The United States faced major federal interference last time, waiting for its passport to soar.
Starting in March 2020, the U.S. State Department’s pandemic-related undermanagement began to affect the government’s ability to fulfill passport applications in a timely manner, which has caused a major headache for travelers. By early 2021, there is one Backlog of 2 million applications Stacked on federal tables.
In the worst case, delays in U.S. passports Up to 13 weeks. This situation is so disastrous that the government must warn: “U.S. citizens who wish to travel abroad…there is currently no passport that may require an alternative travel plan.” Some people applying to prepare for summer trips in March have not received documents for July’s trip in time.
By the second half of 2024, just a few months ago, the U.S. government finally Those waiting waitingand the processing delay for standard passport applications has been reduced to a more typical 4 to 6 weeks (2 to 3 weeks if you pay a $60 expedited service surcharge).
One of the biggest factors in reducing latency is to create a new one Online system for passport renewal President Joe Biden’s order exists after Joe Biden took office in 2021.
But this is 2025 and you are reading our headlines.
In recent days, Massive shooting Government workers of the State Council also have new leaders. The news is full of reports of uncertainty reports on federal department staff and federal web pages Flashing in and out Serve.
The prognosis of passport application remains hazy.
At present, the State Council website is still listing waiting for passports as 4 to 6 weeks.
However, we are still in the early stages of this uncertainty, and there is no guarantee that the official estimates are being updated, or whether there will be a lot of effort to keep the waiting time short.
That’s why we recommend you check your passport’s expiration date. If it is any time next year – You should also give you enough buffering time To avoid entry validity requirements in certain countries, then obtain your application.
We also recommend that first-time passport applicants start the process immediately before planning for summer travel.
This would be a great opportunity to eliminate the difference in American passport ownership. Recent YouGov polls found One third of black Americans Fully have a passport and the same guarantee is given to all citizens aged 45 to 64. Pick up your passport, man!
Even if you don’t have plans to travel internationally immediately, enjoying your passport will be the coming The deadline for real ID on May 7 Meeting is much easier. And come on Voter ID Law Likewise, having a passport will help protect your voting rights.
To get you started, Frommer’s has an article about How to apply for or renew a U.S. passport.