Chaim V'Chessed

U.S. Emergency Passport

Published on October 29, 2024 Print this guide

When to Come

Since the start of the war in Israel on October 7, 2023, both the Jerusalem Embassy and Tel Aviv Branch Office offer walk-in service Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.  

This service is available for first-time applicants and those who are not eligible to renew their passport by mail (e.g., children or those whose passport was issued more than 15 years ago). 

Applicants must arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 am.  Passports issued at these appointments will be valid for one year only. The passport should be ready for pick up between 2:00 – 2:30 pm.

Tip

When arriving for a walk-in, do not wait in line! It is critical to let the guard or clerk at the window know you are there for a walk-in. (If you arrive on time but only reach the door after 8:30 due to waiting in line, you will not be serviced.)

Note

First-time applicants will not be issued a CRBA or Social Security number with an emergency passport. The CRBA must be applied for at a separate appointment. See here. 

At this time, it is not possible to book an appointment for an emergency passport.

However, if one already has a scheduled appointment, they may request an emergency passport at that time. 

If one has already applied for a full-validity passport but has not received notification that the passport has arrived, one may apply for an emergency passport via a walk-in. Resubmit all required documentation, including the form and photos.

What To Bring

Emergency passport applications require the same documentation as regular passport applications (see here).  They are also the same price. 

If applying for an emergency passport as a first-time passport, include a completed Affidavit of Physical Presence (DS-5507). 

Note

A visa may be issued in an Emergency passport valid for one year, provided that it has at least 6 months validity remaining. 

Tip

Emergency U.S. passports are not valid for travel through many countries, including France, Belgium, Holland and the United Arab Emirates. Confirm your travel route before booking.

Exchanging an Emergency Passport

An emergency (limited validity) passport can be exchanged for a full-validity passport within one year of issuance, either by mail or by drop box at the entrance to the Embassy.

As of December 1, 2025, an appointment is required to submit passport renewals via the drop box. Please see here for details on booking an appointment. When booking, select: “DS-82 or DS-5504 Passport Renewal”.

If twelve months have passed since date of issuance, a new application must be submitted in person, as outlined here.

If the emergency passport was issued to a child who does not yet have a CRBA and Social Security number, do one of the following:

  1. Apply for a CRBA and Full-Validity Passport: Book a CRBA appointment. Submit the DS5504 form (completed online only, printed and signed), the emergency passport itself plus a photocopy and an updated photo.
  2. Exchange the emergency passport by mail (as detailed below) – With this option, one must book a CRBA appointment at a later date.
Note

If a child’s emergency passport was a first-time passport, in addition to exchanging the emergency passport, follow the steps here to apply for a CRBA and Social Security number for the child. Bring all required documents. 

To exchange an emergency passport with a full-validity one, prepare the following documents in one envelope:

Tip

When sending multiple passports, submit each in a separate envelope so that they may be tracked individually.

Note

Exchanging an emergency passport within one year is free of charge.

  1. The applicant’s emergency passport plus a photocopy (do not shrink or enlarge)
  1. A new passport photo
Tip

Do not use the photo from the emergency passport.

  1. Form DS-5504, completed online only, printed and signed (handwritten forms are no longer accepted)

If the applicant is under age 16, one parent must sign the form on their behalf. 

  1. As of October 1, 2025, Israel Post will resume delivering documents on behalf of the U.S. Embassy. Click here to arrange and pay for a pre-paid postage label from the Doar. This should be printed and submitted along with your other documents.
  2. If the applicant does not have a Social Security number (common for babies), include this signed and dated statement that they were  not yet issued a Social Security number.
  3. When using the drop box, bring along printed confirmation of your appointment.

There are 2 options for submitting the application:

  1. Mail all of the above to the Jerusalem Embassy or Tel Aviv Branch Office via Doar Yisroel/Israel post. Ask to send via overnight registered mail (Doar Shlichim). Save the tracking number. 
  2. Place it in the drop box located at the entrance to the Jerusalem Embassy at 14 David Flusser. As of December 1, 2025, an appointment is required.

See here for more information on delivery and tracking. 

Contact Information 

See here for the website of American Citizen Services in Israel. 

To contact the U.S embassy with any citizenship or passport related questions, email jerusalemacs@state.gov or telavivacs@state.gov. 

The Embassy in Jerusalem is located at 14 David Flusser Street. 

Mailing Addresses

  • American Citizen Services, U.S. Embassy Jerusalem, P.O. Box 290, Jerusalem 9100201
  • American Citizen Services – Passports, U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv, 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 6343229