Passport application fees are set to increase in Pennsylvania, causing concern among residents who are already struggling financially amidst the ongoing pandemic. The new fees, which were proposed by the Department of State, will go into effect starting next month.
Currently, the cost of a standard adult passport in Pennsylvania is $110, while a child passport (under the age of 16) costs $80. These fees cover the application processing and execution, including the cost of photos and other administrative expenses.
However, starting next month, the cost of a standard adult passport will increase to $145, an increase of $35. Similarly, the cost of a child passport will rise to $115, a $35 increase as well. These new fees will apply to both first-time applicants and those renewing their passports.
The increase in passport fees has sparked outrage among many Pennsylvania residents, who feel that the cost of travel documents is already prohibitive for many families. According to recent statistics, only 42% of Americans hold a valid passport, with financial constraints being a major factor in preventing people from obtaining one.
“I was already hesitant to apply for a passport due to the cost, but this increase makes it even more difficult for me to afford one,” said Mary, a resident of Philadelphia. “As someone who loves to travel, it’s frustrating to see the cost of a passport continue to rise.”
The Department of State defended the fee increase, citing the need to cover the rising costs of passport processing and security measures. “The cost of maintaining a secure and efficient passport system has increased over the years, and these fee adjustments are necessary to ensure that we can continue to provide high-quality services to our customers,” said a spokesperson for the department.
In addition to the standard passport fees, there are additional costs associated with expedited processing and other services. Expedited processing, which shortens the processing time to 4-6 weeks, costs an additional $60. For those who require a passport in a hurry, same-day processing is available for an extra fee of $225.
For residents who are unable to afford the new passport fees, there are limited options available for financial assistance. The Department of State offers a fee waiver program for certain applicants, including low-income individuals and families. However, the criteria for qualifying for a fee waiver are strict, and not all applicants may be eligible.
In the wake of the fee increase, some lawmakers in Pennsylvania are calling for a reassessment of the passport application process. “Passports are essential documents for travel, and it is critical that we make them accessible to all residents, regardless of their financial situation,” said State Senator John Doe. “We need to explore other options for reducing the cost of passports and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to obtain one.”
As the new passport fees take effect next month, many Pennsylvania residents are left wondering how they will afford the cost of obtaining or renewing their travel documents. With international travel slowly resuming after the pandemic, the need for passports has never been greater. However, for some residents, the cost of a passport may prove to be a barrier to exploring the world beyond their borders.
