MarylandNed

They don't.

https://travel.state.gov/content/pas...er-issued.html

LeoGC

I just applied for a new passport today. I don't remember checking the size box anywhere. I was in a rush and did not pay much attention. What size will I get by default?

Since they don't add pages anymore, I would prefer having thicker book. Is there any way to amend my application after sending it, like maybe giving them a call?

durham_lad

I really wouldn't bother, it would be unusual for you to need more pages. Our son is visiting us from Texas at present and his US passport only has 3 entry stamps in it, and one stamp is covering half of an earlier stamp so hardly any space has been used for 3 overseas trips.

MarylandNed

You'll get the smaller size by default. Unless you travel a LOT, this should suffice.

Pulaski

What DL and MN said above. Unless you anticipate needing an average of more than 2-3 visas per year over the ten year life of the passport, the standard size passport will be sufficient for you.

LeoGC

Great. I don't know if this question is related, but is there any restriction on when, how early or how often you can replace or renew a passport? Can you have multiple valid passports?

Say your document does not expire anytime soon, but have only few more blank visa pages left and you know you will need way more pages in a near future. Since consulates won't add new pages anymore, is this reason enough for the US Dept. of State to give you a new passport?

Just being curious as I am fairly new American

lansbury

because 40 is the procrastinators passport. Half way between 28 and 52.

Pulaski

50 isn't mathematically possible. .... But 28 is far more than most people need, and carrying around 7 pieces of folded paper bound in a semirigid cover is enough of a pain, and I for one, wouldn't want it further bulked up with additional useless pages.

lansbury

If you needed more pages for future travel just renew the passport. There isn't a limit on doing so.

Normally you can't have more than one passport. UK allows you to have more than one if you travel to the Middle Eastern countries and Israel. Not sure if the US does.

At work some had a normal one, and a diplomatic one which was issued as needed.

Pulaski

You can apply for a new one pretty much whenever you like - certainly people lose passports, often by them being stolen, so replacing a passport that is still valid is not unusual, and having it full of visas is an acceptable reason to apply for a new passport - but you would have to send your old one for it to be cancelled (evidenced by the corner being clipped).

Generally I believe you cannot have two valid passports, except, I hear, if you are traveling to Israel and to other Middle Eastern countries, when two passports are allowed so nobody is offended by you having visited "the other side".

dj6372

Correct, Normal and Diplomatic for 'sensitive' areas!

LeoGC

splendid!

Somebody brought up Israel and Middle East. Those of you with UK/US citizenships, which passport do you use to enter third countries? Let's assume the visa requirements is the same for UK and US citizens.

I am only guessing that US is hated by more people than the UK. Maybe a topic for another thread.

Pulaski

I think you're right about that, but if the §4!t hits the fan and you are kidnapped in a multinational group of visitors to the Middle East, the choice is whether you want to be shot first or second!

kimilseung

Interesting, the add on pages caused us quite some delay at one entry in to China one time. They seemed convinced shenanigans were a foot. It took them a good number of phone calls before they were appeased.

LeoGC

I did a little research yesterday. As far as visas are concerned it looks like UK and US passports are pretty equal.

The UK passport will be better for Europe, South America and most of Asia in general. With the US passport though you have better access to Canada, Russia, China and India.

Why you'd wanna use US one for Canada is pretty obvious. However, all Russia, China and India give Americans up to 10 year visa, while with the UK passport you basically need a new visa for each trip. Though the UK passport will get you visa free access to the entire South America.