Applying for a U.S. passport is an essential step for international travel, and one section of the application often raises questions: “Do I need to fill out the travel plans section?” The answer depends on your situation—most notably whether you're applying for standard or expedited processing.
In this post, we’ll break down when and why the travel plans section matters, how it affects processing times, and how USPassport.com can help you navigate it smoothly if you need a passport urgently.
What Is the Travel Plans Section?
The travel plans section appears on the DS-11 (New Passport) and DS-82 (Passport Renewal) forms. It includes optional fields asking for:
- Date of your trip
- Countries you plan to visit
- Emergency contact abroad
This section helps the U.S. Department of State prioritize passport processing for applicants who have urgent international travel needs.
Is It Mandatory to Fill Out the Travel Plans Section?
For Standard Passport Applications:
No, you do not need to fill out the travel plans section if you're applying with standard (routine) processing. The U.S. Department of State does not require this information for general passport issuance.
For Expedited Passport Applications:
Yes, you should fill out this section if you are requesting expedited processing.
According to the U.S. Department of State, rush passport service is prioritized for travelers who can prove upcoming international travel within 14 calendar days (or 28 days if a visa is required). Including your travel plans on the application is essential to demonstrate the urgency of your request.
Why Travel Plans Are Important for Expedited Passports
The State Department uses your travel information to determine how quickly your passport must be processed. If you request expedited service without indicating any urgent travel plans, your application may not be prioritized.
Reasons to Fill Out the Travel Plans Section:
- You're traveling within 2-4 weeks
- You need a visa for your destination
- You're applying for an expedited passport through a third-party service like USPassport.com
- You want to avoid delays or processing questions
Providing your travel dates and destination shows that your request is time-sensitive, which is a requirement for expedited in-person or agency-based passport services.
How to Fill Out the Travel Plans Section Correctly
Here’s what you should include if requesting expedited processing:
1. Departure Date
Use the exact date you are scheduled to leave the U.S. If your plans are not final, provide your best estimate.
2. Return Date
Indicate your expected return date. This gives passport agents a timeframe to work with.
3. Countries to Be Visited
List all the countries you'll be traveling to. This is particularly helpful if you need a visa, as processing time for visas may impact how soon you need your passport.
4. Emergency Contact Abroad
While not always required, it’s recommended to list someone you can contact in case of an emergency during travel.
What If You Don’t Have Travel Plans Yet?
If you’re applying for a standard passport and don’t plan to travel internationally, you can leave this section blank.
However, for expedited service, you must provide some kind of travel timeline, even if the details aren’t set in stone. Without it, the State Department may reject your request for expedited processing.
If you’re using to obtain your passport, we’ll guide you on what to list to ensure compliance and speed
Expedited Passport Services and Travel Plans
When Is Expedited Service Needed?
- Traveling internationally within 14 calendar days
- Needing a foreign visa within 28 days
- Lost or stolen passport with upcoming travel
- Damaged passport that is unusable for travel
In these cases, the travel plans section becomes critical. Without it, the U.S. Passport Agency may not grant you access to the expedited system.
How We Can Help
If you need a passport fast, USPassport.com is your trusted resource for reliable, expedited passport processing. We offer:
- 24-48 hour passport turnaround
- Application assistance and document review
- Guidance on how to fill out the travel plans section
- Courier delivery to U.S. Passport Agencies
- Tracking and customer support throughout the process
We work closely with applicants to ensure every section of your form—especially the travel plans—is completed properly for the level of service you need.
Why Use Our Services?
- Avoid mistakes that cause delays
- Secure faster processing through authorized channels
- Save time with expert support
- Eliminate the stress of navigating agency requirements
What Official Sources Say
The U.S. Department of State clearly outlines that expedited processing is granted based on proof of urgent travel. If you’re applying in person at a passport agency, you must show proof of travel (e.g., plane ticket, itinerary, or booking confirmation).
The same applies to third-party services like USPassport.com: We need your travel date and destination to process your passport application with priority. That’s why the travel plans section matters.
Common Questions
Q: Can I estimate my travel dates?
A: Yes. If you’re not 100% sure of the dates, provide the most accurate estimate. It’s better to include tentative plans than leave it blank when applying for expedited service.
Q: Will I be denied expedited service without travel plans?
A: Most likely, yes. If you don't provide travel plans or supporting documents, the U.S. Passport Agency may process your application at routine speed, even if you paid the expedite fee.
Q: What happens if I list false travel plans?
A: You should always be honest. Providing false information on any government form can have consequences, including delayed processing or denial of service.
In Summary
So, do you need to fill out the travel plans section on a passport application?
- Not required for standard applications
- Highly recommended—and often essential—for expedited services
Including your travel details ensures your application is processed at the right speed, especially if you're under a tight deadline. And when you’re racing against the clock, we can help you get your passport in as little as 24-48 hours.
From application preparation to fast-tracked processing, we make sure every section, including your travel plans, is completed correctly—so you can travel with peace of mind.
Need a passport fast?
Start your expedited application today with USPassport.com and let our experts handle the rest!
