If you’re a Native American or have Native American blood, having a Native American passport can make a significant impact in your travel and employment opportunities. Many people are not aware of this passport, its eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to obtain it.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Native American passport, including what it is, who is eligible for it, how to apply for it, and its benefits.

Eligibility for the Native American Passport

The Native American passport is a travel document that allows Native Americans to travel internationally without the need for a U.S. visa. It is issued to members of federally recognized tribes who can prove their Native American ancestry.

To be eligible for a Native American passport, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a member of a federally recognized tribe.
• You must be able to prove your Native American ancestry.
• You must not hold any other passport or nationality.
• You must be residing within the United States.

Benefits of Having a Native American Passport

The Native American passport comes with several benefits, which include:

Visa-Free Travel

The Native American passport allows you to travel visa-free in countries that have an agreement with the United States. This means that you can travel to these countries without obtaining a visa, making your travels more convenient and cost-effective.

Employment Opportunities

Having a Native American passport can help you find employment opportunities, specifically with companies or organizations that work with or support Native American communities.

Increased Cultural Awareness and Appreciation

The Native American passport can also help raise cultural awareness and appreciation of Native American culture and history, both domestically and internationally.

How to Apply for a Native American Passport

To apply for a Native American passport, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Contact your Native American tribe’s enrollment office to obtain a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB). This certification proves your Native American ancestry.

2. Complete the Application for a Native American Passport, which you can obtain from the Tribal Enrollment Office or the Bureau of Indian Affairs. You will need to provide proof of identity and citizenship, a copy of your CDIB, and two passport photos.

3. Pay the processing fee, which can vary depending on the tribe and processing time.

4. Submit your application, along with the required documents and fee, to the Tribal Enrollment Office or the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

5. Wait for your passport to be issued, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the processing time.

FAQS

What is a Native American passport?

A Native American passport is a travel document issued to members of federally recognized tribes who can prove their Native American ancestry. It allows travel visa-free in countries that have an agreement with the United States.

Can non-Native Americans apply for a Native American passport?

No, only members of federally recognized tribes who can prove their Native American ancestry are eligible for a Native American passport.

How much does it cost to apply for a Native American passport?

The processing fee for a Native American passport can vary depending on the tribe and the processing time. It is usually around $30-50.

How long does it take to get a Native American passport?

The processing time for a Native American passport can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the tribe and processing time.

Can I still hold a U.S. passport if I have a Native American passport?

No, you cannot hold both a U.S. passport and a Native American passport. The Native American passport serves as a replacement for the U.S. passport.