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Update April 12, 2024

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Enroll in email updates so you know when your application status changes. Use the following information to check your status and enroll in updates: 

• Include suffixes (ex. Jones III, Patton Jr, etc.)
• If you have a hyphen in your name, enter it with and without the hyphen if you cannot find a status update on the first try. (ex. Jackson-Smith, Jackson Smith, or JacksonSmith)
• Date of Birth  (MM/DD/YYYY)
• Last Four Digits of Social Security Number

What Your Status Means

I got a letter and/or email requesting more information, help what should i do if:, my passport was "mailed" but i have not received it..

If you have waited over two weeks since we mailed your passport, call us at 1-877-487-2778  (or  1-888-874-7793  if you are deaf or hard of hearing).

We will help you complete a special form (known as the DS-86 form ) which is a signed statement that you didn't receive your U.S. passport.

You must complete the DS-86 form within 90 days of the date we issued your passport. After 90 days, you must reapply and pay all fees, by law.

I applied and need my passport sooner than I thought.

Call us at  1-877-487-2778  (or  1-888-874-7793  if you are deaf or hard of hearing). You’ll need either your application number or your last name and date of birth.

• Get expedited service for $60. 
• Get 1-2 day delivery of your completed passport book for $19.53. One-to-two day delivery is not available for passport cards. We only send cards via First Class Mail.

I changed my mailing address.

Do not contact us if your address changed  after  you received your passport.

Contact us only if your mailing address changed while you are waiting for your passport.

If you want to receive your passport at an address other than your own, we will send the passport “In Care Of” someone else who lives at that address.

Contacting Us If You Have Urgent Travel

Check your application status online and sign up for updates via email . How our contact center can help you depends on your travel date, and if you have applied or not yet applied...

I have already applied and do not have my passport

I have not applied yet, reminders for contacting us.

• Representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We close on federal holidays.
• Our primary number is 1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-888-874-7793 for TDD/TTY teletype services.
• Contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate if you are applying outside the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

You cashed my check. why is my status still "not available".

Still In Transit: Your application status is "Not Available" because your application is still in transit to a passport agency or center. After you apply, your application is:

• Delivered to a mail facility. Your tracking number may say that your application has "Arrived" at the mail facility. 
• Sent from the mail facility to an intake facility where your payment is processed (check is cashed). 
• Sent by the intake facility to a passport agency or center. 

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. 

Problem with your Application : In some cases, it may take longer than 2 weeks if our intake facility finds a problem with your application. We will contact you if we need more information. 

Technical Issue : We may have a temporary, technical issue with our system. Please try again in several hours. 

Entering Your Last Name : If you cannot find a status update on the first try, make sure the name you enter is spelled the same as the name you provided on your passport form. If you have a hyphen in your name, try entering your name with and without the hyphen.

Why does my status say "Mailed" if I just applied?

Your status may be "Mailed" if you received a new passport in the last 180 days, and you are re-applying for a new passport. For example, you may need to use  Form DS-5504 if you need to Change or Correct Your Passport . It may take 2 weeks after the date you apply on Form DS-5504 for your status to change to "In Process." 

Why does my status say "In Process" after it was already "Approved"?

You may see this update if we discovered a problem we need to fix during our final review of your passport. We are fixing the issue and preparing to print a new passport for you. 

Will I receive my new passport and my documents back in one envelope?

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

• New passport book
• New passport card
• Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your citizenship documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778 .

How do I know which location is processing my application and has my documents?

The first two digits of your nine-digit passport application locator number allow you to know which agency or center is working on your application. You can find your application locator number by checking our  Online Passport Status System . The unique digits for each of our agencies and centers are below.

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

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U.S. citizens traveling abroad

Find out about visas, the Trusted Traveler programs, what to do in an emergency, and more.

Visas for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.

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The travel documents you need as a U.S. citizen to travel to or from a U.S. territory or Freely Associated State depend on your destination.

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Data insights.

Below is U.S. Travel’s latest travel industry research, including insights into emerging trends, factors driving travel’s growth, as well as data to convey the importance of the travel industry and influence business leaders and legislation to strengthen travel for the future.

Please note that some of our research products are exclusively available to U.S. Travel members. Learn more about becoming a member or email [email protected] .

U.S. Travel's Data Insights

Latest Travel Data Newsletter

Our monthly data newsletter features a forward-looking outlook of the travel industry, including a summary of the latest economic, consumer and travel indicators, trends and analysis as well as key highlights from the Recovery and Growth Insights Dashboard. Member log-in required.

View the Latest Travel Data Newsletter ›

Travel Price Index (TPI)

Developed by U.S. Travel, the Travel Price Index (TPI) measures both the one-month change and 12-month change in the cost of travel away from home in the United States on a seasonally-adjusted basis. The TPI is released monthly and is directly comparable to the Consumer Price Index. Member log-in required .

View the Travel Price Index ›

Quarterly Consumer Insights

Bringing together results from our Business Travel Tracker and Ipsos Consumer Survey, these quarterly consumer insights provide a more in-depth look at current traveler behavior and shifts in traveler trends, all within the context of an evolving macroeconomic environment.

View Quarterly Consumer Insights ›

The U.S. Travel Insights Dashboard

The U.S. Travel Insights Dashboard is the most comprehensive and centralized source for high-frequency intelligence on the U.S. travel industry and broader economy. The dashboard is updated the last week of every month. Member log-in required.

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Trending Research

THE ITINERARY Q3 Insights Reveal Holiday Travel Expectations and the Economic Cost of Not Addressing Traveler Pain Points

THE ITINERARY Business Travel Accelerating

THE ITINERARY The Economic Rollercoaster

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An official website of the United States government

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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.

TSA PreCheck® expedited screening allows eligible travelers to keep on their shoes, light outerwear, belts and more. Learn more.

Be prepared for your next flight. Learn about the checkpoint security screening process and policies.

TSA Cares is a resource that provides travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about security screening.

Learn what items can be packed in your carry-on or checked baggage.

7 Bucket-List State Parks For RVers

If you want to experience the best of nature in your RV, put these state parks on your bucket list.

This Is The Most Peaceful Place To Live In Colorado

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12 Top Travel Destinations In The US For 2024

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7 Towns Outside Las Vegas With The Lowest Crime Rates

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7 Easiest 46er Peaks To Hike In The Adirondacks

Whether you're attempting the hiking challenge or looking for a scenic view, these easy hikes in the Adirondacks High Peaks are simple but stunning!

Everything You Need To Know About NYC's Taxis

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7 Places To See The Next Solar Eclipse In 2033

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9 National Parks With Free Entry

Explore America's natural beauty without spending a penny with these free US national parks with no entrance fees!

7 Affordable Retirement Alternatives To Houston, Texas

Explore budget-friendly retirement options beyond Houston, Texas. Discover affordability without compromising quality of life.

This Underrated Washington Town Is A Popular Destination To Retire

Vacationers might overlook the small town of Asotin, but it makes a perfect retirement spot, and many seniors love it there.

7 Places That Prove Americans Don't Need To Leave The U.S. To Travel

Why travel abroad when you can explore new places in the U.S. and feel like you're out of the country?

This Small Town Has The Lowest Crime Rate In Florida

The small town of Marco Island may have the lowest crime rate in Florida, making it an ideal spot to vacation or live.

10 Scenic Hikes In Acadia National Park

Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking a challenging ascent or a casual adventurer looking for a leisurely stroll, Acadia has a trail for everyone.

10 US Mountain Towns That Look Like Europe's Alps

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8 Amazing Canyons People Skip In Favor Of The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is certainly amazing, but these other canyons in America offer equally stunning scenery for fans of the outdoors.

This Scenic Town Is An Underrated Alternative To Tampa

Tampa is one of the most visited cities in Florida, but the underrated town of Zephyrhills is worth a detour.

4 travel tips to put your mind at ease during your next trip

The season of summer holiday travel is just around the corner. 

You might find yourself heading to one of the U.S.’s many national parks, exploring a historic European city or jetting off somewhere tropical, like the Maldives.  

That all sounds like fun, but unfortunately, travel mishaps may also happen. Luggage gets lost, passports get misplaced and phones may not work at international destinations when they aren't connected to Wi-Fi.  

To avoid the headaches and prepare for whatever may come your way (or what accidentally gets left behind), follow these simple tips.  

Watch this video to see the four things you should do before your next trip.

Learn more: Best credit cards of 2023

Pre-Travel Tips 

All you need to get travel-ready is your smartphone.

• Take pictures. 

Take pictures and screenshots of the important items and documents before you leave for your trip. 

This would include: 

• Your luggage
• The photo page of your passport
• Your ID cards
• Any travel-related confirmations
• Location and contact details for the places you’re staying

Creating an album on your phone or marking the images as favorites will make it easier to find them should you need them. 

It couldn’t hurt to also share these pictures with a trusted loved one, like a significant other or close friend.

• Turn on Notify When Left Behind

Turn on Notify When Left Behind if you use Apple products.  

The feature, available on some iPhones, iPads, Macs, and AirPods, will notify you if you are separated from your items, like if you forget your AirPods in your hotel room. 

To turn Notify When Left Behind on or off, open the “Find My” app, select the device and then toggle the setting on or off.  

• Tell your credit card company about your plans

Have you ever had your card payment declined when paying for something on a trip? That’s probably because your credit card company is picking up unusual activity and flagging it as suspicious. 

Prevent that from happening by informing your credit card company of any upcoming domestic or international travel by setting a travel notification. 

Many credit card companies allow you to set the notification online or via the app, though some companies may not require one at all. 

• Check international phone plans

If you want to use your phone when you're not connected to Wi-Fi while traveling, see what international phone plans your mobile carrier offers that fit your budget. An international plan will allow you to do things like make and receive phone calls, access social media and find directions as long as you have cell service. Without a plan, those functions will only be available when the device is connected to Wi-Fi.

Bonus tip, you can download maps to use offline and easily navigate a new place!

Reviewed-approved travel recommendations  

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.    

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of experts test everything from sleep masks and travel pillows to luggage and packing cubes to help you shop for the best of the best.  

• Tracking game-changer: Apple AirTags  
• Our favorite sleep mask: Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask  
• A top wireless charger: Yootech Wireless Charger   
• Must-have luggage: Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Luggage  
• Organization hack: Amazon Basics 4-Piece Packing Cubes Set  
• The best portable battery pack: Mophie Powerstation Plus   
• Our favorite travel pillow: Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow  
• Top-rated adult coloring book: Cindy Elsharouni Stress Relieving Adult Coloring Book  

15 Most Expensive Vacation Destinations in the World

Posted: March 1, 2024 | Last updated: March 1, 2024

Exploring the most expensive vacation spots around the world is like stepping into a whole new level of travel. These places aren’t just about stunning views and fancy hotels; they’re about offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. From the clear blue waters of Bora Bora to the rolling hills of Tuscany, each destination on this list brings something special to the table. Whether it’s sleeping in an overwater bungalow, dining in a world-renowned restaurant, or taking a private tour of ancient ruins, these spots are all about making your vacation unforgettable. 

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Musha Cay, Bahamas

Owned by magician David Copperfield, Musha Cay is among the most private and expensive island getaways, offering unparalleled privacy for the ultra-rich. With rentals costing upwards of $50,000 a night, guests enjoy bespoke adventures on 700 acres of pristine land and waters.

With over 1,000 islands, the Maldives is synonymous with luxury travel. Resorts like Soneva Fushi and One&Only Reethi Rah offer private villas, personal butlers, and underwater dining, making it a costly but dreamy escape. Making a week-long stay for two potentially cost between $5,000 to over $30,000, depending on the level of luxury.

Tuscany, Italy

Pristine beaches, exclusive resorts, and private islands like Fregate Island make Seychelles a top choice for luxury travel. Conservation-focused luxury experiences elevate the cost but offer unparalleled natural beauty and privacy. A week-long trip for two in this island paradise, embracing its luxury and exclusivity, could easily cost between $7,000 to $20,000 or more, highlighting Seychelles’ stature as an expensive but idyllic getaway.

Paris, France

A premier ski destination, Aspen offers luxury mountain resorts, gourmet dining, and exclusive après-ski experiences. The high cost of lodging and activities, such as private ski lessons and heli-skiing, make it a pricey winter getaway. A trip to Aspen could cost upwards of $700 to $1,000 per person per day, highlighting its status as a high-cost destination for those seeking a luxury mountain experience.

New York City, USA

Geneva, Switzerland

Copenhagen, Denmark

Santorini, Greece

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Bipartisan bill introduced by Washington, Idaho representatives could ease Native Americans’ travel across Canadian border

This story originally appeared on Underscore.news .

Before there was a border dividing North America, there was the Ktunaxa Nation. Relatives from all across the Ktunaxa Nation could visit each other freely, and hunt and gather along their vast homelands to feed their families. Now the nation is divided by a border, with four First Nations in what’s now Canada, and two in what’s now the United States. The last hereditary nasukin, or chief, of the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqǂiʾit First Nation — one of the six making up the Ktunaxa Nation — could cross from Canada into the United States by walking from one side of his house to the other.

After the American Revolutionary War the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Amity Commerce and Navigation , commonly known as the Jay Treaty , in 1794. It allowed for commerce and provided free border crossing to U.S. citizens, British subjects and Indigenous peoples but the border boundary remained unclear. The colonial border between the U.S. and Canada was formally decided in the Oregon Treaty of 1846 which placed the future states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana in what is now the U.S. When creating the border, there was never any consultation with the Native nations whose ancestral lands the border divided, cutting nations in half. Some Indigenous people woke up one morning in a new country, subject to a whole new set of laws.

An undated photo of Chief David, the last hereditary chief, or nasukin, of the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqǂiʾit First Nation. The colonial implementation of the border between the United States and Canada literally divided his house between two nations.

Courtesy Heidi Gravelle / Nasukin of the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqǂiʾit First Nation

Citizens of federally recognized First Nations in Canada can cross the border, or what many Indigenous people call the northern medicine line, into the United States with identification issued by a Native nation. However, they may be asked to show proof of at least 50% blood quantum , violating the rights of Native nations to establish their own citizenship requirements. Washington Rep. Derek Kilmer and Idaho Rep. Russ Fulcher, in collaboration with the Jay Treaty Border Alliance , introduced legislation in March called the Tribal Border Crossing Parity Act . This legislation would eliminate the blood quantum requirement, simplifying the process for Indigenous people to cross from Canada to the U.S., something Indigenous leaders across the U.S. and Canada are in support of.

“Blood quantum was originally imposed by the United States as a method of eliminating Indians and Indian Nations,” said Jennifer Porter, chairwoman of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. “While some tribes continue to use blood quantum to determine citizenship, it is their choice to do so. It gets back to tribal self-determination and governance. Tribes and First Nations should have the right to determine who our citizens are based on criteria we have adopted, not criteria imposed by outside governments like the United States.”

Porter went on to say that Native identity is not tracked using blood quantum in Canada, adding another layer of complications at the border.

“It separated families,” said Heidi Gravelle, Nasukin of the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqǂiʾit First Nation, also known as the Tobacco Plains Indian Band .

The Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqǂiʾit First Nation is one of several Ktunaxa Nation communities in Canada, where the southern boundary of their reserve touches the U.S. border in Montana. With the creation of the border, Gravelle’s own family was split in half. Her grandmother had to choose whether to live with her father’s family in what’s now considered Canada or her mother’s in what is now considered the U.S. All her family used to live in one region and the border separated them into two different countries with their own unique laws.

The border has added additional difficulties in daily life as well. Today, kindergarten through 12th grade students from the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqǂiʾit First Nation must cross the border to get to and from school in Montana, according to Gravelle.

“You never know when you cross which rights of yours as an Indigenous person are going to be violated and to what extent,” Gravelle said.

Addressing broken promises to tribal nations

The Ktunaxa Nation is made up of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes along with four first nations: ʔaq̓am , ʔakisq̓nuk , yaqan nuʔkiy , and Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it . Although each nation has separate governments, they remain connected with cultural and familial ties bonding them together, according to Porter.

“Let’s be clear – the Ktunaxa Nation predates both the United States and Canada and Ktunaxa people were created in Ktunaxa territory to guard and keep the land forever,” Porter said. “It is the inherent right of Ktunaxa people to travel throughout our territory, despite artificial boundaries imposed by the colonial powers.”

The Department of Interior currently has the authority to issue certificates “proving” a person’s Native American or Alaska Native heritage. The process requires extensive documentation, and Native nations believe it infringes on their rights to determine their own citizenship qualifications.

The goal of this bill is to restore the original intent of the Jay Treaty, allowing citizens of Native nations to freely cross between the U.S. and Canada, according to U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer.

“I see this bill as addressing just one of many broken promises that the federal government has made to tribal nations,” said Kilmer. “For far too long, the federal government has failed to live up to its trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal nations.”

Originally, the Jay Treaty did not set forth blood quantum requirements to exercise that sovereign right to cross the northern medicine line. The Jay Treaty of 1794 established trade policies between the U.S. and Great Britain in the name of peace between the colonial powers. It also established the right of Native Americans to freely cross the newly implemented border. It wasn’t until over 150 years later with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 that set forth an amendment imposing a blood quantum requirement.

“It’s important to note that our right is inherent and does not rely on the Jay Treaty,” said Porter. “But, it’s good to remind the United States that it recognized that right in a treaty, which means it’s the supreme law of the land and needs to be implemented properly.”

Larry Wright, Jr., Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, executive director of the National Congress of American Indians believes that removing the blood quantum requirement is an act of honoring the sovereignty of Native nations and their inherent right to determine their own citizenship criteria. He also believes it would facilitate greater freedom of movement across the border, allowing Native communities to engage in important cultural and spiritual practices.

“The [50% blood quantum] requirement undermines tribal sovereignty, and really perpetuates discriminatory practices rooted in termination era,” said Wright. “The Tribal Border Crossing Parity Act is a welcome amendment to the Jay Treaty, and aims to rectify those discrepancies by ensuring that the right to cross the border extends to all members, and those eligible to become members, of federally recognized tribes.”

Gravelle echoed Wright’s sentiments.

“How does my blood quantum level impact the safety or equity of your country?,” Gravelle said. “It’s just a derogatory racial implication that they want to hold onto for that falsified sense of power over Indigenous people.”

Underscore is a nonprofit collaborative reporting team in Portland focused on investigative reporting and Indian Country coverage. It is supported by foundations, corporate sponsors and donor contributions. Follow Underscore on Facebook and X .

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Travel webinar: megastructures with historian alexandra richie.

Join The National WWII Museum's Educational Travel Team and Historian Alexandra Richie to learn about the Megastructures: Forced Labor and Massive Works in the Third Reich tour.

Join historian and author Alexandra Richie, DPhil, for an overview of The National WWII Museum's Megastructures: Forced Labor and Massive Works in the Third Reich tour. Richie and Senior Director of Educational Travel Sarah Kirksey will provide commentary on the tour itinerary, the significance of the places visited, and what it’s like to explore rarely accessed World War II locations in Germany and Poland more than 80 years after the war.

To join this webinar, click here and enter passcode 566646.

Learn more about the Megastructures tour here .

For tour questions or for more information, the Educational Travel Team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT. Call 1-877-813-3329 x 257 or email [email protected] .

Expand the walls of your classroom and make cross-curricular connections with the Museum’s FREE webinar series.

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World War II Unknowns: A Roundtable Discussion Commemorating the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

2021 marks the centennial of the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

"Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Experiment"--A Conversation with Ronald Grigor Suny, PhD and Jason Dawsey, PhD

One of the world’s leading scholars on Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union joins Institute Historian to discuss this critical figure in 20th century history.

From Soldiers to Civilians: Reflections on How the VA Assisted Veterans Returning Home After World War II

Join The National WWII Museum and historians with the Veterans Benefits and Health Administrations as we reflect on and discuss the impact of these institutions on soldiers returning to civilian life after World War II.