The bulletin below was released April 13 by the U.S. Department of State. Members and applicants of American Maritime Officers who will need a new or renewed U.S. Passport (if their current U.S. Passport will expire within the next 13 months) can to obtain a letter from American Maritime Officers, which will be needed as part of the U.S. Passport application under the new State Department procedure. Please note: e-mail is not a secure form of communication and Social Security Numbers and other personal identifying information should not be transmitted by e-mail. If this information is needed, an AMO Member Services representative will request a direct phone call.

NOTICE TO MARINERS WITH INTERNATIONAL VOYAGES

Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, effective March 20, 2020, we are only able to offer service for customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for international travel within 72 hours (3 business days).

Mariners with International Voyages:

Passport Services will also serve mariners who urgently need a passport for international voyages, and whose current valid passport expires in 13 months or less.

Instructions for Urgent Assistance:

If you have not already applied for a passport:

1. Contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and identify yourself as a mariner who urgently needs to apply for (or renew) a passport.
2. The Duty Officer will take your information and schedule an appointment at the nearest passport agency.
3. In addition to your passport application materials, described on the State Department's website, you will also need to submit a letter from your employer or your U.S. mariners' union, on company letterhead that includes:
   • Your name
   • Date of your next voyage and duration of the voyage
   • Printed name and title of your supervisor or mariners' union representative
   • Signature of your supervisor or mariners' union representative
   • Date the letter was issued
4. Make a clear copy of your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) to include with your application.
5. Bring the application, required documents, and the passport fee that includes the $60 expedited fee, with you to your appointment.

If you have already applied for your passport but have not received it, contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 and identify yourself as a mariner who has already applied and who urgently needs your passport. The Duty Officer will provide further instructions and the passport agency will contact you to coordinate the delivery or pickup of the completed passport.

Applying for a Passport for Personal (Non-Life or Death Emergency) Travel:

If you are applying for a passport for personal (non-life or death emergency) travel, please see our website for instructions and the most up-to-date processing times.

We regret any inconvenience and request your patience and understanding as the majority of our passport agencies have limited mission critical staffing due to COVID-19.