Jet-setters, take note: the U.S. Department of State has made a change to its passport policy. Starting January 1, 2016, the DOS will no longer add visa page inserts into U.S. passports. Those who need to obtain additional pages in their valid passports will have to get a new passport by mail.
Currently, U.S. passport holders have the option to pay for the insertion of additional 24-page visa inserts if extra pages are needed to accommodate entry or exit visa stamps. Requests for these inserts will only be accepted until December 31, 2015.
The DOS decided to discontinue the option to add inserts in an effort to “enhance the security of the passport and to abide by international passport standards,” according to a November 19 media release.
Starting October 1, 2014, applicants within the United States were given the opportunity to select a 52-page passport at no extra cost. Twenty-eight page passports are also available.
If you are a frequent traveler with a valid passport, be sure to ask for the 24-page visa inserts before the new year. For more information on passports, visit travel.state.gov/apply early or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793.
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