State Department extends policy allowing some U.S. citizens to return to the U.S. on expired passports

The U.S. State Department has extended a temporary policy that allows some U.S. citizens to return to the U.S. on an expired passport. The policy was set to expire on March 31, 2022, and will be extended until June 30, 2022.

Key Points:

• Under the policy, U.S. citizens currently abroad whose passports expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020, may be able to return to the U.S. using their expired passport.
• Certain criteria apply, and travelers are encouraged to confirm their eligibility on this website before finalizing travel plans.
• Travelers cannot use expired passports to travel from the U.S. to a foreign country or from one foreign country to another for any length of stay longer than an airport connection in route to the U.S. or a U.S. territory.

Additional Information: U.S. citizens are reminded that all air travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of their flight’s departure to the U.S. Individuals wishing to renew their expired passport can find processing times and instructions here.

BAL Analysis: While the extension will ease travel procedures for some U.S. citizens returning to the U.S., it only applies to a limited number of travelers. BAL continues to urge individuals to consult their BAL professional before planning international travel, as policies may change with little notice and could affect travelers’ ability to re-enter or return to the U.S.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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