U.S. to discontinue visa inserts for passports

Policy change applies to U.S. passport holders.

The United States will stop adding visa pages into U.S. passports at year’s end. Passport holders may request the 24-page visa inserts until Dec. 31. As of Jan. 1, 2016, they’ll have to order new passports to gain more space for entry or exit visa stamps.

In a press release, the U.S. State Department said discontinuing the insert pages enhances security and aligns with international passport standards.

Applicants within the United States can order 28-page or 52-page passports. Applicants outside the United States can order 52-page passports.

And now is the best time to apply. Demand for passports drops from September to December, which means faster service for applicants. A recent State Department briefing gives more information about getting passports in a hurry and offers other traveler tips.

 

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