If you’re planning any traveling make sure you give a new or renewed passports 6 months of lead time since it seems like the latest pandemic casualty are passports. The wait has gone from 2-3 pre-pandemic weeks to 18 pandemic weeks, which according to State Department, have been extended due to understaffing and postal delays. As, travel increase and planning begins, make sure passports are at the top of the list and secure your passport prior to booking flights.
| Routine | 18 weeks (includes up to 12 weeks processing and 6 weeks mailing) |
| Expedited | 12 weeks (includes up to 6 weeks processing and 6 weeks mailing) |
| Expedited at Agency | Must have international travel within 72 hours (3 business days) |
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html
Citations:
Passport Renewals Are Taking Months—Have You Checked Yours Lately?
https://www.wsj.com/articles/passport-renewal-delays-expired-11626144394
Unprecedented passport application delays stifle travelers
https://.www.seattletimes./life/travel/unprecedented-passport-application-delays-stifle-travelers/
Need a passport? Expect long delays getting one
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