U.S. Citizens can travel home on Expired Passports

On May 28, 2021, a bulletin was issued permitting U.S. citizens to use their expired U.S. passports, whose passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, to return to the U.S. through Dec. 31, 2021. This exception is hereby extended to allow the use of certain expired U.S. passports for direct return to the United States through March 31, 2022.

Expired passports cannot be used to travel from the U.S. to an international destination or to travel to a
foreign country for any length of stay longer than an airport connection en route to the U.S. or to a U.S. territory.

Travelers qualify for this exception if all the following are true:

• They are a U.S. citizen.
• They are currently abroad seeking to return to the U.S.
• They are flying directly to the U.S., a U.S. territory, or have only a short-term transit, or connecting
  flight, through a foreign country on their return to the U.S. or to a U.S. territory.
• Their expired passport was originally valid for 10 years. Or, if they were 15 years of age or younger
  when the passport was issued, their expired passport was originally valid for five years.
• Their expired passport is undamaged and in their possession.

Any questions concerning the scope or implementation of this guidance, including the authorization for U.S.
citizens to board an aircraft, should be directed to the appropriate Regional Carrier Liaison Group or other
designated CBP official for adjudication prior to aircraft departure.

As always, please call our office with any questions 630-262-1435.

Carrier Liaison Program – notice dated December 21, 2021.