Second valid passports are a frequent traveler’s best friend. With a second valid passport, you can travel internationally with one passport at the same time your other passport is at an embassy, getting a visa for an upcoming trip. The only downside to second valid passports is that they are valid for a limited time, and have to be renewed frequently. If you are thinking about getting a second valid passport, we’ve got great news for you: the US State Department is now issuing second valid passports valid for four years!
The US State Department first began to issue second valid passports to deal with the issue of US citizens being denied entry to certain Middle East countries like Iran or Syria because they had Israeli entry stamps in their passport. The secondary passports were issued for just a short two year period, long enough for travelers to complete their travels in the Middle East. The State Department also allows travelers with conflicting travel plans to acquire a second valid passport. For instance, if you need to be in Paris for a business meeting at the same time you need to have your passport at the Consulate General of Brazil to get a visa for your next trip, you are eligible to get a limited validity second valid passport. As it turns out, second valid passports have become far more popular with people whose jobs require constant international travel than with travelers who want to visit restrictive Middle Eastern nations.
Because many countries enforce the “six month rule,” meaning you need to have a minimum of six months validity on your passport when you enter, limited validity passports have an even shorter lifespan. A two year passport would need to be renewed every 18 months!
In late May, US Passport Agencies began to issue second valid passports valid for four years. The Passport Agency in San Francisco lead the way, but we are now seeing four year passports coming out of all of the Passport Agencies we visit. Today, June 2, the State Department has made an official announcement that second valid passports will now be issued with four year validity.
Ready to apply for a second passport? We’re ready to help!