The United States Department of State has announced a new fee for US passport renewal by mail, sparking controversy and frustration among frequent travelers and expats living abroad. The new fee, which went into effect on January 1st, 2022, is part of the department’s efforts to streamline the passport renewal process and ensure the security of the travel document.
The fee for US passport renewal by mail is $130, an increase from the previous fee of $110. The increase has drawn criticism from many who argue that it is an unnecessary burden on those who need to renew their passports for work or personal reasons. Some have also raised concerns about the impact of the fee hike on lower-income individuals and families.
In a statement, the Department of State defended the fee increase, stating that it is necessary to cover the costs of processing passport renewals and maintaining the security features of the document. The department also pointed out that the fee for US passport renewal by mail has not been increased in over a decade and that the new fee is in line with the cost of providing the service.
Despite the department’s explanation, many are still unhappy about the fee increase. One frequent traveler, Sarah Johnson, expressed her frustration with the new fee, saying, “I have to renew my passport every year for work, and the extra $20 really adds up. It feels like they’re just trying to make money off of us.”
Expats living abroad have also voiced their concerns about the new fee for US passport renewal by mail. Tom Smith, an American living in Japan, said, “It’s already costly enough to live overseas, and now we have to pay even more to renew our passports. It’s unfair.”
In response to the criticism, the Department of State has said that it is exploring options to help alleviate the financial burden of the fee increase for certain individuals, such as those with lower incomes or those renewing their passports for humanitarian reasons.
Despite the backlash, the fee for US passport renewal by mail is unlikely to change anytime soon. The Department of State has stated that the fee increase is necessary to ensure the security and integrity of the passport system, and that it is in line with the costs of providing the service.
In the meantime, travelers and expats are left to grapple with the new fee and its implications for their travel plans. Some have vowed to explore alternative options, such as expedited passport services or applying for passports through their local embassy or consulate, in order to avoid paying the higher fee for US passport renewal by mail.
Overall, the new fee for US passport renewal by mail is a contentious issue that has divided opinion among travelers and expats. While some see it as a necessary cost to ensure the security of the passport system, others view it as an unnecessary burden on those who rely on their passports for work or personal reasons. Only time will tell how the fee increase will impact those who need to renew their passports in the coming months and years.
