DoD Acceptance Facilities should remain open and provide services during the Shutdown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In the event of a government shutdown, U.S. Passport Services are expected to continue operations. Passport and visa services are fee-funded and are not dependent on annual congressional appropriations. 

While passport agencies and centers will remain open, the public should be aware of the following potential impacts:

• Possible Delays: Reduced staffing levels may lead to longer-than-usual processing times for passport applications.  

• Facility Access: Passport agencies located in federal buildings that are closed due to the shutdown may be inaccessible to the public.  

We strongly encourage DoD personnel with upcoming international travel plans to:

• Apply Early: Submit your passport applications well in advance of your departure date to avoid any potential delays.

• Check Agency Status: Before visiting a passport agency, please check its operational status online or by phone.

• Monitor Updates: For the latest information, please refer to the U.S. Department of State's official website. 

In continued joint effort Passport Service Division and U.S. Department of State are committed to processing passport applications as efficiently as possible during this period. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

CHANGES TO EGYPT – BELOW ARE HIGHTLIGHTS FROM Passport Matters Egypt Page-Please read the Egypt page carefully, again these are just highlights.

·         DO NOT CONTACT THE EGYPTIAN EMBASSY DIRECTLY REGARDING APPLICATION STATUS (ONLY Exception is to make the necessary appointment for the in-person interview)

·         ALL APPLICATIONS MUST GO THROUGH A DOD PASSPORT AGENT.

·         INTERVIEWS ARE IN PERSON AND CURRENTLY ARE ONLY BEING HELD AT THE EGYPTIAN EMBASSY DC.   After completion of the in-person interview, applicants must coordinate with PSD and provide the physical ticket (receipt) from the Embassy.  (This ticket is a vital item and must be provided to the PSD team).  Applicants are advise to not exit the DC area without consulting with Passport Services Division visa section.  

·         OCONUS APPLICANTS SHOULD COORDINATE VISA SERVICES THROUGH THEIR DOD AGENT APPLYING WITH THE EMBASSY OR CONSULATE IN THEIR COUNTRY OF ASSIGNMENT AND NOTIFY PASSPORT SERVICES DIVISION WHEN ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED. 

o    OCONUS APPLICANTS ARE NOT TO APPLY OR TRAVEL TO THE EGYPTIAN EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON DC, please work with your DoD agent, ensure the documents are correct and submission to the correct Embassy is coordinated.  

·         GROUP INTERVIEWS FOR UNITS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED, EACH MEMBER IS INDEPENDENT

·         GROUP INTERVIEWS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS TRAVELING TO EGYPT WILL BE AUTHORIZED

·         TRAVELERS 18 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER MUST HAVE AN INTERVIEW

·         ADDITIONAL NOTE:  At this time MFO (OFFICIAL TRAVEL) MUST be interviewed.***