Tag

Expedited Processing

All articles tagged with #expedited processing

travel2 years ago•1 min saved

US Passport Wait Times Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels

U.S. passport processing times have dropped to their shortest since before the COVID-19 pandemic, with routine service now taking between six and eight weeks and expedited processing taking two to three weeks. The State Department has fulfilled its commitment to return to pre-pandemic benchmarks and has been aggressively recruiting and hiring to meet demand. Over 24 million passport books and cards were issued in the U.S. between October 2022 and September 2023, marking an all-time high.

via USA TODAY|

#covid-19-pandemic #expedited-processing #passport-processing-times

travel2 years ago•3 min saved

Avoiding U.S. Passport Delays: Tips for Travelers

Travelers in the United States are experiencing significant delays in obtaining passports due to pandemic-related staffing shortages and a surge in demand. The State Department has increased processing times for passports, with routine applications taking 10 to 13 weeks and expedited applications taking seven to nine weeks. There are options for emergency and urgent travel, but these require specific justifications and additional steps. Travelers are advised to check passport, visa, and vaccination requirements for their destination country and consider using third-party passport services. Contacting elected representatives for expedited processing is not recommended due to overwhelming demand.

via Yahoo News|

#expedited-processing #pandemic-related-staffing-shortages #passport-delays