American Passport of Millions of Citizens Expired Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of daily life, and for millions of American citizens, it has also led to the expiration of their passports. With travel restrictions in place and government offices closed or operating at reduced capacity, many people have found themselves unable to renew their passports in a timely manner, leading to a massive backlog of applications and a significant number of expired passports.
The U.S. State Department typically processes around 18 million passport applications per year, but the pandemic has caused a significant disruption to this process. As a result, millions of Americans have been left with expired passports and no way to travel internationally. This has caused major problems for individuals who need to travel for work, family emergencies, or other reasons, as well as for the tourism industry, which has seen a significant decrease in international visitors due to the passport backlog.
One of the main reasons for the passport backlog is the closure of many U.S. passport agencies and centers during the height of the pandemic. With offices closed and employees working remotely, the processing of passport applications slowed to a crawl, leaving many people waiting months for their new passports to arrive. In addition, the State Department also faced staffing shortages, further delaying the processing of applications and renewals.
As a result, many Americans have had to cancel or postpone their travel plans, leading to frustration and financial losses. Some have been forced to pay exorbitant fees for expedited passport services, while others have had to forgo their trips altogether. For those with expired passports, the situation is even more dire, as they are left stranded in the U.S. with no way to leave the country.
The State Department has acknowledged the issue and has been working to address the backlog of passport applications. In July 2021, the agency announced that it had resumed the processing of passport applications at full capacity and would be prioritizing applications based on travel dates and emergencies. However, the process is still moving slowly, and many Americans are still waiting for their passports to be renewed.
In the meantime, those with expired passports are advised to contact the State Department and their local passport agency to inquire about the status of their application. They may also consider applying for an expedited passport, although this can be costly and may not guarantee a faster processing time. Additionally, travelers should check the entry requirements of their destination country, as some may accept expired passports with a valid extension or waiver.
The passport backlog is just one of the many challenges facing Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world slowly reopens and travel resumes, it is essential that the State Department prioritize the processing of passport applications and ensure that all citizens have access to a valid passport. In the meantime, those with expired passports will have to wait patiently for their turn, hoping that their travel plans will not be further disrupted.
