US Passport Wait Times Return to Normalcy: In a significant turnaround, the US State Department declared on Monday that passport application processing times have reverted to pre-pandemic levels. This marks the end of a prolonged period of delays, largely attributed to the backlog created by the challenges posed by the coronavirus.
As of December 18, the processing time for routine service stands at a reasonable six to eight weeks, with expedited service taking two to three weeks (for an additional $60 fee). This update applies to applications submitted on or after the mentioned date.
The State Department, in its announcement, expressed its commitment to fulfilling benchmarks set in March 2020. This achievement reflects the dedication of employees working diligently to serve the American people.
The year 2021 witnessed frustrated travelers grappling with processing times stretching up to 18 weeks, leading some Americans to abandon their travel plans due to the uncertainty surrounding document receipt. During that summer, the State Department acknowledged a backlog of 1.5 to 2 million applications.
The return to pre-pandemic processing times follows a record-setting federal fiscal year, with the department issuing over 24 million passport books and cards between October 2022 and September 2023—the highest number in US history.
Remarkably, the State Department notes a substantial increase in passport holders over the years. In 1990, only 5% of Americans possessed a passport, a figure that has risen significantly to 48% today. Currently, there are over 160 million valid passports in circulation, nearly double the count from 2007.
This development brings a sigh of relief to travelers, signaling smoother processes for obtaining passports and facilitating travel plans in the post-pandemic era.
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