State Department Warns: Passport Delays

The U.S. State Department warns international travelers about significant passport processing delays.

On September 28th, the State Department put this notice on its website:

“You can now apply for routine service and expect to receive a passport in 10-12 weeks. You also have the option of paying an additional $60 for expedited service to receive your passport in 4-6 weeks.

These processing times apply to applications submitted by mail and in-person at an acceptance facility in your community. Most acceptance facilities such as post offices, clerks of court, and libraries are open and accepting passport applications. We encourage you to apply by mail when possible because it is a safe, contactless option for certain services.”

The website further goes on to explain that they have a current passport backlog of 934,000.

How to Avoid Passport Processing Delays

When we finally get this COVID-19 mess behind us, I expect to hear sad stories about expired U.S. Passports.

Please don’t let that happen to you.

Pull out your passport to see when it expires.  If your passport expires in 2021, it might make sense to plan on getting your passport renewed right away. If you don’t have a passport and will need one in 2021, apply now!

To learn more, visit the U.S. State Department’s website at this link.

You might also enjoy this article: 15 Important Travel Tips for International Travelers

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