United States Passport Agencies to Resume Limited Operations
After being closed for several months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Passport Agencies are set to resume limited operations starting next week. This news comes as a relief to many travelers who have been waiting for their passports to be processed.
The State Department announced that 11 of its 26 passport agencies and centers will begin to offer limited services on a first-come, first-serve basis, starting on July 12th. These agencies include locations in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. The remaining agencies are expected to reopen in the coming weeks as conditions allow.
Passport agencies across the country have been closed since March of last year, as the State Department prioritized services for customers with life-or-death emergencies. This backlog has resulted in delays and frustration for many travelers who are eager to obtain their passports for upcoming trips.
The reopening of passport agencies is a step in the right direction for those looking to travel internationally. However, the State Department is urging travelers to be patient as they work through the backlog of applications. In a statement, the department said, “We expect longer than normal wait times for passport processing and delivery. We will continue to take aggressive steps to address the backlog while ensuring we can meet the current demand and return to normal processing times.”
In addition to the reopening of passport agencies, the State Department has also announced new measures to help expedite the passport application process. This includes the introduction of a new online appointment scheduling system, which will allow customers to book appointments at passport agencies and centers in advance. This system is designed to help manage the flow of customers and reduce wait times.
The State Department is also encouraging travelers to renew their passports by mail whenever possible, in order to help alleviate the backlog at passport agencies. Passport renewals can be done by mail as long as the applicant meets certain requirements, such as having a passport that was issued within the last 15 years, being older than 16 years old when it was issued, and not having any name changes.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the State Department is committed to providing high-quality customer service to those in need of passports. In a statement, the department said, “We understand the importance of the services we provide, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all customers have access to passports in a timely manner.”
For travelers who are in need of urgent passport services, the State Department is reminding them to make an appointment at a passport agency and bring all required documentation. This includes proof of international travel within 72 hours, a completed DS-11 application form, proof of identification, and proof of citizenship.
Overall, the reopening of passport agencies is a positive development for travelers who have been waiting for their passports to be processed. However, the State Department is urging customers to be patient as they work through the backlog of applications. With the introduction of new measures to expedite the passport application process, the department is hopeful that they can provide timely and efficient service to all customers in need of passports.
