December 16, 2016,
The Indian Embassy has released thier new website for submitting all official and diplomatic visa applications. The website is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in and all applications must created and printed from this website.
December 01, 2016
SIA/CPC is receiving an influx of expedite memorandums with the incorrect signature authority. All expedite letters must be signed by an O-7/SES. The only other exception is when an O-7/SES is not available to sign, the signature authority will then go to an O-6 or the installation commander with a justification as to why it wasn't signed by an O-7/SES in the body of the memo. Within the signature block you are to put the Rank /Grade of the signature authority. Do NOT put the Title only. SIA does not know what a “Director” or a “Chief of Operations” means. However, if you do include the title, it has to include the Rank/Grade. If this guideline is not followed, the application will not be processed in an expedite status by SIA/CPC it will be processed as a routine application.
November 03, 2016
The Department of State, Special Issuance Agency's most recent newsletter is attached to this link .
October 21, 2016
Passport Facilties:
Annual facility certifications are due NO LATER THAN 31 Oct 2016. Any facility which has not submitted their certification forms will be suspended by SIA on 1 Nov 2016. It is imperative that all annual certifications be received by 31 Oct 2016 to avoid any delays in passport processing for your facilities and customers.
October 18, 2016
SIA will be holding thier Passport Day October 22, 2016. For more information, please open the flyer here
October 6, 2016
Due to the adverse weather conditions anticipated by approaching Hurricane Matthew for Charleston, SC and an ordered coastal evacuation announced beginning Wednesday, the State Department Charleston enclave, including the Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Passport Center, and HR Shared Services will be closed beginning Wednesday, October 5th until the threat of the storm passes, which is currently forecast for Saturday night, October 8th.
October 4, 2016
UAE Visa Processing Update:
Due to the large volume of UAE visa applications that the Embassy is receiving daily and the limited work force at the UAE Embassy, there is currently a substantial back log in the processing of UAE visas. The processing time for UAE is approximately 8 weeks currently and could extend to 14 weeks as application submissions increase in quantity. Any agents with October and November departure dates should expect delays in departure dates that were requested by as much as 30-45 days.
September 21, 2016
Passport Services recently issued two important notices regarding upcoming changes affecting the passport application process.
Please advise your customers of these changes to help them avoid delays in the processing of their applications.
Effective October 1, 2016: Social Security Numbers Must Be Provided on All Passport Applications.
Effective November 1, 2016: Eyeglasses May No Longer Be Worn in Photo Passports.
September 09, 2016
Good afternoon Agents,
You may have noticed the yellow banner on VPAS indicating that the system will be down on September 15th for maintenance and updates. At that time new user friendly functions will be implemented into VPAS that are quite different from what you may be used to. Please join us on one of the Webinar training dates below to learn about the Transmittal (DS form 7691) generation, OCONUS Module and Application Number record association.
1) Tuesday 13 September from 0900-1000 EST
2) Tuesday 13 September from 1500-1600 EST
3) Wednesday 14 September from 0700-0800 EST
4) Wednesday 14 September from 1300-1400 EST
5) Thursday 15 September from 1000-1100 EST
6) Thursday 15 September from 1700-1800 EST
Webinar link:
https://conference.apps.mil/webconf/a1b55de3aead1efeb3d176518b929d49
Conference line: 30 lines available per class Dial 703-545-5444 Access code 5450376703
September 09, 2016
Upcoming Embassy Closures:
Saudi Arabia closed September 12 through 14, 2016
UAE closed September 12 and 13, 2016
Egypt closed September 12 and 13, 2016
Iraq closed September 12 through 16, 2016
India closedSeptember 12, 2016
September 02, 2016
The VPAS3 website will be down on September 15, 2016 and September 27, 2016 from 0700 to 1200 EST for updates and maintenance.
September 02, 2016
2016 Annual Certification Period Open from September 1 through October 31, 2016
This year’s annual certification period for DoD acceptance facilities is now open. Please take the following actions to ensure your facility’s continued participation in the Passport Application Acceptance Program:
The 2016 Annual Certification Packet can be found at this link
July 26, 2016
When passport agents are returning documents to DET fixing a discrepancy for a visa submission that a DET member is currently holding on to, DO NOT create a new DD 1056 to send with the corrected documents. Instead follow the instructions below to print out the existing DD 1056 for that visa submission to send with the package:
DO NOT CREATE A NEW RECORD:
- Go to the task tab and click view visas
- Search for the record with the discrepancy by putting the applicant’s last name or entering their barcode number (Case Sensitive).
- Click on the actions drop down menu and click view.
- In the top center, click on the green drop down menu that says ‘Actions’ and choose view 1056.
- There will be a pop up at the bottom of the screen asking if you want to open or save the 1056.
- Click open and a PDF document will generate. The barcode should match the original barcode.
- Print form, sign, and mail with discrepancies to the DoD Passport/Visa Office.
June 29, 2016
Upcoming Embassy Closures:
Saudi Arabian Embassy closed 7/4/2016 through 7/8/2016
Egyptian Embassy closed 7/4/2016, 7/6/2016 through 7/8/2016
UAE Embassy closed 7/4/2016 through 7/8/2016
Iraqi Embassy closed 7/4/2016 through 7/8/2016
June 21, 2016
Please see the link for the latest important notice from the Department of State. Important Notice
June 15, 2016
This is a notification that as of 17 June 2016 any actions not completed in the VPAS3 system will be returned to the agent to be processed into the new system. We have been accepting applications for Visas and Passports while everyone was getting registered for the new system, however that time has passed. Please ensure that all actions are processed in the new system. Should you have any difficulties I will happily assist. If you are OCONUS you are not yet required to use the new system but must still be registered.
Additionally due to agent request there are additional webinars for how touse VPAS3 the times and info are listed on Passport Matters and below:
VPAS Webinars will be hosted on the following dates and times:
15 June 2016 @ 1000 Eastern Time
16 June 2016 @ 1300 Eastern Time
22 June 2016 @ 1600 Eastern Time
23 June 2016 @ 0900 Eastern Time
Please sign into the webinar on a computer with speakers attached, as we will be utilizing the DCS Audio to conduct these sessions and reach the maximum number of people rather than be limited by an external audio bridge. All questions during the conference will be placed into the chat window and answered by the moderator.
The webinar will be available at the following link:
https://conference.apps.mil/webconf/75bb8d1f7f3f189c095051d178652564
June 08, 2016
With the roll out of VPAS3 there has been a series of requests for additional webinars on the use of the system. To meet these requests VPAS Webinars will be hosted on the following dates and times:
15 June 2016 @ 1000 Eastern Time
16 June 2016 @ 1300 Eastern Time
22 June 2016 @ 1600 Eastern Time
23 June 2016 @ 0900 Eastern Time
Please sign into the webinar on a computer with speakers attached, as we will be utilizing the DCS Audio to conduct these sessions and reach the maximum number of people rather than be limited by an external audio bridge. All questions during the conference will be placed into the chat window and answered by the moderator.
The webinar will be available at the following link:
https://conference.apps.mil/webconf/75bb8d1f7f3f189c095051d178652564
May 23, 2016
Deactivation of Agents no longer in compliance of training:
Per agreement prescribed in Sep 2012 MOU with Dept of State, all agents not in compliance with their 24 month required training prior to 10 Jun 2016. will be deactivated. Once deactivate the agent will no longer be able to execute or submit passport applications. Applications submitted will be placed on hold with all access to VPAS suspended until the agent has returned to favorable compliance status.
Please review the passport matters training link https://passportmatters.hqda.pentagon.mil/Training/TrainingDatesLocations.aspx and you will see that we have arranged for an additional 2 day agent training course. This course is set for 17 - 18 Aug 2016 and is intended to assist agents that have not been able to meet the current requirement. Please bear in mind that this is a final attempt to allow compliance of agents currently in need of the required training. Agents must register for this course prior to 10 June 2016 to remain active during the time up to 18 Aug 2016 course completion. Agents who have exceeded the 24 month required training window will be deactivated. This course is limited to 75 students and seats will be based on a first come first serve. All required documentation must be provided prior to confirmation of a seat. If you fail to make training you will not be able to reschedule.
April 19, 2016
SIA 2016 First Edition DoD Newsletter. SIA 2016 DoD Newsletter
April 1, 2016
VPAS3 Webinar:
Two additional training webinars have been added for April. These will be the last informational webinars prior to the system implementaion. All times are EST and utilize the Defense Collaboration Service (DCS) link DCS webinar. The associated audio bridge will open ten minutes before the start of the training. 866-238-3879/DSN 312-225-4042. The pass code is 816922.
7 April 2016 1300 EST
14 April 2016 1600 EST
March 31, 2016
Storing Transmittals:
The two approved means of storing and maintaining copies of transmittals to ensure retention compliance are:
- Saved as a hard copy (paper) and stored such that they are only available to the passport agent(s) and facility manager
- Scanned (digital) and stored in a folder that has limited access to only the passport agent(s) and facility manager
The Office of Acceptance Facility Oversight has contacted all the inspectors to accept both types of transmittal storage methods during the course of an inspection. The inspectors will be verifying access rights as part of the normal inspection process.
The retention of transmittals is in a locked cabinet or restriced digital folder for 24 months. Once the minimum retention is met, all copies must be destroyed by either shredding or deleting from the server.
March 30, 2016
A memorandum from the Department of State has been released about the new requirements for the visa request letter for the Indian Consulate. For more information please click the link:
https://passportmatters.hqda.pentagon.mil/Docs/New%20India%20Visa%20Requirememnt%20Memorandum.pdf
March 10, 2016
A tempory format has been agreed on between the Department of State and the Indian Consulate in Washington D.C. for the visa request letter. We are again doing business with the Indian Embassy as usual with the new temporary format. Waiting on the agreement has created an India visa request backlog and will increase the processing time until the backlog decreases. A permanent solution should come around in April, an update will be provided.
March 4, 2016
The Special Issuance Agency has updated the Acceptance Facility Changes and Acceptance Agnet Add/Change/Remove forms. Please use the link bleow for the new forms.
Agent Change Form
Facility Change Form
March 1, 2016
SIA Notice of Social Security Number Requirement on Passport Applicaitons can be viewed using the following link: Notice to Acceptance Agents
February 29, 2016
We have added more webinars for the new web-bases DD Form 1056. All time are EST using the Defense Collaboration Service (DCS) link https://conference.apps.mil/webconf/75bb8d1f7f3f189c095051d178652564. The audio bridge will open ten minutes before the scheduled start: 866-238-3879/DSN 312-225-4042. The code is 689971.
Mar 3 0900
Mar 8 1700
Mar 10 0900
Mar 15 0730
Mar 17 0900
Mar 22 0900
Mar 24 0730
Mar 29 1700
February 26, 2016
The Embassy of India is in the process of modifying the format of the visa request letter used from the Department of State that they accept with every official visa request. The Indian Embassy is currently not accepting any visa requests from our office until the format is decided on and completed. There is an understanding that this issue should be resolved soon. An update on this situation will be posted as soon as more information is obtained.
February 12, 2016
Passport Agent Training Update:
Any agent that does not attend recertification training within the required 24 month period will be automatically be deactivated. To date, we are showing over 80 agents in this status and that number is growing as we cross each new month. It is incumbent upon you to sign up for and attend the training. We have two courses still open to help facilitate any agent that was trained before June 2013. Any agent that was last trained before June 2013 and does not attend either the March or June courses will be deactivated at the end of June 2016. Any agent that does not attend a refresher course to remain under the 24 month period before the end of the FY will be deactivated the first week of the next FY. If you are the only agent at an acceptance facility and are deactivated, the facility will also be deactivated.
January 27, 2016
Training on the utilization of the web-based DD Form 1056 from the Visa Passport Automated System (VPAS) for February is listed below. All times are for EST using the Defense Collaboration Services (DCS) link https://conference.apps.mil/webconf/75bb8d1f7f3f189c095051d178652564. The associated audio bridge will open a few minutes before the scheduled time.
Here is the audio brigde information: 1-866-283-3879/DSN 312-225-4042. The code is 689971.
2 Feb 0730 and 1100
4 Feb 0900 and 1700
9 Feb 0730 and 1100
11 Feb 0900 and 1700
16 Feb 0730 and 1100
18 Feb 0900 and 1100
23 Feb 0900 and 1100
25 Feb 0900 and 1100
January 26, 2016
Due to the closure of the Government in the DC area, the training today, 26 Jan, for the new VPAS 1056 is cancelled.
January 15, 2016
Turkish Visa Applications must be completed online at https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/eKonsolosluk/Sayfalar/VizeBasvuru/VizeBasvuru. Applications will be required to upload one (1) passport photo and all supporting documents listed under "Other Special Requirements". Once completed online, print and sign the application, submit to the DoD Passport and Vias Office at Ft Belvoir, VA.
Photo can be affixed to the vias application.
January 13, 2016
Training on the utilization of the web-based DD Form 1056 from the Visa Passport Automated System (VPAS) for January is listed below, February schedule is TBD. Times indicated are EST. No VTC connection is required for the training. Copy the link https://conference.apps.mil/webconf/75bb8d1f7f3f189c095051d178652564 and paste it in your browser a few minutes before the time you want to log in. You will need to use your CAC email certificate when asked. The Defense Collaboration Services (DCS) tool will allow up to 300 during the session and if needed the chat function will allow all uses the ability to ask a question. The bridge is needed because we dont know if every agent has a mic and speaker to use that function in DCS. The audio bridge is the limiting factor because we could only get 25 lines per session.
Here is the audio bridge information: 1-866-283-3879/DSN312-225-4042. Pass code is: 689971
14 Jan 0900 and 1100
19 Jan 1100 and 1400
21 Jan 0900 and 1700
26 Jan 1100 and 1700
29 Jan 0900 and 1100
January 13, 2016
The Department of State has authorized the DoD Passport Acceptance Agents to cancel Diplomatic Passports. For addition information ples click th elink below.
Cancellation of Diplomatic Passports
December 22, 2015
The President approved half a day off for all federal employees. The Passport office at Ft Belvoir will be closing at 1200 on Thursday the 24th of December and will resume normal operations on Monday the 28th of December, 2015. For more information on the Executive Order please click the link below.
Executive Order Memorandum
December 10, 2015
Attention: Effective January 2016, Department of State will no longer issue additional Visa pages in official passports. Customers will need to reapply for a new "passport" before their current official passport expires "or has" four or less blank Visa pages left. For additional information please click the link below.
Elimination of Additional Visa Pages Flyer
December 10, 2015
Attention: GO/FO Official Government Passport Management for DOD Passport Acceptance Agents
Upon selection to one star, all members will required to be assigned to a CAPSTONE course, an intensive five-week course consisting of seminars, case studies, informal discussions, and visits to U.S. Embassy's and military installations abroad. As part of the CAPSTONE program, an official passport is required in order for them to participate in an overseas field study trip. As such, individuals will travel TDY to either the Middle East, Southwest Asia, Europe, Pacific Rim and South America. Requests for official passports must be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to attending the CAPSTONE Course. Members of this course require valid official passports to be registered.
December 10, 2015
Attention: UAE Visa Processing Update
Applications should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than 8 weeks from the intended travel date. The present minimum visa processing time for UAE is approximately 8 weeks currently and could extend to 12 weeks as application submissions increase in quantity.
December 4, 2015
Attention: State Department Acceptance Facility Town Hall
Ms. Brenda Sprague, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services held a Passport Acceptance Facility Town Hall on 2 December for the Fee Acceptance Facilities. There are some points of interest SIA felt our team would want to see. Use the following link to view the Town Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfmPTQqzBqg
November 23, 2015
Attention: Online Passport Application System Problems
The Department of State, Passport Services is aware that our customers are experiencing problems when trying to access the online 2D Barcode system through the http://www.Travel.state.gov website when filling out their passport applications. We are working with our developers and IT specialists to resolve this issue.
November 10, 2015
Reminder: DoD civilians with official PCS orders/notification of assignment or on temporary (TDY) travel orders to foreign locations where they may/must enter and exit on their ID Card (CAC) and orders, are automatically eligible for no-fee passports, based on the passport requirement of having to re-enter the United States on a passport, as mandated by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). See the FCG entry for the United States entry requirements for details. Note that US active-duty military members may re-enter the United States on their ID Card (CAC) and orders (PCS, TDY or leave), but DoD civilians (and eligible family members of both US military and DoD civilian members) must have valid passports to re-enter the United States.
October 21, 2015
Attention: Effective January 2016, Department of State will no longer issue additional Visa pages in official passports. Customers will need to reapply for a new one before their current official passports have four or less blank Visa pages left.
October 21, 2015
Attention: 2015 Military Acceptance Facility Annual Certification Submission Period is CLOSING SOON All Acceptance Facilities are required to complete and submit the 2015 Military Acceptance Facility Annual Certification packet by October 31, 2015 to meet the annual certification requirement. Please carefully review the instructions to complete and submit all four pages of the 2015 Annual Certification packet, available in the link below, for your Acceptance Facility to both CA-PPT-SIA-AnnualCertification@state.gov and usarmy.belvoir.hqda-oaa-dol-w.mbx.paaf@mail.mil by no later than October 31, Failure to comply with this requirement by the October 31, 2015 deadline will result in the suspension of the Acceptance Facility from the Program effective November 1, and assigned agents will not be authorized to accept passport applications or offer other passport services until further notice.
NOTE: All existing Acceptance Facilities must submit the current version of the form by the deadline in order to meet the 2015 annual certification requirement, and no previous versions of the packet (prior to August 2015) will be accepted.
https://passportmatters.hqda.pentagon.mil/Docs/2015%20Military%20Acceptance%20Facility%20Annual%20Certification.pdf
October 13, 2015
Attention: Department of State is hosting "Passport Day at SIA" on Saturday, October 24th, 2015. For more information please use the following link.
Passport Day at SIA Flyer
October 08, 2015
Attention: The Charleston Passport Agency (CPC) is up and operational as of 10/08/15.
October 07, 2015
Attention: All old UAE application forms will be declined by the UAE Embassy in Washington DC and sent back to the according passport agents they were submitted by. Please ensure that all applicants are using the correct UAE application form provided at https://passportmatters.hqda.pentagon.mil/Docs/Visas/UAE.pdf. For instructions on filling out this form correctly visit https://passportmatters.hqda.pentagon.mil/Requirements/Visas.aspx#U and click on United Arab Emirates.
October 07, 2015
Attention: The Charleston (CPC) Passport Agency is closed due to flooding. No inbound passports are being processed at this time. More information to follow as the situation improves.
September 18, 2015
Attention: Pope Francis will be visiting the Washington DC area from September 22, 2015 through September 24, 2015. This visit will result in road closures in the DC metro area affecting visits to some Embassies and the Department of State building. This will cause delays on the passport and visa process during the duration of his stay.
September 17, 2015
Attention: The Saudi Arabian Embassy is having a Holiday closure from September 21, 2015 through September 25, 2015. This will cause some delay on visa processing for Saudi Arabia.
August 10, 2015
Attention: 2015 Military Acceptance Facility Annual Certification Submission Period is Now Open
All Acceptance Facilities are required to complete and submit the 2015 Military Acceptance Facility Annual Certification packet by October 31, 2015 to meet the annual certification requirement. Please carefully review the instructions to complete and submit all four pages of the 2015 Annual Certification packet, available in the link below, for your Acceptance Facility to both CA-PPT-SIA-AnnualCertification@state.gov and usarmy.belvoir.hqda-oaa-dol-w.mbx.paaf@mail.mil by no later than October 31, 2015.
Failure to comply with this requirement by the October 31, 2015 deadline will result in the suspension of the Acceptance Facility from the Program effective November 1, and assigned agents will not be authorized to accept passport applications or offer other passport services until further notice.
NOTE: All existing Acceptance Facilities must submit the current version of the form by the deadline in order to meet the 2015 annual certification requirement, and no previous versions of the packet (prior to August 2015) will be accepted.
• 2015 Military Acceptance Facility Annual Certification Packet
August 10, 2015
Attention: How to sign your child's passport
July 27, 2015
Attention: The Department of Homeland Security has determined that Driving Privilege Cards issued by various states are not compliant with the REAL ID Act. Please read the attached for full details.
Acceptance Agent Notice
July 17, 2015
Attention: The EDD Dog Handlers have been provided a waiver by the State Department and that waiver has been sent down to the individual EDD Dog handler program managers. The customers must provide a copy of that wavier when requesting an official passport. Below is a link to the ALARACT 117/2015 which explains this action in more detail.
ALARACT 117/2015
July 7, 2015
VISA SITUATION UPDATE FOR THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA:
Due to the new limited hours for Ramadan and limited Embassy personnel, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia is cutting back on the number of visa applications they are accepting during the month of July. The Embassy will be closed the 20th-24th of July, which will cause a backlog of visa applications pending to go to the Embassy. We strongly encourage all Saudi Arabia applications be submitted at the earliest notification of the visa requirement this summer. There is no estimated time period on how long this backlog will last.
June 16, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for Turkey. Please review all changes in the FCG and note the update for eligible family members of military personnel.
June 16, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for the UK. Please review all changes in the FCG and note the update for eligible family members of military personnel.
June 16, 2015
IMPORTANT VISA UPDATE FOR UAE
Effective immediately, the old visa application form for the United Arab Emirates is no longer accepted by the Embassy in Washington, D.C. Old applications will be returned to the customer without action. Please check the Passport Matters website for the new application and detailed instructions to complete this form:
https://passportmatters.hqda.pentagon.mil/Requirements/Visa_Requirements.aspx?country_name=United Arab Emirates
New UAE Visa Application
May 18, 2015
Attention: Visa Update for South Korea
S. Korea Visa Requirements
May 18, 2015
Attention: Visa Update for Namibia
Namibia Visa Requirements
May 11, 2015
Attention: Visa Update for Georgia (new online application)
Georgia Visa Requirements
April 15, 2015
An Authorized Service Interruption to update and improve the Passport Matters and VPAS applications is scheduled for Friday, 17 Apr 1600 hrs - 1900 hrs. The systems will be unusable during the ASI window.
April 10, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for Iraq
Iraq Visa Requirements
April 2, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for Nigeria (New Online Application Requirement)
Nigeria Visa
April 2, 2015
ATTENTION: PASSPORT AGENTS IN GERMANY AND ITALY - Update to Notice from March 20, 2015
The Consulate General in Frankfurt requires the submission of original supporting documents when applying for a regular (fee) passport and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs). Certified photocopies are not acceptable. LSW has been notified that the Consulates General in Italy will maintain their current policy. Policies and procedures are subject to change. Passport Agents should always refer and adhere to the guidelines provided by the local Consulate to ensure they meet all the requirements.
March 30, 2015
DoD Agents Submitting Passport Applications for U.S. Coast Guard Personnel
DoD passport agents are required to provide no-fee passport services to all DoD members, including Coast Guard (USCG) personnel upon request. DoD agents should not complete Form DD 1056 for USCG passport applicants; authorization for a no-fee passport must come from USCG Headquarters. DoD agents may refer USCG applicants to USCG Headquarters or contact USCG HQ themselves at (202) 372-4473 or USCGPASSPORTS@USCG.MIL for additional guidance when submitting applications on behalf of the USCG.
March 27, 2015
ATTENTION: Important Visa Update for UAE
Official passport and visa must be obtained before traveling to the UAE (review the FCG for exceptions). Passport Acceptance Agents should advise all customers that they may not enter the UAE before they receive the official passport and visa. The UAE Embassy will not issue a visa if the individual has already entered the country without the required documents, and visa requests will be returned to the member without action.
UAE Visa Requirements
March 27, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for Senegal (New Application)
Senegal Visa Requirements
Senegal Visa Application
March 20, 2015
ATTENTION: PASSPORT AGENTS IN GERMANY AND ITALY
When processing documents for family members in Germany, Passport Agents must send the original passports and original documents to the Consulate, no exceptions. If there are travel emergencies, the Consulate can accommodate returning the original passports sooner and can also arrange pick-ups in emergencies, which all of the bases usually do. This process will remain in effect indefinitely. Questions can be addressed to the Director, LSW (CONUS), toye.y.latimore.civ@mail.mil, or you may contact a representative at the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. If you do not send the original documents, they will be returned, and applications will not be processed, and there is a possibility that family members will not be issued passports. Under no circumstances shall anyone send certified copies of any documents. This policy will be adopted in Italy as well. More information on other OCONUS requirements to follow.
March 19, 2015
Reminder on Procedures for Supplemental Requests for Additional Visa Pages, German SOFA Stamps, and Australian and MFO Endorsements
All requests to the Department of State to amend a valid no-fee passport to add visa pages, and for German Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) stamps and the Australian SOFA and Sinai Multinational Force (MFO) endorsements MUST include a Form DS-4085, “Application for Additional Visa Pages or Miscellaneous Passport Services,” that is signed by the applicant. This required form must be submitted with the DD Form 1056 and valid no-fee passport. The Special Issuance Agency is not able to process these requests without a completed DS-4085. This form is also used to request retrieval of a no-fee passport that is on file at SIA. Copies of the form can be found at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/212247.pdf.
Note that a DS-4085 is only required when modifying a valid no-fee passport or requesting a no-fee passport on file at SIA. If an Acceptance Agent is requesting a SOFA stamp or endorsement at the same time as submitting a passport application, they should continue to request the stamp/endorsement in block 17 of the DD Form 1056.
March 18, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for Iraq
Customers should continue to expect lengthy processing times for visas submitted to the Embassy of Iraq in Washington, DC. The estimated processing time of your visa may take up to 45 business days. The final processing time is determined by the Embassy and subject to change. Please plan accordingly.
March 18, 2015
March Newsletter
March 17, 2015
Secret Clearance Required for Passport Agents
Per SIA, prospective passport agents can attend the Passport Matters training with an interim clearance, however, a full clearance is required to obtain a Passport Agent Code and to conduct passport agent duties.
March 4, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for South Korea
Korea Visa Requirements
February 23, 2015
ATTENTION:
An Authorized Service Interruption to perform a system upgrade is scheduled for 2/24/2015 from 4-6pm. During this time, passport acceptance agents will not be able to check the status of their passport and visa applications online or by phone. Customers will have the option to leave their contact information or call back after the upgrade has been completed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will work with our customers to answer all inquiries in a timely manner.
February 19, 2015
February Newsletter
February 18, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for Angola
Angola Visa Requirements
February 13, 2015
Friendly Reminder: The visa application for Algeria must be typed in all capital letters. Visa applications that do not adhere to all embassy guidelines are not acceptable and may lead to delays in the processing of your request.
Algeria Visa Requirements
February 13, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for Iraq
Customers should expect lengthy processing times for visas submitted to the Embassy of Iraq in Washington, DC. The estimated processing time of your visa may take up to 45 business days. The final processing time is determined by the Embassy and subject to change.
January 29, 2015
ATTENTION: Visa Update for Indonesia
Indonesia Visa Requirements
January 23, 2015
Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) Information
January 23, 2015
SIA Newsletter
January 13, 2015
LSW January Newsletter
January 9, 2015
PASSPORT ACCEPTANCE AGENTS: A fillable version of the DS-7691 "No-Fee Passport Application Transmittal" form is now available (click below). This form can also be obtained by going to the "Forms and Instructions" section under the Resources tab of this website. You must first "Enable All Features" (top right of the form) to type in the fillable form fields.
DS-7691 (fillable)
December 30, 2014
ATTENTION: Updated Guidance for Contractors working at Passport Acceptance Facilities
Please read!
December 29, 2014
Notice to Passport Acceptance Facilities:
New Stamp and Seal Requirement
December 16, 2014
ATTENTION:
The DoD Passport and Visa Office will be closed on December 25 and 26, 2014. The Tier I Customer Support Team will be available to provide 24/7 assistance with general inquiries and visa status information by telephone and email.
The office will resume regular business hours on December 29, and the Customer Service team will be available for Tier II support and all other questions (including passport status requests) that day. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
December 12, 2014
ATTENTION: Review updated entry requirements for Peru
Peru Entry Requirements
December 5, 2014
December Newsletter
November 17, 2014
ATTENTION: Review updated entry requirements for Iraq
https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/docs/IZ.cfm
November 10, 2014
ATTENTION: Quarterly VTC
Passport Acceptance Agents:
The Passport and Visa Office's quarterly Video Teleconference Call (VTC) is scheduled for November 18 and 20, 2014. To attend, please RSVP NLT November 12, 2014 and include the Bridge Reservation Form and any questions/topics you would like to address during the VTC.
VTC Information
Instructions
UVTC Bridge Reservation Form
Please Note: An email was sent to all DoD passport acceptance agents who provided the State Department with a valid email address. However, many emails were returned to our coordinator as undeliverable. All passport agents should make sure that the current enterprise email address has been submitted. To update your email address, please access the form titled "Agent Information Updates" in the Resources - Forms/Instructions section on this website and submit to CA-PPT-SIA-CS@state.gov and usarmy.pentagon.hqda-oaa-dol-w.list.east-executive-office@mail.mil.
November 10, 2014
ATTENTION: Visa Update for France
Please Read
October 22, 2014
ATTENTION: Schengen Visa Update
- France: The French Consulate in Washington, DC is switching from the Schengen visa to issuing a country visa. The Schengen visa application form and all other visa application requirements remain the same. Any changes/updates will be shared on the Passport Matters website as received from the State Department or the Consular staff. For entry requirements, visit the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm
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Greece: Only DoD personnel under Chief of Mission authority (i.e., USDAO and ODC) will require a visa to enter Greece on an official passports (diplomatic or official passport with diplomatic visa). All other DoD civilian personnel and family members will enter Greece on official passport (i.e., maroon) without a visa. Please always review detailed country-specific requirements in the FCG https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm
October 21, 2014
LSW October Newsletter
October 17, 2014
ATTENTION: EMBASSY UPDATE
The British Consulate General in New York no longer accepts FedEx return labels. Whether the visa application is submitted to the DoD Passport and Visa Office at Fort Belvoir or the Consulate in New York, the application packet MUST include a self addressed UPS or USPS shipping label or your visa request cannot be processed.
October 16, 2014
ATTENTION:
The Special Issuance Agency has an updated mailing address. Mail forwarding has been set-up, so all incoming mail sent to the previous address will be delivered. SIA does not anticipate any additional processing time as a result of the new mailing address.
Please direct all mail to:
U.S. Department of State
Passport Services
Special Issuance Agency (CA/PPT/SIA)
44132 Mercure Cir
PO Box 1185
Sterling, VA 20166-1185
October 10, 2014
Reminder: DoD 2014 Annual Acceptance Facility Certification Deadline is October 31, 2014
All DoD Passport Acceptance Facilities are required to complete and submit the Military Acceptance Facility Certification of Program Compliance packet by October 31, 2014 to meet the annual certification requirement. Please complete and submit all four pages of the DoD 2014 Annual Certification packet, available in the link below, for your Acceptance Facility to both CA-PPT-SIA-AnnualCertification@state.gov and usarmy.belvoir.hqda-oaa-dol-w.mbx.executive@mail.mil by no later than October 31, 2014.
Failure to comply with this requirement to complete and email all pages of the DoD 2014 Annual Certification packet to both CA-PPT-SIA-AnnualCertification@state.gov and usarmy.belvoir.hqda-oaa-dol-w.mbx.executive@mail.mil by the October 31, 2014 deadline will result in the deactivation of the Acceptance Facility and all its assigned passport agents. Failure to fill out the forms in their entirety may also result in deactivation.
October 3, 2014
ATTENTION:
The DoD Passport and Visa Office, Fort Belvoir, is expecting delays in the processing of visa requests for countries observing the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha.
The Embassy of UAE - Closed October 3, 2014
The Embassies of Egypt, Lebanon, and Mauritania - Closed October 6, 2014
The Embassies of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait - Closed October 6-8, 2014
September 23, 2014
No-Fee Transmittal Requirement for DoD Acceptance Agents – EFFECTIVE Oct. 1, 2014
This notice is to advise DoD Passport Application Acceptance Agents of the new, No-Fee Transmittal Form DS-7691. Effective October 1, 2014 all DoD acceptance agents must submit a completed No-Fee Transmittal Form DS-7691 inside each envelope containing passport applications submitted to the Special Issuance Agency. All fields on Form DS-7691 must be completed to ensure proper processing.
Separate transmittals must be completed for routine and expedite applications and then shipped in different envelopes. The new No-Fee Transmittal Form DS-7691 can be obtained from http://eforms.state.gov/editdocument.aspx?documentid=267 or DS-7691.
Per the FM PARG, DoD facilities are obligated to maintain a copy of each submitted transmittal under lock and key for 24 months.
September 4, 2014
DoD 2014 Annual Acceptance Facility Certification
All DoD Passport Acceptance Facilities are required to complete and submit the Military Acceptance Facility Certification of Program Compliance packet by October 31, 2014 to meet the annual certification requirement. Please complete and submit all four pages of the DoD 2014 Annual Certification packet, available in the link below, for your Acceptance Facility to both CA-PPT-SIA-AnnualCertification@state.gov and usarmy.pentagon.hqda-oaa-dol-w.list.east-executive-office@mail.mil by no later than October 31, 2014.
Failure to comply with this requirement to complete and email all pages of the DoD 2014 Annual Certification packet to both CA-PPT-SIA-AnnualCertification@state.gov and usarmy.pentagon.hqda-oaa-dol-w.list.east-executive-office@mail.mil by the October 31, 2014 deadline will result in the deactivation of the Acceptance Facility and all its assigned passport agents. Failure to fill out the forms in their entirety may also result in deactivation.
September 2, 2014
ATTENTION: Logistics Services Washington Newsletter (August 2014)
August 27, 2014
Please Note:
Personnel traveling to Portugal for less than 90 days (on a diplomatic or official passport) do NOT require a visa.
August 5, 2014
ATTENTION: State Department Special Issuance Agency Newsletter (Summer 2014)
July 25, 2014
NOTE:
Please review new UAE visa requirements for PCS and diplomatic travel.
UAE Visa Requirements
July 23, 2014
ATTENTION:
The DoD Passport and Visa Office, Fort Belvoir, is expecting delays in the processing of visa requests for countries observing the Muslim holiday of Ramadan.
The Embassies of Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen - Closed all week (28 July - Aug 1)
The Embassy of the UAE - Closed Mon, Tues, Wed (28-30 July)
The Embassy of Qatar - Closed Monday and Tuesday (28-29 Ju
%MCEPASTEBIN%
The President approved a half day off for all federal employees. The Passport office at Ft Belvoir will be closing a
noon on the Thursday 24th of December and will resume normal operations on Monday 28th of December.
Jan 14 0900 EST
Jan 14 1100 EST
Jan 19 1100 EST
Jan 19 1400 EST
Jan 21 0900 EST
Jan 21 1700 EST
Jan 26 1100 EST
Jan 26 1700 EST
Jan 29 0900 EST
Jan 29 1100 EST