Tag

Passport Application

All articles tagged with #passport application

travel2 years ago

Passport Processing Times Plummet: Know Your Wait Time

The U.S. State Department has announced a decrease in passport processing times, with routine service now taking between seven and 10 weeks, down from eight to 11 weeks. Expedited service, which incurs a $60 fee, will now take three to five weeks, down from five to seven weeks. The State Department attributes the decrease to increased resources and hiring efforts to meet the high demand for passports. These estimates do not include mailing times. The changes come after a record-breaking issuance of over 24 million passport cards and books between October 2022 and September 2023. The article also provides information on the passport application process and required documents.

travel2 years ago

Passport Application Backlog Creates Chaos for Travelers

A backup of U.S. passport applications has caused significant delays and uncertainty for travelers as worldwide travel rebounds. The State Department blames the backlog on pandemic-related staffing shortages and a pause in online processing. With a record-breaking 500,000 applications per week, the agency is struggling to keep up, leaving many applicants in a state of limbo. Urgent cases are being prioritized, but for everyone else, options are limited and expensive. The delays are not limited to the U.S., as consulates overseas are also experiencing significant wait times for visa interviews. Despite some progress being made, the passport application process remains frustrating and unpredictable for many travelers.