If you haven't already done so, it's time to plan your summer vacation even though your thoughts might still be on spring break.
Your summer trip checklist should include these 11 items, as well as renewing your passport.
For applications received on or after March 24 or as of late March, the processing period for a passport has increased; it might now take 10–13 weeks for standard processing and 7–9 weeks for expedited service.
It was confirmed earlier this month that the agency's a forthcoming busy season with summer travel would result in this delayed service, so it is not unexpected. According to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, there have been 30% to 40% more requests for passports this year compared to the same period last year.
"Historically, demand has fluctuated; the peak season is about from March to late July. In essence, it's now full-time," Blinken stated during a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee.
The U.S. Department of State provided estimates of eight to eleven weeks for standard passport processing and five to seven weeks for expedited processing before spring break.
In any case, they suggest that tourists renew at least six months before their intended trip. Additionally, since the majority of nations demand that visitors' passports remain valid for at least six months after their anticipated return date, renewing is crucial.
Processing times right now
Processing times for applications received between February 6 and March 23 are still eight to eleven weeks for ordinary applications and five to seven weeks for expedited applications. Those who submitted applications before February 6 should anticipate normal treatment in six to nine weeks and accelerated service in three to five weeks.
The quoted wait dates do not take into account postal delays, which can add additional weeks to the time it takes to get your passport.
In 2022, the agency handled close to 22 million passport-related items.
According to Rachel Arndt, deputy assistant secretary for Passport Services, it is expected to surpass that amount this year with 500,000 passports issued per week.
In 2022, the agency processed the most passports ever. This, according to the explanation, is the result of unmet travel demand among people who would have applied during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to the postponed demand, various U.S. federal agency services, including as passport services, saw a backlog of applications and longer-than-average wait times.
But to a lesser extent, the four U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler Programs (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, Nexus, and Sentri) were also impacted.
Processing times are still shorter than they were at the height of the pandemic, though. As an example, in June 2021, when standard processing times were 18 weeks, I embarked on a self-inflicted wild goose hunt to try to retrospectively renew my passport.
Notwithstanding the fact that it took me seven weeks to get my passport, Arndt claims that people should be able to retroactively expedite their passport applications by contacting 877-487-2778. To find out where your passport is in the process before you call, check your status online.
I talked about my own experience, which is consistent with other people's accounts I've heard, of being unable to reach anyone at the National Passport Center via phone. With "millions of phone calls per year" to "give service in a timely manner to most of our customers," Arndt claimed the organization "meets customer expectations" on average.
If applicants pay the additional $60 for expedited service and their passports are not delivered within the specified accelerated deadline, they may request a refund.
Added information
You can try to schedule a limited in-person appointment for urgent overseas travel in the following two situations:
• For emergency circumstances — such as a death — requiring travel within 72 hours or three business days, you must provide proof of a qualifying incident.
• You must present documentation of travel for non-emergency travel within 14 days or if you require a foreign visa within 28 calendar days.
Urgent Travel Service and Life-or-Death Emergency Service appointments can only be scheduled over the phone.
While the agency utilizes user feedback to enhance the procedure, online passport renewal is still not available. While having previously stated a March implementation date, the timetable is Uncertain, but they expect to provide applicants with online passport renewal services later this year.
Nonetheless, processing times are identical to those for in-person or postal processing.
In conclusion
Whatever your trip schedule, submit your passport for processing as soon as you can because processing delays will probably lengthen when the summer travel season gets underway. If you haven't done so previously, you should renew your passport right away in order to travel this summer.
"In order to improve the adjudicative capacity and ensure that the phone lines for customer support are staffed, we have added workers. This is also reflected in the budget. It's quite significant, "The blinken said.
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