If you need additional visa pages in your U.S. passport, you have two primary options since the U.S. Department of State discontinued visa page inserts (VPIs) as of January 1, 2016. The most straightforward solution is to request a 52-page passport instead of the standard 28-page version when applying for a new or renewed passport. This larger book is available at no extra cost and provides more space for visas and entry/exit stamps. Alternatively, if you already have a valid passport but require more pages, you must apply for a second passport book under specific circumstances, such as frequent travel to countries with conflicting visa requirements. The process for either option involves submitting a standard passport application form (DS-11 or DS-82) and selecting the larger book or explaining the need for a second passport.

• Visa page inserts (VPIs) are no longer available as of January 1, 2016, for U.S. passports ^[2][7].
• 52-page passports are issued at no extra cost and can be requested during the application or renewal process ^[1][7].
• Second passport books are available for travelers who need to visit countries with conflicting visa policies or require multiple visas simultaneously ^[1].
• Blank visa pages are required for international travel, with many countries mandating at least one or two fully blank pages for entry ^[5].

Managing Visa Pages in Your U.S. Passport

Requesting a 52-Page Passport

When applying for or renewing a U.S. passport, you can choose between a standard 28-page book or a larger 52-page book. The 52-page option is designed for frequent travelers and provides significantly more space for visas and stamps. This choice is available at no additional cost, whether you apply inside or outside the U.S. The process is the same as applying for a standard passport, but you must explicitly select the 52-page option on your application form.

The U.S. Department of State introduced this option to accommodate travelers who previously relied on visa page inserts. Since the discontinuation of VPIs in 2016, the 52-page passport has become the primary solution for those needing extra space. Here’s what you need to know:

• No extra fee: The 52-page passport costs the same as the 28-page version ^[1][7].
• Application process: Check the "large book" option on Form DS-11 (new passport) or DS-82 (renewal) ^[1].
• Availability: Both options are available for applicants inside and outside the U.S., though the 52-page book has been standard for applications outside the U.S. since October 1, 2014 ^[7].
• Processing time: The processing time for a 52-page passport is the same as for a standard passport, typically 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks for expedited service ^[3].

The 52-page passport is particularly useful for travelers who visit multiple countries requiring visas, such as those in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, where visas often take up entire pages. For example, a single-entry visa for China or Russia may occupy a full page, while Schengen visas or entry stamps for countries like Thailand or Vietnam may use partial pages ^[8].

Applying for a Second Passport Book

If you already have a valid passport but need additional visa pages, you may qualify for a second passport book. This option is specifically for travelers who:

• Frequently visit countries with conflicting visa policies (e.g., Israel and certain Arab nations that deny entry if an Israeli visa is present) ^[1].
• Require multiple visas simultaneously for overlapping travel plans ^[1].

The application process for a second passport involves submitting Form DS-82 (if renewing) or DS-11 (if applying for the first time), along with a signed statement explaining the need for a second book. You must also provide a new passport photo and pay the standard application fee. Key points include:

• Validity: The second passport is typically issued with the same validity period as your primary passport (usually 10 years for adults) ^[1].
• Restrictions: The second passport is only for use in the specific circumstances outlined in your application (e.g., travel to conflicting countries) ^[1].
• Renewal process: If your primary passport is renewed, you must also renew the second passport separately ^[1].
• Name changes: If you legally change your name, you must update both passports ^[1].

This option is less common than simply requesting a 52-page passport but is critical for travelers navigating complex geopolitical visa restrictions. For instance, if you need to travel to both Israel and Saudi Arabia within a short timeframe, a second passport allows you to avoid visa conflicts ^[1].

What to Do If You Run Out of Pages

If your passport is still valid but has no blank visa pages left, you cannot add extra pages as of 2016. Instead, you must apply for a new passport using Form DS-82 (if eligible for renewal) or DS-11 (if not). The new passport will include the standard 28 or 52 pages, depending on your selection. Here’s what to consider:

• No partial renewals: You cannot renew only the pages; the entire passport must be replaced ^[5][7].
• Blank page requirements: Many countries require at least one or two fully blank pages for entry. For example, South Africa and China mandate two blank pages, while Schengen countries may require one ^[5].
• Visa placement: Consulates and immigration officers may skip pages when placing visas, which can waste space. For example, a Schengen visa might be placed three pages away from the last stamp, leaving unused pages ^[10].

To avoid running out of pages, plan ahead by requesting a 52-page passport if you anticipate frequent travel. If you’re unsure how many pages you’ll need, consider that a single international trip can use 2-4 pages (entry/exit stamps plus visas), and long-term travel (e.g., digital nomads) can fill a passport in 1-2 years ^[6].