Elimination of Visa Page Inserts for U.S. Passports

The U.S. Department of State announced that beginning January 1, 2016, DOS will no longer add visa pages into U.S. passports. As a result of this policy change, applicants in need of additional pages in their valid passports must obtain a new passport by mail. Previously, U.S. passport holders had the option to pay for the insertion of 24 additional visa page inserts into their current, valid passport if it lacked adequate space for entry or exit visa stamps.

Requests for additional 24 page visa inserts will only be accepted until December 31, 2015. Beginning January 1, 2016, applicants in need of additional pages in their passports must obtain a new passport by mail.

DOS indicates that this decision was made to enhance the security of the U.S. passport and in adherence with international passport standards.

Applicants with passports without adequate space for visa stamps are encouraged to apply for their new passport as early as possible in advance of travel.