Travel/Passports
Advisory: For information on passport delays click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I’m planning a trip abroad. How do I find out if there are any travel warnings for Americans?
- How do I get a passport?
- How do I get a passport quickly?
- What if I need my passport in less than two weeks?
- I lost my passport. How do I get another one?
- Should I register my trip with the Department of State?
- I have experienced travel delays due to my name being inadvertantly listed on the Transportation Securicty Administration Watch list. Can I prevent this in the future?
I’m planning a trip abroad. How do I find out if there are any travel warnings for Americans?
Travel Warnings are issued when the Department
of State recommends that Americans avoid a certain country.
In addition to these warnings, the Department of State issues
Consular Information Sheets for every country of the world
with information on such matters as the health conditions,
crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of
instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate in the subject country. Please
visit the Department of State website for an up-to-date list
of travel warnings.
How do I get a passport?
We know that when you need a passport, you will have a number of questions, from whether you have to appear in person to what kind of fees to expect. The U.S. Department of State has put together information that should answer every question. NOTE: You do not need to visit the Connecticut Passport Agency in Norwalk unless you are traveling in less than 14 days.
How do I get a passport quickly?
Anyone applying for any type of application (e.g., first-time applications, renewals, etc.) may request expedited service. While there is an additional fee associated with expedited service, if you paid for expedited service and two-way overnight delivery you should receive your passport within about 2 weeks.
What if I need my passport in less than two weeks?
Those constituents who have proof of more urgent departure (within 14 calendar days), should make an appointment at the Connecticut Passport Agency in Norwalk. To schedule an appointment, call the Connecticut Passport Agency’s automated appointment system at 1-877-487-2778. If initially you are unsuccessful in obtaining an appointment before your travel date, please continue to use the automated appointment system to try and schedule an appointment, as appointments may become available as cancellations occur. Because cancellations are updated at the beginning of each workday, the best time to call the appointment system is in the morning. If your are traveling within four calendar days and have not been able to schedule an appointment with the Connecticut Passport Agency, please call my district office for assistance.
I lost my passport. How do I get another one?
In order to protect yourself from identity fraud it is important to report a lost or stolen valid passport immediately! The U.S. Department of State has put together information on how to report and replace a lost or stolen passport.
Should I register my trip with the Department of State?
Yes! Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency.
I have experienced travel delays due to my name being inadvertantly listed on the Transportation Securicty Administration Watch List. Can I prevent this in the future?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) compiles Watch Lists based on recommendations and information received from Federal agencies, including intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
For constituents who have occassionally experienced frustrating delays as a result of an inadvertant listing on a TSA Watch List, the TSA has developed a clearance protocol to help provide a more efficient process for you during the flight check-in. You can access these procedures here.
If a topic is not listed here, or you cannot find the information you are looking for, please feel free to contact my office.