us state dept Elimination of Visa Page Inserts for U.S. Passports

[Admin_01]

Subject:	Message for U.S. Citizens: Elimination of Visa Page Inserts for U.S. Passports
Date:	Wed, 18 Nov 2015 18:29:06 +0000
From:	Panama-ACS@state.gov
Reply-To:	Panama-ACS@state.gov

 

After December 31, 2015, no more extra visa pages will be added to U.S. passports.  Instead, 52-page passport books will be issued at no extra cost to U.S. citizens applying from outside the United States.  This policy aims to lessen the burden that may be placed on frequent travelers who need more pages and those customers who may need to update residence permits or foreign entry/exit visas to comply with foreign country immigration practices.  The determination to eliminate the visa page insert service was made to enhance the security of the passport and to abide by international passport standards.  The fee for first-time passport applicants is $135; for passport renewals, $110. 

Renew your passport early to make sure you have enough blank pages for visas stamps from other countries. Some require two blank pages for entry and exit.  For more information on entry, exit, and foreign visa requirements, visit travel.state.gov.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Panama enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy/Consulate is 317-5000.