A dramatic surge in passport demand is causing lengthy delays for both passport renewals and new applications, putting summer travel plans at risk for many. An unprecedented rise in international travel document applications has resulted in an expanding backlog, creating substantial delays for those planning overseas trips.
Typically, the standard passport renewal process takes a few weeks but as of March 24, routine processing times take up to 13 weeks. Even paying extra for expedited service leaves soon-to-be travelers with a wait time of up to nine weeks.
According to the U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs, those who applied for passports before February 6, waited six to nine weeks for routine service, and three to five weeks for expedited.
A record high, the State Department issued nearly 22 million passports in 2022. Demand has skyrocketed by at least 30 percent in 2023, as 500,000 weekly applications are filed.
The backlog for international travel documents has persisted and wait times proceed to increase, despite added funding and more staff. Travelers are rushing to secure their passports before a projected record-breaking travel season this summer, resulting in long lines at passport offices across the country.
In March, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he acknowledges the issue and has put a task force into action to align efforts focused on resolving the problem.
“We’re offering overtime, opening satellite offices to help HQ in processing times,” Blinken said.
Travel industry expert, Henry Harteveldt calls the prolonged delays not only “alarming,” but also “embarrassing.”
“I know people have been waiting three, four months to get their passports fulfilled,” he said.
Those with trip plans should know that passports expiring in 2024 can potentially cause an issue as many nations require the paperwork to be valid up for up to six months before the departure flight.
As stated on the site for the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau, countries requiring six months of validity include: Mainland China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Turkey.
European countries within the Schengen zone generally have a three-month validity requirement.
Hong Kong and Macau have a one-month validity requirement.
Traveling abroad soon and need a passport? Call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment to expedite at an agency—the traveler must have booked international travel within 14 calendar days.
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