Interesting facts about American passport

Are you going to get this little blue book to travel outside the US? Here are some little-known facts you probably didn’t know about it!

The very first American passport was released during the War of Independence

 It was simply a piece of paper with an official stamp, which included the name and description of the holder. It was valid for about six months. 

The U.S. passport is almost impossible to forge

Sixty different types of materials and 30 security features are used in the production of the U.S. passport, and the unique typeface is impossible to replicate.

The U.S. is one of the few countries that completely prohibits wearing glasses in passport photos

Yes, even prescripted ones. If you cannot take off your glasses for medical reasons, you must submit a signed statement from your doctor. There are a number of other US passport photo requirements, which you should familiarize yourself with in advance to avoid any confusion.

Do you owe child support? You won’t get a passport!

American alimony debtors are not issued or reissued passports if they owe more than $2500. This law applies in all states.

Americans can visit some countries without a passport

US citizens can travel passport-free to the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

If you’ve gained or lost weight, you may need a new passport

Your US passport photo must show your current looks. If your appearance has undergone major changes, you’ll need to apply for a new passport. Such cases include major weight changes, large facial tattoos, or plastic surgery.

More than half of American citizens do not have a passport

According to official statistics, as of 2019, 58% of U.S. citizens did not have passports. In the 2000s, the figure was 73%. Thus, more than half of the population has never left the country.