How to Renew Egyptian Passport in Houston Texas​

The passport is an internationally certified proof of identity and citizenship. Holding an expired or damaged passport will cause lots of inconvenience while staying abroad. The good news is that it can generally be renewed at the consular office. In this passage, we will introduce how to renew an Egyptian passport in the USA.

Why Do I Need to Renew Egyptian Passports

Having a valid passport is required for international travel. Egyptian passport renewal in USA is essential for the following reasons. In this case, you don’t need to return to Egypt to renew the passport, which is more time- and money-saving. 

• Travel in and outside the USA with a valid travel document.
• Comply with the entry requirements of your destination countries for remaining validity.
• Access to consular services and protections while staying outside Egypt.
• Change personal information on the passport, such as name, gender, marital status, etc.
• The current passport has run out of blank pages for visa stickers or entry stamps.
• The current passport is lost, stolen, or damaged.

When Do I Need to Renew Egyptian Passport in the US?

It is suggested to renew your Egypt passport before the expiry date, preferably 6-12 months in advance. The earlier you apply, the more likely to get a new passport soon in case of delaying your trip.

What Documents Are Required for Egyptian Passport Renewal in USA

The requirements for Egyptian passport renewal in USA are similar to those in Egypt. It is required to prepare the following documents in advance.

• A completed Passport Renewal Application Form 29 (available on the website of an Egyptian consulate or at a consular office).
• The current Egyptian passport.
• Original national ID card (required for applicants over 16 years old). Women over 60 years old and without a national ID card can show a mechanized birth certificate as an alternative.
• Original birth certificate (required for applicants under 16 years old).
• A notarized written consent from the father (required for applicants under 16 years old).
• A photocopy of a valid US visa or residence permit.
• Marriage certificate or valid marital status document (required for female applicants).
• Three (3) recent passport photos measuring 4×6 cm or 2×2 inches with a white background.

How to Renew Egyptian Passport in USA

According to the Ministry of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, Egyptians in the USA can obtain a new automated “machine-readable” passport as the current one expires. You can renew Egyptian Passport in the USA in person or by mail.

Egyptian Passport Renewal in USA In-Person

You are typically required to renew your Egyptian passport in person and here is a step-by-step instruction.

Schedule an appointment

You should submit an application at an embassy or consulate of your domicile. Please note that some might not allow walk-in applications, so it is suggested to contact the nearby consular office and check the exact information. For example, the Egyptian consulate in New York City requires applicants to book an appointment online to finish the consular work through the steps below.

• Visit the online portal of the consulate and click on the “Book an appointment” button.

• Enter a valid email address and receive an activation email. Click on the link in it to activate your account.

• Choose the passport renewal service and the desired date and time to renew the passport.
• Save the appointment confirmation notice and bring it to the consulate.
• Prepare the necessary documents

Both the original and copies of the required documents are needed. Make sure the copies are clear and legible. It is advised to download the passport renewal form or obtain it in email in advance and complete it before going to the consular office. In this case, you don’t need to spend extra time filling out the form at the counter while attending your appointment.

Attend the appointment

After everything is ready, bring the required documents and go to the selected embassy or consulate on the predetermined date. Don’t miss the appointment, otherwise, it might be canceled. Please note that minors must be accompanied by a parent. Complete the renewal form (if necessary) and submit your application according to the officer’s instructions.

Pay the passport renewal fee

It costs $275 to renew or apply for an Egyptian passport. The renewal fee can be paid in cash or by cheque payable to the name of the embassy of Egypt. Do not pay with personal checks. 

Collect the new passport

When the authority informs you that your passport is ready, you should return to the embassy/consulate of application with your current passport and pick it up in person during business walk-in hours.

Egyptian Passport Renewal in the USA By Mail

Supposing that you are living away from the embassy or consulate and cannot go there in person, you are allowed to renew a passport by mail as follows.

• Download the passport renewal form or contact the consular mission to obtain it.
• Fill out the form and sign in front of a local accredited notary.
• Prepare the required documents and cashier’s check. Do not put cash in your package.
• Mail all the documents to the consular section. Remember to include a paid, self-addressed return envelope with a tracking number from the Post Office.
• Receive your renewed passport by mail after your application is approved.

Where Can I Renew Egyptian Passports in the USA

There are 5 Egyptian consular missions in the USA. Whether you are renewing the passport in person or by mail, you have to choose the one in the jurisdiction of the state where you live according to the list below.

How to Check My Egyptian Passport Renewal Status

It usually takes a few weeks to renew an Egyptian passport in the USA. During this period, people feel anxious waiting aimlessly for their new passports. You can check the progress of your application from time to time.

If you renew in person, you will receive an application receipt. Bring the receipt to the Egyptian embassy or consulate where you apply and ask the officer to check the renewal status.

Alternatively, you can call or send an email. The officer will ask you for personal information and the reference number of your application. If you renew by mail, just check the status of your passport delivery through the tracking number of the return envelope.

Bonus Tips for Getting Egyptian Passport Photos

The biometric passport photo is an essential part of identity verification. However, it might not be easy to get a qualified Egyptian passport photo in the United States as the local photographers are not familiar with Egyptian passport photo rules. The good news is that you can take pictures at home and resize an Egyptian passport photo online with the following tips.

• Use a digital camera or mobile phone with high-definition lenses.
• Learn about the official photo requirements in advance.
• Find a place with sufficient and uniform lighting, preferably natural light. Avoid shadows on the face or background, reflection, or improper exposure. 
• Selfies are not acceptable, so please ask someone else to help or use a tripod.
• Dress properly. Do not wear uniforms, clothes with fancy patterns, or shiny accessories.
• Hold your body upright and keep your head centered within the frame.
• Resize passport photos online. Upload the photo to AiPassportPhotos, an online passport photo maker, to check photo compliance and adjust the photo size and background.

FAQ

Can I renew my Egyptian passport online?

You might renew your Egyptian passport electronically from within Egypt, but online renewal is not available outside Egypt.

Can I renew an expired Egyptian passport in the USA?

Yes, and you should submit the expired passport to the Egyptian embassy or consulate in the USA.

How long does it take to renew my Egyptian passport from the USA?

It takes about 3 months to receive a renewed passport, but the processing time might vary according to the completeness of your application and the workload of the passport office.

Summary

In conclusion, it is necessary to get a new passport when the current one is expiring, running out of pages, lost, or damaged. You should renew Egyptian passport in USA at the nearby Egyptian embassy or consulate. It is recommended to make full preparations in advance and apply as early as possible.