Chicago Passport Agency Resumes In-Person Services Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
As travel restrictions begin to ease and more people are planning international trips again, the Chicago Passport Agency has announced that it will be resuming in-person services for passport applications and renewals. The agency, which is responsible for processing passport applications for residents of the Chicago area, had suspended in-person services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chicago Passport Agency is one of 26 passport agencies located throughout the United States. These agencies are operated by the U.S. Department of State and are responsible for processing passport applications, providing assistance to travelers, and issuing expedited passports for those who need to travel urgently.
In a statement released by the Chicago Passport Agency, officials announced that they would be reopening their doors to the public on a limited basis. In order to maintain social distancing and ensure the safety of both staff and customers, the agency will be implementing several new protocols and procedures.
First and foremost, all customers must make an appointment in order to visit the Chicago Passport Agency in person. Walk-in appointments will not be accepted, and customers who arrive without an appointment will be turned away. This requirement is intended to help manage the flow of visitors and prevent overcrowding in the agency’s offices.
Additionally, all customers and staff members will be required to wear face masks while inside the Chicago Passport Agency. Hand sanitizer will be provided at various locations throughout the offices, and customers will be encouraged to use it frequently. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced, and customers will be asked to maintain a safe distance from one another while waiting in line or interacting with staff members.
The Chicago Passport Agency will also be implementing enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. High-touch surfaces such as counters, desks, and door handles will be cleaned and disinfected regularly throughout the day. Staff members will also be required to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer between interactions with customers.
Despite the new health and safety measures that have been put in place, the Chicago Passport Agency is still expecting a high volume of customers in the coming weeks and months. Many travelers had their passport applications delayed or put on hold during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now that travel restrictions are beginning to lift, there is a pent-up demand for passport services.
In order to accommodate the increased demand for passport services, the Chicago Passport Agency will be extending its hours of operation. The agency will now be open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, in order to provide customers with more flexibility and options for scheduling their appointments.
In addition to resuming in-person services, the Chicago Passport Agency will also be offering expedited passport processing for customers who need their passports in a hurry. Expedited passport processing can typically be completed within two to three weeks, compared to the standard processing time of four to six weeks.
Travelers who need expedited passport processing will be required to provide proof of their travel plans, such as a flight itinerary or hotel reservation. Customers should also be prepared to pay an additional fee for expedited processing, which is currently set at $60 on top of the regular passport application fee.
Overall, the reopening of the Chicago Passport Agency is a positive development for residents of the Chicago area who are looking to travel internationally. By implementing new health and safety protocols and extending their hours of operation, the agency is taking steps to ensure that customers can access the passport services they need in a safe and efficient manner.
As more people begin to plan trips abroad and international travel resumes, the Chicago Passport Agency will play a crucial role in helping travelers obtain the necessary documentation they need to travel. Whether customers are applying for a new passport, renewing an existing passport, or seeking expedited processing, the agency is prepared to assist them every step of the way.
