Conditions for Obtaining a US Passport
The US passport is an international travel document issued by the United States of America, and according to data from 2025, its holders can travel to 186 other countries without obtaining a visa or receive a visa upon arrival. This passport was ranked 9th in the Henley Passport Index in 2025.
US passports come in various types, each designed for specific groups of individuals and special conditions:
- Blue passport (regular passport)
- Gray passport (diplomatic passport)
- Official passport
- Emergency passport
Obtaining a U.S. passport requires permanent residency and going through steps like an English test and citizenship exam. Common paths include work, study, and investment. The cost is $145 for adults and $115 for children under 16. Processing takes about 11 weeks, or 5–7 weeks with a $60 expedited fee. If you have questions regarding immigration to the United States, for expert guidance, contact Malekpour Immigration Institute for a free consultation.
In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive answers shortly.
Rank of the US Passport
In 2025, the rank of the United States passport in two reputable global indexes is as follows:
- Henley Passport Index
– Rank: 9th globally
– Number of countries that can be visited without a visa: 183 countries
– Description: This index is based on IATA data and expert opinions from Henley & Partners and measures the degree of freedom to travel without a visa.
- Passport Index (Arton Capital)
– Rank: 8th globally
– Number of countries that can be visited without a visa: 186 countries
– Description: This index is based on official data and public sources and measures various criteria including visa-free access, visa on arrival and eVisa.
Specifications of the US Passport
The complete specifications of an American passport are as follows in bullet points:
- Full Name: Includes the full first and last name of the passport holder.
- Passport Number: A unique number assigned to each passport.
- Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the passport holder.
- Place of Birth: The city where the passport holder was born.
- Sex: Specifies the gender of the passport holder (male/female).
- Nationality: The nationality of the passport holder (American).
- Date of Issue: The date the passport was issued.
- Date of Expiry: The date the passport expires.
- Place of Issue: The place where the passport was issued (usually by the Department of State or a US consulate).
- Signature: The signature of the passport holder.
- Photograph: An official passport photo of the holder.
- Security Features: Includes features such as holograms, barcodes, and other security identifiers to prevent counterfeiting.
- Machine Readable Zone (MRZ): Binary codes at the bottom of the first page that contain information readable by automated systems.
- Address and Contact Information: Some passports may include the address and contact information of the holder.
- Passport Type: For example, “Diplomatic Passport” or “Regular Passport.”
These specifications are usually printed on all initial pages of the US passport.
Conditions for Obtaining a US Passport
In response to the question “How to obtain a US passport?” it should be noted that to successfully obtain a US passport, first, you must prove to the US that you can be a good citizen. This means you must be able to demonstrate the expectations of citizenship for the United States. Some conditions for getting a US passport include:
- Permanent Residency
In the first step, you must have obtained permanent residency in the US through one of the immigration visas.
- Physical Presence
The applicant must have lived in the US for three to five years, depending on the type of immigration.
- Age Requirements
There is no age requirement for applying for a US passport. Even infants and children can have their own passport.
- Language Level
The applicant must be able to speak English fluently and be accepted in language tests.
- Citizenship Test
Applicants must attend the citizenship test and succeed in obtaining citizenship in order to receive their passport.
Types of US Passports
US passports come in various types, each designed for specific groups of people and special situations:
Blue Passport (Regular Passport)
The blue passport is issued to US citizens or foreign nationals who have acquired citizenship in the US. Its validity is 5 years for individuals under 16 years and 10 years for those over 16 years. This type of passport is primarily used for tourism and travel purposes, but it can also be used for educational, business, and work matters.
Grey Passport (Diplomatic Passport)
The gray passport is specifically for American diplomats and their immediate family members. This type of passport is designated for individuals such as the current and former presidents, cabinet members, attornies general, Supreme Court justices, and diplomatic officers. Issuance of this passport is free and is not used for recreational travel; therefore, holders of this passport must obtain a blue passport before personal trips. The validity of this passport is 5 years.
Official Passport
This type of passport is issued to government employees and eligible dependents who are on permanent or temporary assignments outside the US. Members of Congress traveling abroad for work purposes must use this type of passport. Its validity is 5 years, and it cannot be used for leisure travel. This passport is also issued without charge.
Emergency Passport
The emergency passport is issued in special cases and for the quick exit of individuals from the US with a maximum duration of 15 days. This passport is issued quickly and is often ready on the same day the documents are submitted. Its validity is one year and is mainly used for urgent work trips or attending a funeral of a relative.
Passport Card
The passport card is a type of identification issued by the US government. This card allows holders to cross land and sea borders between the US and countries like Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is also applicable for migrants to travel within the country. This card has more limitations compared to regular passports.
Temporary Passport
If the validity period of adult passports is less than 10 years, and for children less than 5 years, it is considered a temporary passport. This type of passport is mainly issued for individuals who have changed their name or gender so they can carry out international travel until the original passport is issued.
Which countries can you travel to without a visa with a US passport?
Holders of US passports enjoy the freedom to travel to many countries without needing a visa. Below are some of the visa-free countries with a US passport:
| Germany | France | Italy | Spain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Sweden | Norway | Belgium |
| Switzerland | Canada | Mexico | Brazil |
| Argentina | Chile | Colombia | Japan |
| South Korea | Taiwan | Malaysia | Singapore |
| Thailand | Australia | New Zealand | Mauritius |
Methods for Obtaining a US Passport
Obtaining a U.S. residency is possible through various legal pathways such as work, study, or investment, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately citizenship. The best route depends on each applicant’s personal and family circumstances. Malekpour Immigration Institute provides guidance only for legal immigration options and not for asylum or illegal methods. The image below outlines the main legal paths to obtaining a U.S. passport.
- Obtaining a US passport through work
- Obtaining a passport through study
- Passport through investment
- Obtaining a US passport through birth
- Obtaining a US passport through marriage
- US passport through asylum
Obtaining a US Passport Through Work
There are various ways to obtain a US passport through work. The United States actually provides various US work visas to applicants, allowing individuals to enter the country with these visas and, after a certain period (depending on the type of work visa), be able to obtain a US passport.
The most common visas to work in the US are as follows:
H1 Visa
This type of visa, which is one year in duration, is for skilled workers who have relevant academic qualifications and also have a job offer from an American employer in the United States. If the job and employer are approved by US immigration, the individual can submit an application for a green card or permanent residency to the immigration office at www.uscis.gov.
H1B Visa
This type of work visa is similar to the H-1B visa, but it has a three-year validity instead of one year. Like the H-1 visa, the employer can also apply for a US green card for their employee to immigration.
EB3 Visa
This type of visa is one of the most common work visas in the US, and applicants for a US EB3 visa are divided into three categories. The first category includes individuals with higher education seeking work in specialized jobs. The second category includes workers with non-academic education and technical skills; this visa is issued for professions listed in the US Department of Labor’s list of occupations in demand.
P Visa
The third category includes applicants for low-skill jobs like gardening and house cleaning. For this category, no language, educational, or capital proof is required, and individuals with suitable physical conditions and basic conversational ability can apply for this visa along with their families and obtain a US green card. This visa is also known as the artist visa and is for individuals who are recognized worldwide in art or sports.
Obtaining a US Passport Through Study
Studying in the US does not directly lead to obtaining a passport but can be the first step towards this path. Students first receive a student visa and after graduation, they can use the “OPT” program for work and gaining experience. Then, with the support of an employer for an H-1B work visa, they can subsequently apply for a green card. After a minimum of five years from receiving the green card, it becomes possible to apply for citizenship and ultimately obtain a US passport.
Obtaining a US Passport Through Investment
Obtaining a US passport through investment is possible via the EB-5 visa. This visa is granted to investors who invest a minimum of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in underdeveloped areas) in a US business and create at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens or residents.
After the investment and visa issuance, the investor and their family receive a temporary green card allowing them to reside in the US for two years. After this period and if conditions are met, a permanent green card is issued. Five years after receiving the green card, the investor can apply for US citizenship and, if successful, will receive this country’s passport. Thus, investing in the US can be an effective path to obtaining citizenship and a US passport.
Obtaining a US Passport Through Birth
Under the Fourteenth Amendment, birth in the US grants automatic citizenship and the right to a US passport, regardless of parents’ nationality. This includes children born in territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. While residency in the US through birth does not extend to parents, once the child turns 21, they can sponsor their parents for a green card.
Obtaining a US Passport Through Marriage
According to US laws (US spouse visa), US citizens can bring their spouses to America through two routes. First, via the IR1 visa for couples who have married officially. If the marriage is under two years, spouses can apply for the CR1 visa (2 years) and later permanent residency.
For marriages over two years, the IR1 visa (10 years) applies. The K1 fiancé visa grants 6 months to marry in the US, after which couples can apply for CR1. These visas can eventually lead to a US passport for the spouse.
Obtaining a US Passport Through Asylum
Obtaining a US passport through asylum is possible for those facing persecution in their home country. After approval, asylum in the USA allows legal residence. One year later, applicants can apply for a green card, and after five years, for citizenship. Passing the language and civics tests leads to a US passport.
Advantages of a US Passport
The US passport is among the most powerful passports in the world, and its holder enjoys significant benefits. Below are some of these benefits:
- Visa-free travel
- Citizenship rights
- Wide job opportunities
- Security and protection
- Ease of residence
- Investment opportunities
Value of the US Passport
The US passport, according to the Global Passport Power Index, ranks 7th in the world. Holders of this passport can travel to 188 countries without a visa, while 41 other countries require a visa for entry. The ranking of the US passport is determined based on the total number of countries that allow entry to American citizens without a visa or visa-on-arrival, as well as those that issue electronic travel authorizations (eTA).
Steps to Obtain a US Passport
To obtain a US passport, applicants must complete and submit their documents correctly, following the procedures in order to avoid any delays in receiving their passport. The steps to obtain a US passport are as follows:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Filling out the passport application form | First, the applicant must complete and submit Form DS-11 online through the official website. |
| Providing valid documents | After submitting the form, the applicant must provide documents proving U.S. citizenship. |
| Passport photo | The applicant must visit one of the designated centers to take their passport photo. |
| Passport fees | The associated passport service fees are around $150, which must be paid by the applicant. |
| Submitting the application | Once all steps are completed, the applicant can submit their passport request at passport offices. |
Required Documents for Obtaining a US Passport
To obtain a US passport, applicants must provide specific documents. These documents may vary depending on the type of passport (regular, diplomatic, etc.), but generally include the following:
- Complete the passport form
- Photo ID
- One photo
- Pay the issuance fee
Cost of Obtaining a US Passport
The cost of the US passport related to passport issuance depends on the type of passport and services requested. Below are some of the main costs:
| Applicant Type | Passport Type | Application Fee | Execution Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Time Adult (16+) | Passport Book | $130 | $35 | $165 |
| Passport Card | $30 | $35 | $65 | |
| Book & Card Combo | $160 | $35 | $195 | |
| Adult Renewal | Passport Book | $130 | $0 | $130 |
| Passport Card | $30 | $0 | $30 | |
| Book & Card Combo | $160 | $0 | $160 | |
| Minor (Under 16) | Passport Book | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Passport Card | $15 | $35 | $50 | |
| Book & Card Combo | $115 | $35 | $150 |
Time Required to Receive a US Passport
The time required to process a US passport application is approximately 11 weeks. However, it is worth noting that some agencies expedite the process for a significant fee. By paying $60 to these agencies, you can reduce your application processing time to 5 or 7 weeks.
Renewing a US Passport
The US immigration office has provided conditions for citizens to renew their passports from anywhere in the world without needing to enter the United States. If the American passport is lost, expired, or needs renewal for any other reason, the individual can submit their request online. The required documents and conditions for renewing a US passport are as follows:
- The passport must have been issued in the past 15 years.
- The passport should have at least 10 years of validity since its issuance.
- The passport must match the individual’s name and personal details.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding US Passports
- Is the US passport a strong passport?
Holders of the US passport can enter a total of 188 countries through visa-on-arrival or visa-free travel. As a result, the US passport is ranked 7th in the world.
- How much does a passport cost in the US?
The application cost for a passport booklet is $130.
- How do I pay for my US passport in the UK?
Pay online using the secure payment site of the US government. You must print the payment confirmation page (which shows transaction details) and include it in your application.
- Does a 10-year-old child need a passport to go to the US?
Your child may not need a passport for land or sea travel to the US. Children aged 15 and under do not require a passport for entering the US or returning to Canada via land or sea.
Conclusion:
The U.S. passport is one of the world’s strongest travel documents, allowing visa-free access to over 180 countries. It can be obtained through work, birth, marriage, investment, or asylum. Applicants must submit a form, ID documents, and pay fees. Processing times vary, and renewal is possible globally without returning to the U.S. For guidance, contact Malekpour Immigration Institute for a free consultation.
