Travelers experienced consistently delayed passport processing times in 2023, leading to concerns about timely document acquisition. In response, the U.S. Department of State has made efforts to improve wait times, resulting in encouraging updates regarding processing durations for new passports and renewals.
As the department continues to work toward pre-pandemic processing times by the end of 2023, strategies such as increased hiring and training, authorized overtime, and investment in automation and other technologies have been implemented. Furthermore, efforts have been made to better communicate with the public, encouraging U.S. citizens to apply earlier and understand the passport application process. Travelers are advised to renew their passports at least six months before their planned travel, as most countries require visitor passports to be valid for six months at the time of travel.
Do you know if you need a passport card or a passport book? If you’re not sure, read this post!
Current Passport Processing Times
Passport applicants, whether new or renewing, should anticipate a wait of eight to 11 weeks for routine service. For quicker passport processing, applicants may opt to pay an extra $60, which reduces the passport processing time to five to seven weeks.
Keep in mind that these passport processing times do not account for mailing durations, which might add an additional few weeks to the overall time frame for receiving a passport.
The prolonged waiting periods for passport processing are attributed to a surge in passport demand during the pandemic. In 2022, nearly 22 million passports were issued, and the expectation is that even more will be processed this year, aiming for half a million passports each week, according to a State Department spokesperson.
This heightened demand has resulted in a backlog of applications and extended waiting times for various U.S. government agency services, including passport services. Trusted Traveler programs such as Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, Nexus, and SENTRI administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection have also been marginally affected.
The Good News
Passport processing times have decreased compared to the pandemic’s peak. For example, in June 2021, routine processing times reached 18 weeks.
Applicants can retroactively expedite their passport applications by contacting 877-487-2778. Before doing so, it is advisable to check the passport’s status online to stay updated on its progress in the processing pipeline.
Despite challenges like not being able to connect with the National Passport Center via phone, many travelers have ultimately received their passports after waiting for around seven weeks.
For those who pay the extra $60 for expedited service and do not receive their passports within the promised time frame, they are eligible to apply for a refund.
Other Things to Know
In urgent situations requiring international travels, limited in-person appointments can be made for two scenarios:
- In emergency cases like a death, travel within 72 hours or three business days is allowed, provided that there’s evidence of the urgent incident.
- For non-emergency travels within 14 days and the need for a foreign visa within 28 calendar days, proof of travel is necessary.
Life-or-death emergency and urgent travel appointments can exclusively be made through phone calls. However, online passport renewal is currently unavailable as customer feedback is being implemented to enhance the process. Despite the initial plan to launch online passport renewal services this year after the previously announced introduction in March, no updates have been provided on it. Nevertheless, the processing time for online services will be similar to in-person or mail procedures.
The Essential Takeaway
When planning your travel, make sure to submit your passport for processing well in advance, ideally six to nine months before the expiration or your trip. Check the State Department’s website for the most up-to-date passport processing times, as these can impact your travel arrangements. Always consider the current passport processing times and avoid making nonrefundable plans until you have received your passport.
Some helpful resources to refer to for passport-related matters include:
- Understanding the 6-month passport rule
- Tips to prevent a lengthy passport renewal process
- Steps for renewing your passport according to the US State Dept.
- A hack for skipping long waits for passport renewals
- Obtaining a second US passport
- Cruise destinations that don’t require a passport
- A guide to taking passport photos at home
- Insights from a first-time passport renewal experience
Remember, the opinions expressed in these resources belong to the authors and may not reflect those of banks, credit card issuers, airlines, or hotel chains. No endorsements have been provided by such entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify my passport application status?
To check your passport application status, you can generally visit the official website of the issuing authority for your country. For example, in the US, you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website to check your application status.
What is the average time taken for passport processing?
The typical passport processing time varies depending on the issuing country and the type of application. Generally, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks for standard passport processing. However, expedited services may be available for an additional fee to process the application faster.
How do I speed up my passport renewal process?
If you need to expedite your passport renewal, you can usually opt for an expedited service offered by the passport issuing authority. This service often comes with additional fees and requires submitting your application in person at an authorized facility.
How can I keep track of my passport delivery?
Courier services usually offer a tracking option for monitoring your passport’s delivery status. Once your passport is ready to be shipped, you should receive a tracking number from the issuing authority or courier. You can use this number on the courier’s website to track the delivery progress.
Is it possible to book a U.S. passport appointment online?
Yes, you can schedule a U.S. passport appointment online. You can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website to find a list of passport agencies and centers, which often provide online appointment scheduling options.
