Emergency Passports Available from US Embassy and Other Service Updates

The US Embassy in London has updated information on which services are available at this time. Due to the spread of COVID-19, and the UK's lockdown guidance, the Embassy has been operating with a reduced number of staff, meaning that many services normally offered have been unavailable. The US Embassy has, however, confirmed that they are able to provide emergency passport services. Here are details on what services are and aren't available, and guidance:

Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)

Due to a temporary suspension of printing centers in the United States, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad are not currently available. The US Embassy advises you keep an eye on the Embassy's website for further updates when CRBA appointments can resume.

Existing applications for a CRBA / Passport

The Embassy advises that if, prior to the suspension of services, you'd applied for a CRBA, passport or another citizenship service, significant delays should be expected. They are also unable to advise on the status of pending applications. They recommend you continue to review their website, and when normal operations resume, to raise any questions using the Passport Office Contact Form.

New applications for Passports

The Embassy remains unable to process new applications for passports, and so they ask that if you have yet to submit an application, and do not have urgent travel plans, to avoid mailing applications to the Embassy until normal operations have been resumed. They also remind Americans that US passports can be renewed at any time after they have expired, and the passport remains valid for travel to the US until the day it expires.

Urgent travel requirements, but your passport has expired

If you have an urgent need to travel, but your US passport has expired, the Embassy may be able to assist with issuing a limited-validity emergency passport. The Embassy explain that they have received a number of inquiries for limited-validity emergency passports, so recommend you contact them seven days before your planned travel. The Embassy advise that they need the following information to be sent via their Passport Enquiries Form, including:

★ - The preferred appointment date
★ - The applicant’s surname
★ - The applicant’s given name
★ - The applicant’s date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
★ - The applicant’s contact telephone number
★ - The applicant’s e-mail address
★ - The names of any non-applicants who will be appearing for this appointment (such as the child’s parents or legal guardians if the applicant is under the age of 18, or a carer)
★ - Is the applicant a child applying for their first passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad? Y/N

The Embassy also note that applicants should be prepared show a confirmed itinerary for travel within the next seven days. The Embassy also advise that for emergency passport renewals, fees can only be accepted in cash.

For more information and updates on the Embassy's services for American Citizens, go to https://uk.usembassy.gov/information-for-american-citizens-following-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/.