The cost of obtaining a passport is set to increase in the coming months, as governments worldwide look to recoup lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cost for a passport is already a significant expense for many individuals and families, and any increase in fees could create an additional financial burden for those looking to travel or conduct business internationally.
In the United States, the cost for a new passport book for adults currently stands at $110, with an additional $35 for the processing fee. For minors under the age of 16, the cost is $80 for the passport book and $35 for the processing fee. These fees cover the cost of processing the application, conducting background checks, printing and mailing the passport, and providing customer service support.
However, there are indications that the State Department is considering raising the cost of passports in order to offset the significant revenue losses incurred during the pandemic. With international travel grinding to a halt in 2020 and only slowly rebounding in 2021, passport applications and renewals have decreased dramatically, leading to a decrease in revenue for the department.
The proposed increase in passport fees is still under review, but it is expected to be implemented by the end of the year. This potential fee hike has raised concerns among travelers who are already facing financial hardships due to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
In addition to the cost for a new passport, there are also additional fees for expedited processing, which is currently $60 for each application. This service allows applicants to receive their passports within 4-6 weeks, compared to the standard processing time of 10-12 weeks.
For those who need their passport urgently, there is also an option for expedited processing at a passport agency or center, with an additional fee of $35. This service allows applicants to receive their passports within 2-3 weeks, but it is only available to those with urgent travel plans or other reasons necessitating expedited processing.
The cost of a passport can quickly add up for families or individuals who need to renew their passports or apply for new ones. In addition to the fees for processing and expedited services, there are also additional costs for passport photos, which are required for all new passport applications.
The cost for a set of two passport photos from a commercial photographer can range from $10 to $20, depending on the provider. Some post offices also offer passport photo services for a fee, typically around $15 for a set of two photos.
All in all, the cost for obtaining a passport can be a significant expense for many individuals, especially if they are renewing passports for their entire family or if they need to apply for expedited processing due to urgent travel plans.
While the State Department has not officially announced the proposed increase in passport fees, travelers are already bracing for the impact on their wallets. Many are calling for transparency and accountability from the government regarding the need for a fee hike and how the additional revenue will be used.
Some advocacy groups have also raised concerns about the potential impact of increased passport fees on low-income individuals and families who may already struggle to afford the cost of travel documents. They are urging the government to consider implementing a sliding scale fee structure or providing waivers for those who cannot afford the higher fees.
In conclusion, the cost for obtaining a passport is already a significant expense for many individuals and families, and any increase in fees could create an additional financial burden for those looking to travel or conduct business internationally. It remains to be seen how the proposed fee hike will be implemented and what impact it will have on travelers in the coming months.
