Have you checked your USA? passport lately? Even if you don’t think about it Trips abroad You will be able to see the expiration date shortly. Although Travel agency It is generally recommended that the government be given a few months to: a Password renewalUnsurprisingly, the timeline got a little more complicated during the coronavirus pandemic.
There is currently a large backlog in the U.S. Department of State, which means that travelers who need to be renewed will have to allow more time than usual, especially since international destinations require your passport to be valid for six months from your return flight date to the U.S.
We reached out to a few experts to answer common questions about U.S. passport renewal. Read on for advice depending on when your passport expires.
How long does the passport renewal currently take?
“Due to the pandemic, delays in the renewal process are to be expected,” says John Spence, President of the US luxury tour operator Scott Dunn.
The government updated this page every Thursday with passport statistics. By September 17, 934,000 passports were waiting to be issued. Due to the gradual reopening of U.S. Passage Agencies and Centers, Which started in JuneProcessing time for renewed or new passports can be “significantly longer than usual,” officials say. (According to State Department officials, it took between six and eight weeks to process passport extensions in 2019.)
State Department officials report that they have largely worked their way through the backlog created by COVID-19’s routine processing shutdown. 97 percent of the applications were received in April, May and June. Most applications are currently being processed and will be returned to applicants within 10 weeks.
However, As of September 8thIn phase two, only 11 passage agencies were open nationwide – which means that the services are still greatly reduced and therefore the waiting times are longer.
What about expedited service?
Prior to COVID, you could pay $ 60 to get your passport renewal faster in 10 to 12 days. In March the government temporarily suspended Accelerated passport processing for customers who submit an application to acceptance facilities or renew passports by post. From September 28th The expedited service has resumedwith a slower turnaround time of 4-6 weeks.
Do I have to send in my passport to be renewed?
From now on, yes. It is daunting to send in your passport with uncertainty as to when it can be returned. However, within seven to ten working days of submitting it, you should be able to track your application status this page, after entering your last name, your date of birth, the last four digits of your social security number and a security code.
