By THE ALASKA STORY
March 16, 2026 – More Alaskans are obtaining passports as international travel rebounds and global connections expand, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of State.
During fiscal year 2025, a total of 52,586 passports were issued in Alaska, the highest number in recent years. The figure includes both traditional passport books and passport cards and represents a continued upward trend in passport demand across the state.
The increase builds on steady growth over the past several years. In FY 2024, Alaska residents received 47,045 passports, and 45,349 were issued in FY 2023. The latest number reflects an increase of more than 5,500 passports from the previous year, or nearly 12% increase, signaling growing travel activity among Alaskans.
Nationally, the State Department reported a record 27,348,416 passports issued in FY 2025, reflecting a surge in international travel demand across the United States.
The State Department reports passport issuance by fiscal year (Oct. 1–Sept. 30) rather than calendar year, and the FY 2025 figures are the most recent complete annual data available as of early 2026.
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Residents across the state can apply for passports in 34 Alaska communities, according to the State Department’s passport acceptance facility locator. Applications are typically processed through post offices, courts, municipal offices, and other authorized locations that verify identity and transmit documents to the federal government.
The rise in passport issuance also reveals Alaska’s growing ties to international travel, trade, and tourism.
According to federal economic data, Alaska exported $5.26 billion in goods in 2023, highlighting the state’s role in global commerce. Foreign investment also plays a significant role in the economy, supporting an estimated 13,600 jobs in Alaska as of 2021, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
For many Alaskans, passports are used not only for international vacations but also for travel to Canada, business trips, and employment connected to Alaska’s export-driven industries.
13 thoughts on “Alaskans increasingly looking abroad: Passport issuances rise to more than 52,000”
You missed the obvious and probably most likely reason: a pathway of escape from the horror, corruption, violence and lawlessness of criminal Trump.
Well that and the final extension of the REAL ID requirements ran out.
Seriously it’s so horrific in America that illegal aliens stopped flooding our borders and many self deported. That’s one of the great things about America, you’re always free to leave and find somewhere else more fitting to your world view, I’ve heard North Korea is always willing to take people who find living in America to be horrific, corrupt, and full of violence and lawlessness.
That’s what I was thinking Steve-O that the increase of Passports have something to do with the REAL-ID mandatory requirement
I’ll be applying for my first passport later this year for a trip I have wanted to go on for a while and now want to do it before too much time goes by if
God-wills it
Tina, what if god doesn’t will it. How will you explain that?
“God works in mysterious ways.” is the standard approved response.
I wonder if that’s what the parents and spouses of our recently-killed servicemen and woman are saying.
It also makes driving out a little bit easier; if our neighbors choose to allow you across their land.
Steve-O, you have a weird, divisive and understated clever way of taking facts and true statements and squeezing them a bit to create an untruth.
Evan,
You have a very obvious way of attempting to gaslight others.
Well said!
You forgot shamelessness, but it’s a long, long list so I’ll excuse the omission 🙂
Sanctuary cities have become unsafe for families so it is not surprising at all people are escaping these havens where criminals thrive on innocent victims without fear of defunded police departments and no cash bail catch and release policies.
Great! Now even more people will be able to vote after the SAVE Act passes.
Well said Steve-O!