The United States will stop adding visa pages into U.S. passports at year’s end. Passport holders may request the 24-page visa inserts until Dec. 31. As of Jan. 1, 2016, they’ll have to order new passports to gain more space for entry or exit visa stamps.
In a press release, the U.S. State Department said discontinuing the insert pages enhances security and aligns with international passport standards.
Applicants within the United States can order 28-page or 52-page passports. Applicants outside the United States can order 52-page passports.
And now is the best time to apply. Demand for passports drops from September to December, which means faster service for applicants. A recent State Department briefing gives more information about getting passports in a hurry and offers other traveler tips.
