Thursday, March 28, 2024

How to Renew Your US Passport in Hong Kong

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Renewing your US passport in Hong Kong is quite straightforward as long even if you have to go through various complications (change of name, lost or stolen, etc). 

It is important to note that the US Consulate in Hong Kong only accepts applications for renewal of passports by mail from US passport holders who are residents of Hong Kong and Macau. Residents of other jurisdictions are required to apply to the Embassy in their respective regions.

Applicants should allow at least 3 weeks for the renewal of their passport by mail and for traceable delivery, it is advisable to use Local CourierPost or Speedpost . Those traveling within the 3 week period or are applying for the renewal of a second US passport are to make an online appointment to submit their application in person.

If you lost your passport, please follow this article.

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Passport renewal application in person
Please note that the steps outlined below, you are able to comply with the following:

a. Your current passport is with you and you can submit it during renewal application
b. You are not requesting change in passport information, other than a name change due to marriage or a court order.
c. Your current passport was issued for its full five- or ten-year validity and not an emergency limited-validity passport.
d. You are at least 16 years old

1. Set an appointment online. (Click here)
This is to set a date when you can visit the US Consulate and present your old passport and other required documents.
On the said date, you also need to select the time of appointment so make yourself available for this time slot.

2. On the day of your appointment, visit the US Consulate at 26 Garden Road in Central and bring the following:

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a. Filled out passport application form DS-82
b. Your current passport.
c. Passport photo with the following specifications

  • In color
  • Must be printed on a matte or glossy photo paper.
  • Size must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
  • Size of head in photo must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
  • Photo must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
  • No eyeglasses, headphones, hands-free devices, hats or head covering, unless for religious purposes; head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
  • Photo background must be plain white or off white
  • Your head must be facing directly to the camera
  • You must exhibit neutral facial expression or with natural smile, both eyes open

For reference, please review the list of good and bad examples of passport photos

d. Payment: US$110 or HK$880. Payment options are cash (US or HK dollars) or card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or Diners Club) which are all in US dollars.

Passport renewal application by mail

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Applications received by the US Consulate in Hong Kong are only for Hong Kong and Macau residents. Others are advised to the embassy or consulate within their locations.

It takes at least three weeks for passport renewal by mail. To ensure a guaranteed traceable delivery, use the Local CourierPost or Speedpost. It is advisable to make an appointment online to submit your application in person if you are traveling within the next three weeks.

On your mail application, please provide the following:

a. Current United States passport. This will be cancelled and returned to you upon issuance and delivery of your new passport.

b. Original marriage certificate if your name will be changed by marriage. In case your name will be changed due to other reason, you can only apply for passport renewal in person.

c. Filled out DS-82 form. Each page must be printed on a separate sheet of paper.

d. Passport photograph

  • In color
  • Must be printed on a matte or glossy photo paper.
  • Size must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
  • Size of head in photo must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
  • Photo must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
  • No eyeglasses, headphones, hands-free devices, hats or head covering, unless for religious purposes; head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
  • Photo background must be plain white or off white
  • Your head must be facing directly to the camera
  • You must exhibit neutral facial expression or with natural smile, both eyes open

For reference, please review the list of good and bad examples of passport photos

e. Payment: US$110.

Various modes of payment options that are accepted:

Cashier’s check made payable to “USDO Symbol 8768”. Personal checks are not acceptable;
Bank draft made payable to “USDO Symbol 8768”;
Money order (U.S. Postal, commercial; international, currency exchange) made payable to “USDO Symbol 8768”;
Bank drafts, money orders, and cashier’s checks issued within the last five months and must be drawn in U.S. dollars on a bank in the United States.

f. Self-addressed return envelope. Passports will be returned only to addresses within Hong Kong and Macau.

Your application should be addressed to:

Passport-by-Mail Service
American Citizens Services
U.S. Consulate General
26 Garden Road
Central
Hong Kong

Passport renewal processing time

Applications using this procedure typically takes 3 weeks as application will be sent to the United States for printing. If you prefer to pick up the new passport in person at the US Consulate, you may keep your current passport after your renewal appointment. This passport will be cancelled once you pick up the new passport at the US Consulate. If the current passport can be cancelled at the renewal appointment, you may choose to have the new passport mailed to your Hong Kong or Macau address.

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