expedited Passport Delivery

Get a new passport faster in emergencies & special cases.

If you need your passport faster for emergency travel or another special case, you can send your passport application via Priority Mail Express ® service and pay the State Department fee for faster delivery.

Life-or-Death Emergency

If you need to travel within 72 hours (3 business days) for an immediate family member who is dead, dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury:

  • Visit the Life-or-Death Emergencies page on travel.state.gov to learn if you are eligible.
  • The State Department processes these requests by appointment only.
  • Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel.

Urgent Travel in Less than 10 Weeks

If you are traveling in less than 10 weeks, you must call the State Department Passport Agency to schedule an appointment:

  • You can call 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) to schedule an appointment.
  • Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel, and you must provide proof of travel.

Note : An extremely limited number of appointments are available for customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days), and other restrictions apply .

Get My Passport Fast

Renew Your Passport Fast

If you pay an additional $60 for expedited service and mail it with Priority Mail Express , you can get your renewed passport within 10 weeks.

  • Check your eligibility under Renew Your Passport by Mail, Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail .
  • Prepare your application as listed under Renew a Passport by Mail, Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package .
  • Add these special fees, both payable to the U.S. Department of State, to your regular processing fees.
  • $60.00—Expedited application processing at the State Department
  • $18.32—1- to 2-day delivery service for faster return shipping to you from the State Department
  • Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.
  • Ship your application to the State Department by Priority Mail Express. Cost varies by location.
  • Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
  • Children need evidence of citizenship.
  • Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
  • NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years. They are not "renewable": When a child's passport expires, you must apply for a new passport for them. When making a passport appointment for a child, please choose "New Passport Only" or "New Passport with Photo Services."

Apply for a Minor's Passport

  • Department of State Passport Website English | Español
  • Ask Questions at the National Passport Information Center
  • Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
  • Plan Your Trip with the Traveler's Checklist
  • Get Help in an Emergency Overseas

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State.

Report Your Lost/Stolen Passport

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Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or have to get a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or in person in an emergency.

Renew early. Passport processing times  vary. And some countries and airlines deny entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.

Determine if you can renew your passport

If any of the following are true, you cannot renew your U.S. passport and must instead apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:

  • Issued before your 16th birthday
  • Issued more than 15 years ago
  • Damaged, lost, or stolen. Learn how to report a lost or stolen passport.
  • Issued in your previous name, and you do not have a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name change

If none of the above situations are true, you can renew your U.S. passport.

How to renew your passport and documents you will need

Passports can only be renewed by mail. Online renewals are currently paused. Because it can take up to three months to process your application, it is important to renew your passport before it expires.

Typically, you will need the following items to renew your passport:

  • You can fill out Form DS-82 online , or
  • Download Form DS-82 and fill it out by hand, or
  • Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up a copy.
  • Passport photo
  • Passport fee
  • Your most recent passport
  • Name change documentation, if necessary

Learn how to submit all your documentation and passport fees by mail.

Check with the Department of State to find out the current processing times for passport renewals .

If you need your passport quickly

Learn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent travel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S.

If you need to change your name or correct your passport

After you receive your renewed passport, if you change your name or find an error, you will need to get an updated one to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your current passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

Check the status of your passport renewal

Learn how to check the status of your passport renewal online . Or check its status by phone (call wait times may be long).

Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destination

Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. 

Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the  Department of State's country information page .

  • On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box.
  • On that country's page, look for "passport validity."

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

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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 A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • For Travelers

Apply for a U.S. Passport

DHS provides information on the passport application process, obtaining a visa, border crossing documents, and general travel tips. U.S. Citizens must get a passport issued by the U.S. Department of State to travel overseas.

Information on requirements for U.S. passport applications.

Do I Need a Visa?

Learn about your destination and find out if you need a visa for travel outside the country.

U.S. Passport Application Status

Check the status of a U.S. passport application.

Passport Travel Tips

Safeguard your Passport. You must present your passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States. Carry your passport—do not pack it in your checked luggage. We recommend you make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place as a safeguard in case it is lost or stolen.

Traveling with Children. All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children.

  • If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.
  • If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent. For example, "I acknowledge that my wife/ husband is traveling out of the country with my son/ daughter. He/She/ has my permission to do so."
  • If a single parent has sole custody, a copy of the court custody document can replace a letter from the other parent.

Western Hemispheric Travel Initiative

The Western Hemispheric Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows six types of acceptable documents required for travel in the Western Hemisphere, i.e., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America.

The goal of WHTI is to strengthen border security while facilitating entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers. WHTI makes the traveling process more efficient and convenient.

  • How Do I - For Travelers

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Did Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un Once Use Fake Brazilian Passports To Go to Disneyland?

In 1991, kim jong un and another boy did enter japan using fake brazilian passports. they were reported to have visited tokyo disney resort., nikki dobrin, published march 13, 2024.

For more than a decade, various   posts on Reddit  and across social media have claimed that in the early 1990s, the then-heir apparent for the leadership of North Korea, Kim Jong Il, used fake passports to take his young son, future Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, to visit Disneyland:

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( @historyinmemes/ X)

Another post on X (formerly Twitter), by the account  @VisionaryVoid , stated the same claim this way:

The story goes that Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Un, in an attempt to keep their identities concealed, acquired counterfeit Brazilian passports to gain access to international destinations, including the famous Disneyland theme park in the United States. This purported escapade was seen as an unusual and somewhat ironic move for the leaders of a secretive and isolated regime like North Korea.

Due to the various confirmed reports about members of the Kim ruling family using fraudulent passports to travel internationally, and with some, but not all, family members reportedly having visited Tokyo Disney Resort (but not Disneyland in the U.S.), this story could do with separating fact from falsehood. 

Articles on the Tokyo Disney story published by U.K. news outlets Express  and  Telegraph , and by Al Jazeera , cite Japanese news outlets NHK and the widely read newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun. In 2011, Yomiuri Shimbun reported that on May 12, 1991, Kim Jong Un and another boy thought to be his older brother Kim Jong-Chul entered Japan using fake Brazilian passports. They were reported to have stayed in the country for more than a week, visiting Tokyo Disney on multiple occasions during that trip. According to Express:

The future leader was eight years old when he made the trip from the rogue state to Tokyo's Walt Disney inspired resort, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.  They alleged that a number of covert tricks, illegal actions and steps were taken to ensure Kim's safety. Reports stated that Kim Jong-un and another boy, believed to be his older brother, Kim Jong-Chul, visited the attraction "a number of times" in 1991.  The siblings were said to have entered Japan on May 12, 1991, using Brazilian passports and left more than a week later, according to newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun.

The reports said that although NHK claimed the two boys were accompanied by up to 10 adult officials from North Korea, there was no evidence that the boys' father Kim Jong Il — who ascended to North Korean leadership in 1994 and died in 2011 at age 70 — was among those adults, nor is there any evidence to suggest the family visited any Disney theme park located in the U.S. or any other Disney location throughout the world, aside from the Tokyo Disney theme park. 

Separately,  Reuters  reported that in the late 1990s, Kim Jong Il and then-teenaged Kim Jong Un used fraudulent Brazilian passports. Both passports carried the stamp "Embassy of Brazil in Prague," and were issued Feb. 26, 1996. The subjects in the photographs used for the faked documents were confirmed as Kim Jong Un and his father, of whose birthplaces were listed as São Paulo, Brazil. Per Reuters:

"They used these Brazilian passports, which clearly show the photographs of Kim Jong Un and Kim Jong Il, to attempt to obtain visas from foreign embassies," one senior Western security source said on condition of anonymity.

Kim Jong Un's older half-brother, Kim Jong-Nam, entered Japan illegally in 2001 along with his wife, then-4-year-old son, and another woman who was believed to be either a relative or nanny, according to  The Guardian  and multiple outlets . They were headed to Tokyo Disney, with Jong-Nam traveling on a fake passport from the Dominican Republic. The family was detained by immigration officials at Tokyo's Narita International Airport for attempting to enter the country on false documents before being deported to Beijing. Kim Jong-Nam reportedly never made it to Tokyo Disney on that trip.

An article published by The Japan Times  on May 4, 2001, said:

A man detained by immigration officials at Narita airport on suspicion of trying to enter Japan illegally has admitted he is the oldest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, Japanese public security officials said Thursday. The officials quoted the man, who confirmed that he is Kim Jong Nam, as saying he wanted to visit Tokyo Disneyland. ... South Korean sources in Japan said it was "highly likely" that the detained man was Kim, adding that Kim has entered Japan before on a fake passport.

As the eldest son of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Il, Jong-Nam was considered the heir apparent before reportedly being exiled to China due to the incident at Narita Airport, which is said to have embarrassed his father, thus leading to Jong-Nam's swift replacement by his younger sibling Jong Un in the line of succession.

On Feb. 13, 2017, Jong-Nam was assassinated at Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport at the behest of his younger brother Jong Un. The Wall Street Journal showed security footage from the airport, in which two females could be seen carrying out the attack on Jong-Nam, after he had his face swiped with a cloth said to be soaked in the deadly nerve agent VX .

Author, No. "Son of North Korean Leader Detained at Narita Airport." The Japan Times , 4 May 2001, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2001/05/04/national/son-of-north-korean-leader-detained-at-narita-airport/.

Berlinger, Joshua. "VX Nerve Agent Used to Kill Kim Jong Nam, Police Say." CNN , 24 Feb. 2017, https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/23/asia/kim-jong-nam-vx-nerve-agent/index.html.

Faulconbridge, Guy. "Exclusive - North Korean Leaders Used Brazilian Passports to Apply for Western Visas: Sources." Reuters , 27 Feb. 2018. www.reuters.com , https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1GB2AZ/.

"Https://Twitter.Com/Historyinmemes/Status/1656426885637632003." X (Formerly Twitter) , https://twitter.com/historyinmemes/status/1656426885637632003. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024.

"Https://Twitter.Com/VisionaryVoid/Status/1761445343860809900." X (Formerly Twitter) , https://twitter.com/VisionaryVoid/status/1761445343860809900. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024.

"Japan Expels North Korean Leader's Son." Washington Post , 17 Jan. 2024. www.washingtonpost.com , https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/05/04/japan-expels-north-korean-leaders-son/ed6c37be-aa3c-4081-9ebe-663e99632675/.

Kim Jong-Un: North Korean Leader's Secret Visit to Disneyland under False Identity Exposed | World | News | Express.Co.Uk . 3 May 2020, https://web.archive.org/web/20200503030350/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1276988/kim-jon-un-news-dead-secret-visit-disneyland-false-identity-north-korea-asia-undead-spt.

"Kim Jong-Un 'Secretly Visited Tokyo Disneyland as a Child.'" The Telegraph , 22 Dec. 2011, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/8972975/Kim-Jong-un-secretly-visited-Tokyo-Disneyland-as-a-child.html.

North Korea and the Brazil Passports: Why Were They Used by the Kims? 1 Mar. 2018. www.bbc.com , https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43242596.

Park, Ju-Min. "Five Years Ago, North Korean Leader's Brother Pleaded for His Life." Reuters , 15 Feb. 2017. www.reuters.com , https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN15U1OR/.

"The Moment Kim Jong Nam Was Attacked: CCTV Footage." WSJ , https://www.wsj.com/video/the-moment-kim-jong-nam-was-attacked-cctv-footage/D4AAC6B7-60BE-4457-8B20-093F3F063197. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024.

The Seoul Times . https://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=3052. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024.

Watts, Jonathan, and John Gittings. "Little General Gets Marching Orders on Trip to Disneyland." The Guardian , 5 May 2001. The Guardian , https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/may/05/northkorea.

By Nikki Dobrin

Nikki Dobrin is based in Los Angeles and has previously worked at The Walt Disney Company, as well as written and edited for People, USA Today and The Hill.

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Passport Preparedness for Future Travel

Office of the Spokesperson

September 27, 2022

As the busy summer travel season ends, the U.S. Department of State encourages U.S. travelers to assess their passport needs now ahead of any future holiday travel and trips in 2023. Maintaining a valid passport for both adults and children reduces the risk of missing a trip and prepares travelers for last-minute travel opportunities. The Department encourages U.S. citizens to stay prepared by knowing their passport’s expiration date and applying well before travel.

The Department has issued 17.9 million passport books and cards this year. Applying in the fall or winter allows for faster routine processing due to lower seasonal demand. Travelers should plan ahead and apply for their passports early to avoid the stress and extra cost for expedited processing. With timely effort, applicants also avoid the need for last-minute appointments at regional passport agencies, which become increasingly difficult to obtain when demand is high.

Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months after arrival abroad. In most cases, passengers will not be allowed to board an international flight departing the United States if they do not have the required amount of validity remaining on their passports. We recommend renewing a passport when there is one year of validity remaining.

For more information on how or where to apply, please visit Travel.State.Gov and follow @TravelGov on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

U.S. Department of State

The lessons of 1989: freedom and our future.

IMAGES

  1. How to Check Your Passport Application Status & Renewal Status Online

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  2. Passport Status Ultimate Guide for 2023 and Beyond

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  3. How to Check Your Passport Status Amid a Huge Backlog in Applications

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  4. How To Track A Passport Renewal Status

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  5. How to Check the Status of Your Passport Application

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  6. What's your passport status? Check before you get ready to travel

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COMMENTS

  1. Get your Passport Application Status

    Application Status Description; Not Available: This update may mean your application is: In transit to a passport agency: It may take up to 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is "In Process" at one of our passport agencies and centers.During this time, your application is delivered to a mail facility and your payment is processed at an intake facility.

  2. U.S. Passports

    Processing Times. Routine: 6-8 weeks*. Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*. *Mailing times are not included in processing times. Processing times only include the time your application is at one of our passport agencies or centers. The total time to get your passport includes both processing and mailing times.

  3. Passport Processing Status Update

    The Department of State is committed to processing passport applications as expeditiously as possible. Reducing the volume of pending passport applications, shortening processing times, and increasing agency counter services remain top priorities. Today, we are updating our public information to reflect that routine processing of a passport application now takes 8-11 weeks, and expedited ...

  4. Travel

    Get a U.S. Passport Find International Travel Information Get U.S. Visas Learn About Adopting a Child to and from the U.S. Protect a Child from Parental Abduction to or from the U.S. Replace Life Event Documents Issued by the U.S. Department of State Certify your Document for Use Overseas ...

  5. How to Check the Status of a Passport Application

    By phone. You can also check your passport's status over the phone by calling 877-487-2778. Customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and from ...

  6. U.S. passports

    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. Find out how to apply for or renew a passport for an adult or a minor under 18. Know what to do if a passport is lost or stolen.

  7. National Passport Information Center (NPIC)

    Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it. Call USAGov. Chat with USAGov. Top. Contact the National Passport Information Center for information on U.S. passports. Check the status of a pending application. Find the locations of more than 4,500 passport acceptance ...

  8. U.S. Passport Application Status

    If you are reporting technical issues with this status tool, email [email protected]. If you applied for a special issuance passport, contact your federal travel office or check passportstatus.state.gov on a U.S. government computer or device. <!DOCTYPE html>.

  9. Easy ways to check your passport application status

    An alternative to the online tool, you can also inquire about your passport status via phone by calling the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 (or 888-874-7793 if you're hard of hearing). Phone hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays.

  10. Home

    Create an account to renew your passport or submit a Consular Report of Birth Abroad application. Manage your request or check application status at any time. Consular Services ... transmit citizenship or nationality to a child born abroad. Useful Links. Search for U.S. Embassies and Consulates. State.gov. Travel.State.Gov. Frequently Asked ...

  11. How to Check the Status of Your Passport Application

    Check Your Passport Status by Phone. You can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) to check on your status. The center is open Monday through ...

  12. Passport Application System

    Check Application Status: Visit passportstatus.state.gov 14 business days after you apply. Ask Questions About Your Application: Call 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY) or email [email protected]. Report Technical Problems with this Form Filler: Email [email protected] (do not use for customer service issues).

  13. Passport Application & Passport Renewal

    Passports. Thousands of Post Offices ™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo. Renewing Passports: If you answer 'Yes' to all 5 eligibility questions in the "Renew a Passport by Mail" section, mail your renewal form directly to the State Department.If you don't meet all the renewal requirements, you ...

  14. Renew an adult passport

    Passports can only be renewed by mail. Online renewals are currently paused. Because it can take up to three months to process your application, it is important to renew your passport before it expires. Typically, you will need the following items to renew your passport: Application - You will need Form DS-82.

  15. Need a Passport

    Apply Outside the United States. Applying for a U.S. passport outside the United States is different than inside the United States. Most customers must go to a U.S. embassy or consulate. If you live in Canada, you may be eligible to renew by mail.

  16. Apply for a U.S. Passport

    Check Passport Status Passport Travel Tips. Safeguard your Passport. You must present your passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States. Carry your passport—do not pack it in your checked luggage. We recommend you make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place as a safeguard in case it ...

  17. U.S. Passports

    Travel.State.Gov . U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS. ... I need a passport. I'm an adult. I'm applying for my child under age 16. Children age 16 and 17. Track my application status. Find processing times . What is a passport card? I already have a passport. I'm an adult renewing by mail.

  18. Renew my Passport by Mail

    Renew by Mail. Follow these steps to renew your passport by mail and track your status: Confirm you meet the requirements. Fill out your form online and print it. Submit your most recent passport. Submit other documents (if you are changing your name) Provide a photo. Calculate fees. Mail application and documents.

  19. International Travel Recommendations

    Office of the Spokesperson. April 26, 2022. U.S. citizens considering international travel should plan ahead and be informed about travel requirements before making decisions or firm travel plans. We urge U.S. citizens considering international travel to check their passport expiration date early and if renewal is needed, to submit applications ...

  20. Did Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un Once Use Fake Brazilian Passports To Go

    In 2011, Yomiuri Shimbun reported that on May 12, 1991, Kim Jong Un and another boy thought to be his older brother Kim Jong-Chul entered Japan using fake Brazilian passports. They were reported ...

  21. Passport Preparedness for Future Travel

    September 27, 2022. As the busy summer travel season ends, the U.S. Department of State encourages U.S. travelers to assess their passport needs now ahead of any future holiday travel and trips in 2023. Maintaining a valid passport for both adults and children reduces the risk of missing a trip and prepares travelers for last-minute travel ...

  22. Renew my Passport Online

    On March 8, 2023, we paused our limited release of the online renewal service, so that we can introduce improvements based on customer feedback. During our limited release, over 500,000 customers volunteered to submit their applications online and test our system. We look forward to launching the enhanced application in a full, nationwide release.

  23. How to Get my U.S. Passport Fast

    You must have an appointment to go to a passport agency or center. We cannot guarantee an appointment will be available. Call 1-877-487-2778. We will notify the agency processing your application of your date of travel. Processing times for routine applications are 6-8 weeks, and expedited applications are 2-3 weeks.