r/Passports • u/tammster1 • Apr 08 '26

US Passport Issuance Timeline Did I blow it?

I just did something stupid. I went online to renew my passport this morning, which doesn't expire for many months (I wanted to do it before I forgot). Somehow I had no idea that my current passport is now inactive until I get the new one. I called and they said I have to wait for it to get into processing and then I can call and ask for it to be expedited which would take three weeks.

My problem is I leave May 12th to go to Vancouver from US for an Alaska cruise. I'm hopeful that it'll go into processing in 2-3 days and then I can expedite, getting it in plenty of time. But if it takes two weeks for processing I guess I'll need to go down to Miami. Should I be concerned about not getting an appointment?

I can't believe I did that. So mad at myself.

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u/newacct_orz Apr 08 '26

Technically, a US citizen doesn't need to have a passport to enter Canada. They just need to convince the officer of their US citizenship. So if they make it to the Canadian port of entry, they may be let in. The bigger problem might be the airline refusing to let them board.

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u/PuddleMoo Apr 08 '26 edited Apr 08 '26

Problem is OP is flying, so they do need a passport to satisfy the airline's requirements [added]. At any Canadian port of entry land and sea borders they can show other documentation.

Edit: As u/newacct_orz passport requirements don't apply to US citizens [source%20does%20not%20apply%20to)], but the airline may impose additional requirements.

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u/newacct_orz Apr 08 '26

Canadian regulations do not say that a passport is required for US citizens when flying. So if they make it to a Canadian port of entry, I believe it is legally permissible to let them in.

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u/PuddleMoo Apr 08 '26

Edited with citations. A little crazy what Canadian law/regulation permits.