The U.S. State Department has seen a significant decrease in processing times for routine passport applications, shortening them to within seven to ten weeks. Fiscal year 2023 saw a record number of passports being released, and the situation is expected to improve further by the time the year draws to a close.
U.S. passport delays have improved from earlier in 2023, yet they are not yet back to pre-pandemic levels. Currently, the State Department is taking seven to ten weeks to process routine passport applications, and three to five weeks for expedited requests. From March 24 to October 1, individuals waited up to thirteen weeks for routine passport processing, and up to seven weeks if they opted for expedited services. Once mailing time is taken into consideration, the State Department suggests allowing at least six months for passport renewal or prior to travel. According to Sally French, a travel specialist from NerdWallet, "Passport processing times have improved, but if someone wants to take advantage of last-minute airfare deals like those typically offered on Travel Tuesday (Nov. 28), it's still a lengthy wait."
Passport processing has been slow due to the increased demand for international travels as the restrictions caused by the pandemic lessen. A new record of 24 million passport books and cards was issued for the federal fiscal year between October 2022 and September 2023. The agency has taken action to reduce the backlog, including aggressively recruiting and hiring staff for passport offices and centers, assigning tens of thousands of overtime hours a month, and opening a satellite office for applications. They have commented, “As more Americans are taking trips abroad once more, we are allocating resources to deal with the historical levels of demand seen so far this year.”
Delays have improved but have not yet reached their pre-pandemic level. Expedited passports used to take two to three weeks to process and routine passports six to eight weeks, the State Department reported. "Planning ahead has always been necessary to obtain a passport," stated French. The State Department is expecting to announce more updates to the processing times later in the year. Generally speaking, the amount of requests for passports varies throughout the year and it is usually quicker to process them during the October to December time period.
Passport books cost $130, and first-time applicants must pay an extra $35 acceptance fee. Individuals can pay an extra $60 for expedited passport processing. For faster delivery of a passport book, one to two-day mailing service costs $19.53. Postal service Priority Mail Express requires varying fees depending on a traveler's location. Life-or-Death Emergency Service is an option for those travelling abroad in the next three business days with a qualified emergency, and Urgent Travel Service is available for those travelling within 14 calendar days.
Generally speaking, U.S. passports are valid for 10 years, although they may be issued for only 5 years if the individual was under 16 when issued. However, it is possible that Americans may not be allowed to travel if their passport has not yet expired - some countries may even deny entry if the passport's expiration date is too close to the end of the trip. For instance, the Schengen Area in Europe requires that U.S. passports are valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended date of departure.
Countries in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East typically require a minimum of six months of validity for entry. Hong Kong and Macao, however, require just one month. This is why the State Department recommends renewing passports a year prior to their expiration date. Moreover, travelers may need to apply for a separate visa to visit certain nations, which may require additional planning and preparation. The State Department provides passport and visa requirements for particular countries.
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