US Passport Delays Cause Travel Chaos and Ruin Summer Vacations

The backlog of US passport applications is causing significant delays and frustration for travelers as worldwide travel rebounds. The State Department blames the backlog on pandemic-related staffing shortages and the pause of online processing. With a record-breaking 500,000 applications per week, the wait times for passports have increased, leaving many travelers in a state of uncertainty. Some applicants are resorting to buying additional plane tickets to cities where their passports are being processed. The situation is not much better for Americans abroad, as consulates overseas are also experiencing delays in visa interviews. The government is working to address the crisis by hiring more agents and opening more appointments, but the timeline for improvement remains uncertain.