Passport renewal delays for summer travel

According to the State Department the surge for international travel demand has created a backlog of passport applications with increased processing times of up to three months not counting shipping time, the State Department has warned. Some travel experts are recommending to renew your passport around nine months to one year before expiration because the processing times are likely to be long for the foreseeable future

The entire passport process is taking even longer; estimates say it could take 14 to 17 weeks for routine processing with time for mailing and 11 to 13 weeks for the expedited process. According to AAA, if you’re traveling this summer, and you don’t have your passport, for sure, you’re going to need to expedite to be safe”. “Even with fall, you’re pushing it a little bit.” There are also third-party groups like @rushmypassport, an online passport courier service, which is a registered participant in the State Department’s Hand-Carry Program and a AAA “trusted partner.” Same-week service costs $799 and priority service in two weeks costs $599. Make sure you do your research for the country you are visiting for how many months you need on your passport. Many countries require passports to be valid at least six months beyond when a traveler will exit the U.S. The State Department is hosting special passport fairs across the United States to help first-time customers and children. Go their website for details There is also another option “Expedited at Agency” for when you have urgent international travel within 14 calendar days. This includes “life-or-death emergency service” if you need to travel internationally in three business days because an immediate family member outside of the U.S. has died, is in hospice care or has a life-threatening illness or injury

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