Passports Right Now

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At this time, the State Department says the passport application process is taking more than four months (18 weeks), and “expedited” service may only shorten the wait to three months, according to a release. This means passport processing times are three times as long as the average wait time before the pandemic. The State Department website indicates that the dramatic delays result from COVID-related issues and high demand.

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People who need to renew their passports immediately can no longer book last-minute appointments online. To check if your client can qualify for an emergency appointment, you can refer to the table on the State Department “get it fast” passport HERE: 

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Be Proactive Now

• Check when your passport expires. Many travelers assume that if their passport expires right after the end of their trip, they will be okay. Sadly, many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months before your entry date. While they don’t always turn everyone away in practice, they have that option. And with additional border controls in place now, it isn’t wise to take the risk.

• ​If you need an emergency passport or renewal, do NOTdelay and BEGIN the process immediately

• Check out the closest passport agency information near you. 

• Refer to a private service that specializes in handling expedited passports. This may set you back anywhere from an extra $60 to $400, another reason to keep on top of your passport expiry date.​