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The new program will allow Americans to renew their passport fully online for the first time.

Visas + Passports

U.S. Temporarily Reopens Pilot Program for Online Passport Renewal

It’s a great opportunity if you’re quick.

October 14, 2022 03:19 PM

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Bailey Berg

A U.S. passport resting atop an Apple laptop keyboard

Visas + Passports

You Can Now Renew Your Passport Online Again—Kind Of

Only a small number of applications will be accepted each day, so it’s not a guarantee, but could be worth a shot for the sheer convenience the online offering provides.

June 14, 2024 04:34 PM

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Bailey Berg

Person holding up a blue U.S. passport with a boarding pass tucked inside with what appears to be a blurred airport terminal in the background with people milling about

Visas + Passports

Americans Can Finally Renew Their Passports Online 24/7

It’s the U.S. passport news we’ve all been waiting for. Here’s how it works and who does and doesn’t have access to the new—now permanent—online renewal system.

September 18, 2024 01:48 PM

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Bailey Berg

The U.S. government had a beta test of an online passport renewal system, but it's been paused indefinitely.

Visas + Passports

Yes, You Can Renew Your U.S. Passport Online—if You Meet These Requirements

Renewing your U.S. passport online takes less than 15 minutes. Here’s how to do it.

November 4, 2025 08:00 AM

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Sophie Friedman

Books

28 Independent Bookstores in the U.S. You Should Visit

From a shipping container in Portland, Maine, to the world’s largest indie bookstore in Portland, Oregon, these are Afar staffers’ favorite bookshops.

November 19, 2025 03:21 AM

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Aislyn Greene

Close-up of a passport with an airplane window in the background

It’s been a long, hard road for anyone needing a new passport. But the good news is, after numerous pandemic-related delays, processing times are finally extremely reasonable once again.

October 17, 2024 06:55 PM

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Bailey Berg

Travel Tips + Etiquette

How to Check Your Passport Status—and What to Do if It’s Taking Too Long

U.S. passports are normally processed in four to six weeks, but if the waiting seems endless, here’s how you can check your passport application or renewal status.

September 23, 2025 01:30 AM

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Ramsey Qubein

Camping

The 11 Best Hotels, Camping, and Glamping in the Great Smoky Mountains

Among the more than 500,000 acres to explore, these are some of the best places to stay.

April 24, 2024 12:46 PM

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Kellie Walton

Here’s everything you need to know to renew this essential travel document, from the right forms to use to how much it will cost.

March 26, 2026 12:57 PM

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Ramsey Qubein

Visas + Passports

Biden Signs Order That Will Allow Online U.S. Passport Renewal

Also on the agenda—reducing airport screening times.

December 15, 2021 12:25 PM

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Michelle Baran

A line of US passport covers with the president peeking through.

Here’s what to know about the new passport design.

May 8, 2026 01:09 PM

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Terry Ward

Hand holding a U.S. passport over a wooden surface

Visas + Passports

Need a New U.S. Passport Really Fast? That’ll Be $950.

Here’s how to get a passport in one business day—for a price.

October 8, 2025 02:11 AM

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Sophie Friedman

A red telephone booth with Big Ben in the background in London

The tech issues have been resolved, but the incident offers some critical learnings for travelers.

June 5, 2026 03:06 PM

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Dianne See Morrison

12 Credit Cards That Can Get You TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for Free

Loyalty + Rewards

These Credit Cards Get You TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for Free

Use the right travel credit card and you can fast-track through domestic security and U.S. immigration without paying a dime.

January 29, 2024 03:31 PM

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Paul Rubio

TSA and airlines warn that the lines at the country's airports could be particularly long this holiday season.

Travelers flying through select U.S. airports can reserve a free TSA security screening time before departure.

May 12, 2026 06:57 PM

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Bailey Berg

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