US Passport Delays Cause Travel Chaos and Ruin Summer Getaways

The backlog of US passport applications is causing significant delays and frustration for travelers as worldwide travel rebounds. The State Department is blaming the backlog on pandemic-related staffing shortages and a pause in 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 and resorting to expensive measures to obtain their passports in time for their planned trips. The delays are affecting not only Americans but also those seeking US visas and passports at consulates overseas. The government is working to address the crisis but has not provided a timeline for when the situation will improve.