If you’re an American citizen living abroad or traveling internationally, you may need to get in touch with the U.S. State Department’s Passport Services division. Whether it’s to check the status of a renewal, report a lost passport, or ask about urgent travel, calling from outside the United States can be frustrating.
In this article, we’ll explain how to reach the right office, what numbers to use, why it’s been difficult recently, and how Connect-EZ helps travelers and expats make successful long-duration calls to U.S. government offices.
Why People Call the State Department’s Passport Services from Abroad
Many Americans overseas rely on the Passport Services division for:
- Checking the status of a renewal or new passport application
- Reporting a lost or stolen passport
- Getting help with urgent travel documents
- Requesting updates on delays or issues
- Understanding the rules for minors’ passports or dual nationality
While many inquiries can be handled at U.S. embassies and consulates, the main Passport Services division in the U.S. is often the first place people try to call — especially when overseas posts are closed or delayed.
The Problem with Calling from Abroad
The State Department’s main phone lines for Passport Services are:
- National Passport Information Center (NPIC):
1-877-487-2778
TTY: 1-888-874-7793
These are toll-free numbers, and toll-free numbers in the U.S. typically:
- Do not work internationally
- Fail to connect from non-U.S. phone plans
- Disconnect after 60 minutes on many VoIP services (e.g., Skype)
Until mid-2025, many Americans abroad used Skype to call these numbers for free. But in May 2025, Skype discontinued its free toll-free calling feature, leaving travelers without a reliable, affordable way to reach U.S. government offices.
As a result, people are now searching for alternatives that let them call 1-800/1-877 numbers from abroad, especially with wait times often exceeding 90 minutes.
Can You Call the State Department from Abroad?
Yes, but there are some limitations. For general passport inquiries, the U.S. State Department currently does not offer a separate international number. Their official guidance is to:
- Call the toll-free NPIC line: 1-877-487-2778
- Or contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for local assistance
Embassies and consulates can help in emergencies, but they may redirect you to the NPIC for application status checks or centralized records — particularly outside of regular hours.
The Alternative: Use Connect-EZ to Reach Passport Services
Connect-EZ is a modern, browser-based telephony service that solves the exact problem Americans abroad are facing when trying to reach U.S. government numbers.
With Connect-EZ, you can:
- Call 1-800, 1-877, and other toll-free U.S. numbers from any country
- Make long-duration calls — ideal for hold times over 60 or even 90 minutes
- Use Wi-Fi or mobile data — no SIM or mobile plan required
- Access the service directly through your browser — no app needed
If you’re abroad and stuck trying to call the State Department, Connect-EZ offers a simple, dependable alternative to traditional VoIP apps or local carriers.
Final Tip
When you connect, be ready to verify your identity. Have the following details handy:
- Full name as it appears on your passport
- Your passport application number (if available)
- Travel dates (if requesting urgent assistance)
- Your U.S. address or last known mailing address
The Passport Services line is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.