--- title: FAQs- Swift Passport and Visa Services Frequently Asked Questions description: Quick answers to common questions about passports, visas, processing times, fees, and how to work with Swift Passport & Visa Services. --- [Skip to content](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/swift-passport-and-visa-services-frequently-asked-questions#main-content) [![Swift Icon](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Swift%20Icon.webp?width=150&height=42&name=Swift%20Icon.webp)](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/?hsLang=en) - [Passports](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/passports) - Visas Show submenu for Visas - [Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/visas) - [China Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/china-visas) - Your Order Show submenu for Your Order - [Shipping & Delivery](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/shipping-delivery) - [Tracking & Status](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/tracking-and-status) - [Payments & Billing](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/payments-billing) - Requirements Show submenu for Requirements - [Processing Times](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/processing-times) - [Government Requirements](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/government-requirements) - Support Show submenu for Support - [FAQs](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/swift-passport-and-visa-services-frequently-asked-questions) - [Communication & Support](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/communication-support) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Passports](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/passports) - Visas Show submenu for Visas - [Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/visas) - [China Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/china-visas) - Your Order Show submenu for Your Order - [Shipping & Delivery](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/shipping-delivery) - [Tracking & Status](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/tracking-and-status) - [Payments & Billing](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/payments-billing) - Requirements Show submenu for Requirements - [Processing Times](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/processing-times) - [Government Requirements](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/government-requirements) - Support Show submenu for Support - [FAQs](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/swift-passport-and-visa-services-frequently-asked-questions) - [Communication & Support](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/communication-support) - [Go to Swift's Main Site](https://www.swiftpassportservices.com/) [Go to Swift's Main Site](https://www.swiftpassportservices.com/) Find answers about passports, visas, and your order - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Swift Passport and Visa Help Center](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 2. [FAQs](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/faqs?hsLang=en) # FAQs- Swift Passport and Visa Services Frequently Asked Questions ## Quick answers to the most common questions about passports, visas, processing times, and working with Swift. ### โฑ๏ธ How long will my passport/visa take? Processing times vary depending on the specific passport or visa service selected and are subject to the timelines set by the government or consulate. For estimated processing times by service, see [Processing Times Overview โ€” Passports & Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/processing-times-overview-passports-visas?hsLang=en) --- ### ๐Ÿ’ฐ How much does it cost? Fees vary depending on the specific passport or visa service. Most services include: - A Swift service fee - A consulate or government fee - A return shipping fee via FedEx (FedEx fees do not apply to e-Visas) For the most up-to-date pricing, please visit our website for the service you're interested in. --- ### ๐Ÿ“ฆ Where do I ship my documents? If your service requires shipping documents to our office, send them to: **Swift Passport & Visa Services** 1 E Erie St, Suite 525 Chicago, IL 60611 --- ### ๐Ÿ”„ Do I need a renewal or new passport? **You may renew your passport if:** - Your most recent U.S. passport is still valid or expired within the last 5 years - Your most recent passport was an adult passport - Your name and gender have not changed (a name change due to marriage or divorce requires a new passport application unless you can provide a legal name-change document) **You must apply for a new passport if:** - Your most recent U.S. passport has been expired for more than 5 years - You have never had a U.S. passport - You previously only held a child passport - Your name or gender has changed See [How Do I Know If I Need a Renewal or a New Passport?](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/how-do-i-know-if-i-need-a-renewal-or-a-new-passport?hsLang=en) for more details. --- ### ๐Ÿ“ Which passport form do I use? The form you need depends on your situation: | Situation | Form(s) Required | | --- | --- | | Renewal | DS-82 | | New Passport | DS-11 | | Lost Passport | DS-11 & DS-64 | See [Which Passport Form Do I Use? (DS-11, DS-82 & DS-64 Explained)](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/which-passport-form-do-i-use-ds-11-ds-82-ds-64-explained?hsLang=en) for details. **Important:** Use the passport form link provided in your Swift order to ensure you're completing the correct form. --- ### ๐Ÿ“… What's the 6-month passport rule? Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Each country's rules vary, so check [travel.state.gov](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html) for the most current requirements for your destination. See [Passport Validity & the 6-Month Rule](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/passport-validity-the-6-month-rule?hsLang=en)ย for more information. --- ### ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ Do US citizens need a visa for Europe? U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter most Schengen Area countries for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, the EU plans to require U.S. citizens to obtain ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before entering Schengen Area countries. ETIAS has not yet launched and its start date has been delayed multiple times. Check [travel.state.gov](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html) for the latest confirmed launch date. Check [travel.state.gov](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html) frequently for the most current requirements. Read more at [Do US citizens need a visa or ETIAS to travel to the European Union?](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/do-us-citizens-need-a-visa-or-etias-to-travel-to-the-european-union?hsLang=en) --- ### ๐Ÿ” How do I track my order? You'll receive your tracking number via email by the end of your completion date. You can then track your shipment directly with FedEx using this number. See [When Youโ€™ll Receive a Tracking Number](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/when-youll-receive-a-tracking-number-includes-references-to-swiftpass?hsLang=en)ย for details. --- ### โŒ Can I cancel my order? Your order may be eligible for a refund depending on its current stage. If eligible, a cancellation fee will be deducted per our terms and conditions. See [Cancellations and Refunds](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/cancellations-and-refunds?hsLang=en) for our full policy. --- ### ๐Ÿ“ธ What are passport photo requirements? A U.S. passport photo must meet these requirements: Additional requirements: neutral facial expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking directly at the camera, and no head coverings (except for religious reasons). - 2ร—2 inches (51ร—51 mm) - Taken within the last 6 months - White background - No glasses (prohibited in U.S. passport photos since 2016) - No white or very light-colored clothing (to distinguish from the white background) --- ### ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ How do I get a China visa? 1. Place your order on our website 2. Complete the visa questionnaire provided in your confirmation email 3. Ship your passport to our office 4. We submit your passport to the consulate on your behalf 5. We ship your passport back to you upon completion Read more at [How the China Visa Process Works](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/how-the-china-visa-process-works-pre-swiftpass?hsLang=en). --- ### ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ What documents do I need for an India e-Visa? The India e-Visa requires: - A copy of your passport photo page - A copy of a headshot photo **For business visas, you'll also need:** - A copy of your invitation letter - Your company business card See [India E-Visa Process, Timeline, and Requirements](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/india-e-visa-process-timeline-and-requirements?hsLang=en) for complete details. --- ### ๐Ÿข Can I visit Swift in person? Yes! Our Chicago office is open for walk-ins: **Address:** 1 E Erie St, Suite 525, Chicago, IL 60611 **Hours:** Mondayโ€“Friday, 9:00 AM โ€“ 4:00 PM You may drop off documents during business hours if your service requires physical submission. **Note:** Visa application forms must be completed online before your visit โ€” they cannot be filled out on our office computers. Documents can also be shipped to us via FedEx or UPS if you prefer. --- ### ๐Ÿ”„ My application is already in process โ€” can Swift help? This depends on the service: | Service Type | Can Swift Help? | | --- | --- | | Passports | No โ€” once submitted, we cannot intervene | | e-Visas | No โ€” once submitted, we cannot intervene | | China visas | Yes โ€” we can still submit and collect your passport, but cannot start a new application | | Other paper visas | Contact support@swiftpassport.com for assistance | --- ### โฐ When does expedited processing actually start? **Passports:** Processing begins on the day your application is submitted to the Passport Agency. We typically submit applications the next business day after receiving them, provided all documents are in order. Incomplete or incorrect documents may delay submission. **China visas:** Processing begins once we receive your passport, provided your questionnaire has been completed. **e-Visas:** Processing begins on the day we receive your completed questionnaire. ย  - [Processing Times Overview โ€” Passports & Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/processing-times-overview-passports-visas?hsLang=en) - [How Do I Know If I Need a Renewal or a New Passport?](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/how-do-i-know-if-i-need-a-renewal-or-a-new-passport?hsLang=en) - [Which Passport Form Do I Use? (DS-11, DS-82 & DS-64 Explained)](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/which-passport-form-do-i-use-ds-11-ds-82-ds-64-explained?hsLang=en) - [Passport Validity & the 6-Month Rule](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/passport-validity-the-6-month-rule?hsLang=en) - [Do US citizens need a visa or ETIAS to travel to the European Union?](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/do-us-citizens-need-a-visa-or-etias-to-travel-to-the-european-union?hsLang=en) - [When Youโ€™ll Receive a Tracking Number](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/when-youll-receive-a-tracking-number-includes-references-to-swiftpass?hsLang=en) - [Cancellations and Refunds](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/cancellations-and-refunds?hsLang=en) - [How the China Visa Process Works](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/how-the-china-visa-process-works-pre-swiftpass?hsLang=en) - [India E-Visa Process, Timeline, and Requirements](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/india-e-visa-process-timeline-and-requirements?hsLang=en) - [FAQs](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/faqs?hsLang=en) - [Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/visas?hsLang=en) - [Passports](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/passports?hsLang=en) - [Processing Times](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/processing-times?hsLang=en) - [Government Requirements](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/government-requirements?hsLang=en) - [Payments & Billing](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/payments-billing?hsLang=en) - [Shipping & Delivery](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/shipping-delivery?hsLang=en) - [China Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/china-visas?hsLang=en) - [Communication & Support](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/communication-support?hsLang=en) - [Tracking and Status](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/tracking-and-status?hsLang=en) - [Passports](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/passports) - Visas - [Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/visas) - [China Visas](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/china-visas) - Your Order - [Shipping & Delivery](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/shipping-delivery) - [Tracking & Status](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/tracking-and-status) - [Payments & Billing](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/payments-billing) - Requirements - [Processing Times](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/processing-times) - [Government Requirements](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/government-requirements) - Support - [FAQs](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/swift-passport-and-visa-services-frequently-asked-questions) - [Communication & Support](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/swift-knowledge-base/communication-support) [![Swift\_logo\_reverse1](https://support.swiftpassportservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Swift_logo_reverse1.webp?width=190&height=43&name=Swift_logo_reverse1.webp "Swift_logo_reverse1")](https://www.swiftpassportservices.com/) Copyright ยฉ 2026, Swift Passport & Visa Services