The Consular Department of the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA announced an alternative option for citizens who face a long wait for a new passport.
Diplomats explain:
“According to the current legislation of Ukraine, the validity of a passport can be extended for five years free of charge by affixing the corresponding “by hand” mark on the pages of the document by the consul. This possibility is provided for passports whose validity has already expired or expires in less than two months. The extension is carried out on the day of the application.”
As specified, some US authorities and air carriers may not recognize passports extended by hand. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for such a service only in urgent cases, in particular for urgent return to Ukraine, receipt of other consular services or filing urgent applications for immigration status.
It is also emphasized that extended non-biometric passports do not give the right to visa-free entry to the Schengen zone. In the absence of an urgent need, citizens are recommended to apply for a new passport.
To make an appointment for a passport extension by hand, you must send an e-mail to the address: consul_us@mfa.gov.ua, indicating your last name, first name and patronymic, address of residence in the USA, a brief description of the situation and attaching a copy of the first page of the passport.
The message also emphasizes that this procedure is available only to citizens residing within the consular district of the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA. Those residing in the consular districts of other Ukrainian institutions in the USA are recommended to contact the relevant consulate directly.
Photo: zakordon.24tv.ua
Author: Inna Mikhno