So just how long can it take to renew your passport? Between new applications and renewals, at this time there is a backlog of over 2 million applications.
Prior to the pandemic, if you needed a passport quickly, you could go to select offices in person and get your passport in as little as 3 days. Last-minute passport appointments are now extremely limited. Also, those who require passports more quickly than the current processing times and are going in person (if they are fortunate enough to get an appointment,) must show proof of imminent travel within 72 hours of their appointment.
When you visit the State Departments’ website you will see that it takes up to 6 weeks for your application to begin processing. During these 6 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is entered into their system. On average the turnaround time is 18 weeks. If you pay the additional $60 to expedite, it can still take up to 12 weeks.
“U.S. citizens who wish to travel overseas this summer and do not currently have a passport may need to make alternate travel plans,” warned Rachel Arndt, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services. “We are looking at surging back to pre-pandemic staffing levels and additional staff for both government and contractor staff.” She stated that the State Department is bringing back more than 150 employees to help deal with the workload and will continue to increase that number.
She also warned about scams selling passport appointments online, advising that “the Department of State does not charge a fee to solely book an emergency appointment at one of our agencies or centers, so if anyone receives a request for payment for scheduling a US passport appointment, that should be considered fraudulent.”
With Canada reopening it’s borders, most Caribbean Islands open for travel and the European Union lifting travel restrictions, many people are ready to travel abroad. If you have your passport, make sure it is valid for at least 6 months from the date you return from your trip. Also, make sure and check out what the COVID protocols are and if you need to be vaccinated.
If you don’t have a passport, the suggestion at this time is that you apply for your passport 6 months before your planned trip. But don’t let passport delays hold you back from traveling. If you still want to go somewhere this summer check out Places You Can Visit Without a passport. You can also travel closer to home. U.S. National parks tours & fall foliage vacations have limited availability with popular travel companies including Globus Tours, G Adventures and Tauck Tours. Hawaii, Las Vegas, Savannah and Charleston are popular weekend getaways.
Travelling has the ability to take you out of your daily routine and into new surroundings and experiences that can help reset your body and mind. This past year has been stressful so are you ready for your reset? We’re just a phone call away and ready to help you plan your dream vacation.
