Hundreds of travelers in need of a new passport are facing frustration and delays as passport processing times have increased significantly due to a backlog caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With international travel restrictions slowly lifting and more people eager to travel abroad, the demand for passports has surged, overwhelming passport agencies and causing delays in issuing new passports.
One traveler, Samantha Johnson, shared her struggle in obtaining a new passport. “I applied for a renewal three months ago and was told it would take about six to eight weeks. It’s been over three months now, and I still haven’t received my new passport. I have a trip planned in two weeks, and I’m afraid I won’t get my passport in time,” she said.
The U.S. Department of State, which issues passports to American citizens, has been inundated with a record number of passport applications in recent months. The backlog is so severe that some passport agencies have stopped accepting expedited processing requests, leaving travelers with no option but to wait.
“We understand the urgency that many travelers feel in needing a new passport, especially with the upcoming holiday season approaching. We are working diligently to process applications as quickly as possible, but the sheer volume of applications we have received has overwhelmed our resources,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.
Many travelers have turned to passport expediting services to help expedite their application process. These services charge a fee to expedite the processing of passport applications and can typically obtain a new passport within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the urgency of the request. However, even these services are experiencing delays due to the high demand.
Mark Thompson, CEO of FastPassport Inc., a leading passport expediting service, explained the challenges they are facing. “We have seen a significant increase in demand for our services, with a 300% increase in passport applications in the last year. While we strive to expedite the process for our clients, the delays at passport agencies have had a ripple effect on our operations,” he said.
Many travelers are frustrated and anxious about the delays in obtaining their passports, especially those with imminent travel plans. Some have reported missing out on important family events, business trips, and vacations due to the inability to get a new passport on time.
“It’s incredibly frustrating to miss out on a family vacation that we’ve been planning for months just because I couldn’t get my passport in time. I have missed out on important events and have had to cancel trips because of the delays,” said John Smith, a traveler who has been waiting for his passport for over two months.
As the holiday season approaches and more people start planning trips abroad, the demand for passports is expected to continue to rise. Travel experts are advising travelers to apply for a new passport well in advance of their planned travel dates to avoid any last-minute hassles.
“We recommend that travelers apply for a new passport at least six months before their planned trip to ensure they have enough time to receive their passport. With the current backlog and delays, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” said Sarah Jenkins, a travel expert.
In response to the overwhelming demand for passports, the U.S. Department of State has announced plans to hire more staff and open additional passport agencies to help expedite the processing of passport applications. In the meantime, travelers are urged to be patient and proactive in applying for a new passport and to stay informed about the latest updates on passport processing times.
For travelers like Samantha Johnson, the wait for a new passport continues to be a source of frustration and uncertainty. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I will get my passport in time for my trip. It’s a stressful situation, and I hope the authorities can resolve the backlog soon so that others don’t have to go through the same ordeal,” she said.
As the world slowly recovers from the impact of the pandemic and international travel resumes, the need for new passports is at an all-time high. Travelers are advised to plan ahead, stay informed, and be prepared for potential delays as they navigate the process of obtaining a new passport in these challenging times.
