Adding pages in a passport using Form DS-4085, Application for Additional Visa Pages or Miscellaneous Passport Services, was suspended by the U.S. Department of State in 2016 to avoid bulky passports. They believe that bulkiness may risk the security of a passport. As a solution, frequent travelers may choose a 52-page passport book to accommodate more visa stamps.
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How many pages is a standard passport?
A standard passport book has 28 pages. Seventeen of those are blank pages for entry or exit visa stamps. If you travel a lot, a standard passport may not be suitable for you. You may opt for a 52-page passport book when you submit your passport application.
How many blank pages come with a new passport?
There are 17 pages in a 28-page standard passport book. In a 52-page passport book, 43 pages are blank and used for entry or exit visa stamps.
What happens if I run out of pages in my U.S. passport?
If you run out of pages in your U.S. passport, you need to apply for a new one. Adding pages to your U.S. passport can be done by submitting a new passport application to a passport acceptance facility by mail or in person.
If the passport in your possession is valid and undamaged, you may renew your passport by mail. To make sure you do not run out of pages, get the 52-page passport book by marking “Large Book (Non-Standard)” in your Form DS-82, U.S. Passport Renewal Application For Eligible Individuals.
You also need to submit the following documents:
- Your most recent U.S. passport;
- Name change documents, if applicable;
- Valid passport photo; and
- $110-application fee.
For the routine service, mail your passport application to:
National Passport Processing Center
PO Box 90155 Philadelphia
PA 19190-0155
For the expedited service, you need to add $60 and mail your passport application to:
National Passport Processing Center
PO Box 90955 Philadelphia
PA 19190-0955
If the passport in your possession is damaged or invalid, you may go to a passport acceptance facility to apply. Bring the following:
- Form DS-11, Application Form for New U.S. Passport;
- An original and a photocopy of citizenship evidence, such as your birth certificate or baptismal;
- An original and a photocopy of your government-issued identification;
- A valid passport photo that is clear, colored, and with a plain white or off-white background; and
- $110-application fee and $35-execution fee.
Mark “Large Book (Non-Standard)” in your Form DS-11 to get the large book.
How do I get more pages added to my passport?
You can get more pages by replacing or renewing your passport. When you fill out Form DS-11 or Form DS-82, mark “Large Book (Non-Standard)” to get a 52-page passport book. It has 43 blank pages allotted for entry or exit visa stamps.
What is a 32-page passport?
A 32-page passport book is issued in other countries, such as Kenya and United Kingdom. Although, a U.S passport was once 32 pages back in 1926. It was a hard-covered booklet-type passport with two years validity period. In 1941, it was changed to 48 pages.
Some countries call a 32-page passport book “A Series” and consider it the regular or standard passport. These are the countries that issue passport numbers that have a prefix letter called series. It denotes the year when the passport is issued and is used to distinguish a passport type.
How do I get a 32-page passport?
The process for obtaining a passport depends on the country you are in. In the U.S., you cannot get a 32-page U.S. passport book. You may visit your local passport acceptance facility to inquire.
How much is a 32-page passport?
You cannot apply for a 32-page passport book in the U.S. However, in Kenya, this type of passport book costs KSh 4,550.00. Passport fees may vary depending on which country you apply for a passport.
What is the 52-page passport book?
The 52-page passport book is called the non-standard or large book. You may get it by marking “Large Book (Non-Standard)” in your Form DS-11 or Form DS-82 when you apply for a new passport. There is no additional fee if you order it.
Do I need a 52-page passport?
Yes. If you are a frequent traveler, you might need more blank pages for entry or exit visa stamps. Most countries require two to four blank pages; otherwise, they will not allow you to board a flight.
How do I get a 52-page passport?
If you have an undamaged and valid U.S. passport, you may get a 52-page passport book by mailing your Form DS-82 and other requirements. Otherwise, you need to fill out Form DS-11 to submit a new passport application in person. Either way, make sure to mark “Large Book (Non-Standard)” in the form you are filling out to get more visa pages.
Does a 52-page passport cost more?
No. The 28-page passport book and the 52-page passport book cost the same. You will still pay the passport application or renewal fee.
Here is the list of expenses:
- Passport Card = $30
- Passport Book = $110
- Passport Card and Book = $140
If you are applying for a new passport or replacement, you need to add $35 for the acceptance fee. If you are renewing your old yet valid passport, you do not have to pay the acceptance fee.
What do I do if my visa pages are full?
If your visa pages are full, you need to renew your passport. Submit your application by mail and opt for the large book for more visa pages. You cannot travel without blank pages on your passport. Some countries may deny you entry if you do not have two to four blank visa pages.
How many pages should be empty in a passport?
Each country requires a standard number of empty pages in a passport. The safest you can maintain is two to four blank visa pages. It is best to research the country you want to visit before your flight schedule to ensure you have the exact number of empty pages on your passport to accommodate an entry and exit stamp.
Can I take pages out of my passport?
No, you must not take out or tear pages of your passport. Once you do it, your passport will be considered damaged and invalid. If this happens, you need to replace it using Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility. Then, explain the damage.
What are the pages for in a passport?
Passport pages have distinct purposes.
- Cover — The cover page of a passport contains the label and the issuing country.
- Identity — The information pages in a passport contain the owner’s biometrics, photo, and profile. They are essential in proving identity or U.S. citizenship.
- Visas — The visa pages are allotted for entry or exit stamps, showing the travel history of the passport holder. Without empty visa pages, a passport holder cannot enter or exit a country.
- Amendments — Most countries issue passports that contain pages for amendment purposes. It includes placing travel restrictions, changing conditions for travel abroad, or amending the period of validity.
What is the first page of the passport called?
The first page of a passport is called the cover page. At the back of it are Abraham Lincoln’s quote, an image of the seal of the United States, and a message from the Secretary of State asking the authorities of other nations to give access to the passport holder.
What is the last page of the passport?
The last page of a passport contains a quote from Ellison S. Onizuka and websites and addresses for various purposes, including restrictions on importation of goods and services, customs and border protection, agriculture, U.S. taxes, and social security.
How many blank pages are required in a passport to travel to the U.S.?
You need to have two to four blank visa pages to travel to the United States. If you have less than the required number, you need to renew your passport ahead of time.
What countries require two blank passport pages?
Here is the list of countries that require two blank passport pages.
- Angola
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Chad
- China
- Cuba
- Curacao
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Finland
- Germany
- Holy See
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Kenya
- North Korea
- Laos
- Netherlands
- Netherlands Antilles
- Niger
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Russia
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Swaziland
- Togo
- Zimbabwe
How much do extra passport pages cost?
Whether or not you opt for the 52-page passport book, your passport fee remains the same. You will still pay the $35 acceptance fee for a new applicant or passport replacement and the $110 application fee for a passport book.
How long does it take to get additional passport pages?
You will get your new passport in 18 weeks if you availed the routine service. If you want a shorter processing time, you need to add $60 for the expedited service that takes up to 12 weeks.
There are private passport agencies that offer expedited services for $399 for a six-week processing time.
If you need to travel right now due to a life or death emergency, go to a passport acceptance facility and avail the Life-or-Death Emergency service for three business days processing time. Bring your passport application and other documents that support your situation, such as a medical or death certificate.
You may also make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility if you need to travel in less than twelve weeks. However, it is uncertain that you can make an appointment because this type of service is extremely limited.