Consular Section
Passport Services
U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Electronic System for Travel Authorization

- ALERTS -

- IMPORTANT NOTICES -

  • ENTERING THE U.S.
    According to Section 215 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1185), it is illegal for an American citizen to enter or leave the U.S. on anything other than an American passport. This applies to dual citizens as well, meaning that persons holding e.g. both Swedish and American citizenships and passports must enter and leave the U.S. on a U.S. passport. They may NOT enter/leave the U.S. on a Swedish passport. This applies to children as well as adults.

  • PROCESSING TIME
    Upon receiving a complete application the processing time for a passport is approximately 3 weeks.

- SERVICES -

AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES

PASSPORT SERVICES AND FORMS


American Services Icon

PHOTOGRAPHS


Two identical passport photos are required, which must be 2" x 2" (or 5 x 5 cm). They must be color photos, and must have a white or off-white background. The size of the head from the chin to the top of the head should not be smaller than 1" (2.5 cm) and not larger than 1 3/8" (3.5 cm). The photos should be a full front view with no head covering. No profile pictures please! Both ears should be visible. For a list of photographers see Useful information for U.S. citizens residing in Sweden.


Photo Dimensions


Photo Dimensions


Sample Photos


Sample Photos


Photos taken in certain photo booths can be accepted, but only the photo booths which print the pictures in a side-by-side format (four pictures, two on the top row and two underneath) are usable. Photo booths that print the pictures in a long strip are too narrow for our purposes.

Make sure the photographer does not cut the pictures and do not cut them yourself. Please submit the entire card of 4, or 2, pictures, and we will cut the ones we need and return the unused ones to you.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF ALL MINORS
To enhance the accurate identification of passport applicants and aid in the prevention of international child abduction and trafficking, the Department of State requires the personal appearance of all minors applying for U.S. passports. This applies even if the child has previously been issued a passport, regardless of place of issuance. The personal appearance requirement for all minors is a further step towards ensuring the integrity of the passport application process. In addition, passsports renewal by mail is now restricted to applicants who hold a full validity passport which was issued when the applicant was 16 or older. Applicants who had not turned 16 at the time when the passport was issued cannot renew passports by mail, but must apply in person at the Embassy.