Different types of U.S. passports
Although you might assume that "Type P" stands for "passport", it actually means something different! We'll get to that later. Let's first look at the various types of passports that American citizens may be eligible for.
The four major U.S. passport types are listed below.
Diplomatic passport is the most highly regarded. This is the one with the black cover. This passport is used by the President of the United States as well as other high-ranking officials. It is sometimes called the "type D" passport. You cannot apply for a diplomatic passport unless you are a diplomat.
There is also the Official passport with the maroon-colored (or reddish-brown) cover. Members of Congress and active-duty U.S. Military personnel can carry the Official passports.
The Service passport "type S" has a gray cover. It is intended for American contractors who travel on government business and don't meet the requirements for the Official passport.
Passport services also issue the following: the passport card for frequent travelers to Canada and Mexico by sea, the emergency passport for life-and-death situations involving family members abroad, the temporary passport to replace a lost passport abroad, and the green refugee travel document that covers non-citizens who are living in the U.S.
The passport Type P is the last. It is the strongest passport on the planet. It is the preferred passport for deep-cover agents and secret agents who travel abroad... and you can get it yours at a low $145 price!
Continue reading to learn how you can get a Type P passport for your benefit and how to apply!
The P-Type passport has many benefits
The US Government Publishing Office prints the Type P passport book in compliance with the standards of the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization. This document is laser-engraved and tamper-proof. It has watermarks, special inks and holograms. It can be read by machines and biometrically, and has an embedded 64-kilobyte RFID chip.
Passportindex.org gave the Type P US passport a very high score of 156 (out 161). American citizens with a Type P passport are eligible to travel to 106 countries without the need to obtain a visa .
You can apply for a visa on arrival in 50 additional countries. Only 42 countries require that an American Type P passport holder obtain a visa prior to travel. This power is not available in any other passports!
It is an essential biometric form of photo ID for international travel and provides proof of United States citizenship. It is valid for a full ten years of international travel for adults and five years for minors.
How to get your Type P passport
This powerful passport can be obtained in a simple process. U.S citizens must:
- For a brand new, first-time passport, fill out a DS-11 form or a DS82 form if you are renewing.
- If you are a citizen, provide proof of citizenship such as your birth certificate (if you were born in the USA) and naturalization certificate (if immigrated).
- You can confirm your identity by providing a government-issued photo identification (such as your military ID card or a driver's licence).
- Make a passport photo in color with biometric 2x2 inches
- Pay the $1110 passport fee
- Make an appointment to submit your application at the nearest passport acceptance office. An additional $35 must be paid as an acceptance agent fees.
Additional documentation may be required depending on your situation. If your name has been changed, you will need to provide your name change decree and supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or death certificate.
Adopted children will also need to submit adoption records and name-change decrees.
You will need to submit original documents to the acceptance office for them to review. Additionally, high-quality color photocopies must be provided of all documentation that you want the acceptance officer to keep. All documents are sent to the U.S. Department of State, for final approval.
After your passport application packet is accepted by the local passport office (most commonly a U.S. Post office or your County Clerk's Office), you will need to wait for approval from U.S. Department of State. They take eight to eleven weeks to process; please allow extra time for delivery. The State Department will send your Type P U.S. passport directly to you.
Get your bags packed and ready to fly! You are now officially an international traveler and a legitimate agent of mystery!
How and what are biometric photos?
Biometric passports need biometric photos. These are two things we've already mentioned. But what exactly is a biometric photo and how can you get one?
A biometric photograph is one that clearly displays the physical characteristics of the passport holder. Machines can measure personal identifiable characteristics like the distance between the eyes, length of nose and size of the chin. This allows immigration agents to confirm that the person in the photograph is the same person as the one they are looking at. High-tech and science-fiction.
The photo must be high quality and in color. It must measure 2x2 inches. It must be printed on high quality photo paper that is free of wrinkles, tears, and creases. It must have been taken within the last two to six month.
The subject of the photo should maintain a neutral expression, look directly into the camera lens, and keep their eyes closed. No smiling. (Okay, maybe a slightly smile... but not teeth!)
Uniforms and camouflage cannot be worn when it comes to the passport picture dress code. Casual wear is acceptable. Headgear, such as caps, scarves and hats, is acceptable. It is not allowed unless you are wearing it every day because of a medical condition or a religious belief. Even then, you will need to get a note from your physician or church.
No prescription glasses, sunglasses, or x-ray glasses are allowed.
There are many regulations and rules that govern passport photos. It is crucial to get your passport photo taken correctly. A bad picture can delay your application by up to 90 days, if not completely stop it. This article contains all the information you need about biometric passport photos.
AiPassportPhoto makes it easy to upload your passport photo
You don't need to become an expert on passport photography just to complete your application for a U.S. passport Type P--not when there are now specialized U.S. passport photo tools available online. AiPassportPhoto shortens the process of taking a new passport photo to just a few seconds! Take a look at the video and see how easy it is to do.
Take a passport-style, full-face picture of yourself with someone. Selfies are not recommended. Upload the image to our app. Our powerful A.I. Our powerful A.I. analyzes your photo and tells you if it meets strict specifications. You can take as many photos as you need until you find that perfect shot.
The shot is automatically cropped, edited, and resized, making it a passport photo. You will receive a JPEG file with multiple identical images that you can print at your local drugstore, such as Walgreens or CVS. Send it along with your passport application. The Premium version costs $6.95 and includes a free 4x6 photo template.
The Premium package includes additional editing, background removal and replacement, as well as human-eye inspection by our experts to ensure that your final photo meets all U.S. government requirements. We offer a 200% money back guarantee. If your photo is rejected by the passport office, we will double your money!
For $9.95 USD, we can print your photos and send them to you. This adds three dollars to the total cost. This is still 33% less than going directly to Walgreens or CVS, and you don't even have to leave your house!
Wrap it up, P-Type passport It's mine!
What does "P" mean?
The "Personal passport" is the P-type. These passports are blue and are used for business travels, vacations, traveling abroad, studying, and other personal reasons. They are also called the "tourist, standard or ordinary passport" and "regular" passport.
The blue American passport is one the most trusted, secure, and powerful travel identification documents in the world. Get one if you don't have one already! If you already have one, use it! It's a great tool to help you travel safely.
Type P passports: FAQ
Secret agents and spies can have a passport that is unique or not.
Yes, absolutely not! You will need the same type of passport as millions of Americans if you are working undercover: the blue Personal passport.
However, if your job is as a Foreign Service officer in the diplomatic corps or as a contractor for CIA, then you might be eligible for the gray Contractor passport, the maroon military passport or the black Diplomatic passport.
Talk to your supervisors or other high-ranking officials.
I am a military member and have a maroon official passport. Can I also apply for the Type P blue passport?
You must. Your maroon official passport is used for official travel while on official business. A blue Personal passport is required if you wish to travel for personal reasons or to see the sights while you are abroad.
Which type of passport do I need?
If your U.S. passport color is deep blue, you will have the Type P passport. Click this link to find out more about U.S. passport colors. What Does Passport Color Mean?
Are there any other countries that offer P-Type passports?
Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. Personal passports around the world are often marked with the "P-Type" designation. This is especially true in areas that have been influenced by English.
Private passport meaning?
Private passports are just personal passports with another name. It is the same as the Type P passport.
Is my passport official or regular?
The official passport can be either maroon or reddish brown in color. This passport is usually issued to military personnel serving overseas. It can be used for official business purposes. Type P is a dark blue regular passport.