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Passport applications are at an all-time high
As pandemic-era health fears have diminished and countries have reopened their borders, a record number of Americans are planning trips abroad this year.
The State Department has issued a staggering 22 million passports in fiscal 2022, breaking all previous records. And according to a spokesperson, they are on track to surpass that record in fiscal 2023, which ends on September 30.
In March, Secretary of State Antony Blinken testified to Congress about the “unprecedented” volume of passport applications. While applications typically fluctuate with the seasons, reaching their peak from March to late summer, the demand is now constant throughout the year.
In response to the surge in demand, the State Department had to restaff positions that were reassigned or eliminated during the pandemic.
How to expedite your passport application
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The State Department recommends allowing six months for passport processing, taking into account longer processing times and the time required for mailing.
Before making any travel plans, Americans are advised to check the current processing times, as they may vary. Currently, routine passport applications take 10 to 13 weeks to process, costing $130 for a passport book plus an additional $35 acceptance fee for first-time applicants.
Expedited processing is available for an extra $60, with passports currently being processed in seven to nine weeks. The goal is to return to the pre-pandemic processing times of two to three weeks for expedited passports and six to eight weeks for routine processing by the end of the year.
Please note that these processing times do not include the time required for mailing. Travelers can opt for expedited delivery for an additional fee, or use Priority Mail Express service from the United States Postal Service.
In certain circumstances, travelers may be eligible for further expedited processing. Life-or-Death Emergency Service is available for those with qualified emergencies traveling abroad in the next three business days. Urgent Travel Service is for those traveling within 14 calendar days without a passport, or within five days if they have already applied.
Regardless of the chosen processing method, applicants can check their application status and sign up for email updates online.
It’s important to note that certain countries may require a passport to be valid for a certain period beyond the planned trip. For example, the Schengen Area requires a U.S. passport to be valid for at least 90 days beyond the date of departure from the home country.
Many countries in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East require at least six months of validity for entry. Other countries, such as Hong Kong and Macau, require one month.
To avoid any issues, experts recommend renewing a passport well in advance even if there are no immediate travel plans. Additionally, travelers may need to apply for a separate visa, which can take additional time and planning.
The State Department provides information on passport and visa requirements for specific countries.
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