Travel Document And Permit Rules

Part of our Travel Tips guide.

Explore travel document and permit rules through 10 TouristSecrets guides, practical answers, comparisons, and trip-planning ideas gathered in one collection.

How To Expedite The Re-Entry Permit Processing Time

USCIS processing times for a re-entry permit typically range from 12 to 18 months as of 2024, though you can request expedited processing if you meet specific criteria such as severe financial loss, humanitarian reasons, or urgent travel due to a U.S. government interest. To request an expedite, call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 after filing Form I-131, or submit a request online through your USCIS account. You must provide supporting evidence, such as a medical emergency letter or proof of imminent deployment. If approved, processing may be shortened to 2–4 months, but USCIS rarely grants expedites for routine international travel.

What Is A PR Travel Document

A Permanent Residence Travel Document (re-entry permit) is issued to lawful permanent residents who do not hold a valid passport from their country of origin or who need to travel for longer than one year. It is valid for up to two years from the date of issuance, and you must be physically present in the United States when you file Form I-131. The document allows you to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad for up to two years without applying for a returning resident visa. If you are outside the U.S. for more than one year but less than two, the re-entry permit serves as proof that you intend to maintain your permanent residence.

When Is A Re-Entry Permit Required?

A re-entry permit is required if you plan to be outside the United States for one year or more, or if you have been outside the U.S. for six months or more in the past year and need to demonstrate your intention to return. It is also required if you are a lawful permanent resident who cannot obtain a passport from your home country. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, asylees with a refugee travel document, and permanent residents traveling for less than 12 months with a valid green card. Without a re-entry permit, an absence of more than one year may be considered abandonment of your permanent resident status.

When Can I Renew My Re-Entry Permit?

You can renew your re-entry permit by filing a new Form I-131 before your current permit expires. USCIS recommends filing at least 90 days before the expiration date, but you may file as early as 180 days before expiration. If your permit has already expired, you must file a new application and cannot renew it retroactively. The renewal process requires the same documentation as the initial application, including a copy of your green card, two passport-style photos, and the $660 filing fee (as of 2024). Processing times for renewals are the same as for initial applications: 12–18 months.

How To Apply For A Travel Document With TPS Status

If you hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you must file Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) to obtain a TPS travel authorization. You must include a copy of your TPS approval notice, a copy of your passport bio page, and two passport-style photos. The filing fee is $575 (as of 2024), and you must submit the application to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility. TPS travel documents are valid for the duration of your TPS status, typically 12–18 months, and allow you to re-enter the United States after temporary travel abroad. If you travel without this document, you may be deemed to have abandoned your TPS status.

What Should I Do If My Travel Document Has Expired

If your re-entry permit or TPS travel document expires while you are abroad, you must apply for a new one from outside the United States by filing Form I-131 with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You will need to provide a valid passport, a copy of your expired travel document, and evidence of your permanent resident or TPS status. The processing time for a replacement abroad is typically 4–6 months, and you cannot re-enter the U.S. without a valid travel document or a returning resident visa. If you are inside the U.S. when your document expires, file a new Form I-131 immediately and avoid international travel until you receive the new permit.

Where To File For Permanent Residence Travel Document

You must file Form I-131 with the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility if you live in the United States. The mailing address is: USCIS, P.O. Box 660166, Dallas, TX 75266-0166. If you use a courier service, send to: USCIS, Attn: I-131, 2501 S. State Highway 121 Business, Suite 400, Lewisville, TX 75067-8003. Include your green card copy, two photos, and a check or money order for $660 (as of 2024).

What Do You Need To Get A Trip Permit

A trip permit (temporary registration) allows you to operate a vehicle in a state or country where it is not registered. You typically need the vehicle’s title, proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license, and payment of a fee (usually $15–$50 per day). In the U.S., trip permits are issued by state DMVs and are valid for 10–30 days. For international travel, you may need a Carnet de Passages, which is a customs document valid for up to one year. Trip permits do not apply to air travel or immigration documents; they are solely for vehicle operation in jurisdictions where the vehicle is not registered.

Where Is The Known Traveler Number On TWIC Card

The Known Traveler Number (KTN) on a TWIC card is printed on the back of the card, in the bottom right corner, labeled as “KTN.” The TWIC card itself is a Transportation Worker Identification Credential issued by the TSA. If you have a TWIC card, you can use the KTN to add to airline reservations to receive TSA PreCheck benefits. To add your known traveler number to an existing reservation, log into your airline account or call the airline’s customer service. You can also add your known traveler number to an existing booking through the “Manage My Booking” section on most airline websites. The KTN is a 9-digit alphanumeric code (e.g., A12345678).