Airline News
United States14d ago

US plans 38-page passport for 2028, online first-time applications in 2027

A planned US passport redesign would replace the current two book sizes with 38 pages. First-time applications are set to move online in 2027; Trump's portrait appeared in preview material, but inclusion is unconfirmed.

Adapted for this edition

The United States plans to introduce a redesigned, 38-page passport in 2028, replacing the current choice of 26- and 50-page books. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the changes on September 29, 2026, alongside the launch of america.gov, a new federal services portal.

For frequent international flyers, the page count is the practical change: the standard book gains space, but travellers who currently choose the larger version would lose 12 pages. US passport holders who accumulate visas and entry stamps should watch the rollout details and keep track of their remaining blank pages.

The administration also plans to accept first-time passport applications entirely online through america.gov starting in 2027, including photos taken with a smartphone. Online renewals are already available; the proposed expansion would bring initial applications into that process.

The redesign, called “Flight of the Eagle,” includes a larger gold seal and artwork depicting American history. Preview material included an image of President Donald Trump, but that does not establish whether his portrait will appear in the finished passport.

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