State Department Struggles with Unprecedented Passport Demand, Blinken Reports.

The US State Department is experiencing an "unprecedented demand" for passports as Americans prepare for renewed travel after the pandemic, with 500,000 applications per week, a 30-40% increase from last year. The department is on track to break the record of 22 million passports issued in 2022. The standard processing time for a passport is currently 10-13 weeks, and an expedited request takes 7-9 weeks. The State Department is prioritizing visas that have an economic impact, particularly for students, temporary workers, business travelers, and maritime crews.