The Cost of Passports in Arizona Continues to Rise
As the cost of living in Arizona continues to increase, so too does the cost of obtaining a passport. For many residents, this creates an additional financial burden when they are looking to travel outside of the country.
The price of a passport in Arizona has been steadily increasing over the past few years. In 2018, the cost of a standard passport for adults was $110, with an additional $35 fee for processing. This brought the total cost to $145. However, in 2021, the cost of a standard passport jumped to $165, with a $35 processing fee still being charged. This means that Arizonans now have to pay a total of $200 for a standard passport – a 37% increase in just three years.
For those looking to expedite the passport application process, the cost has also risen significantly. In 2018, the expedited passport fee was $60, on top of the standard $110 fee. This brought the total cost to $170 for an expedited passport. However, in 2021, the expedited passport fee has increased to $85, bringing the total cost to $250 – a 47% increase from 2018.
The rising cost of passports in Arizona has left many residents feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. For some, the cost of obtaining a passport is simply too high, leading them to forgo international travel altogether. Others have had to cut back on other expenses in order to afford the cost of a passport.
One concern that many residents have is the impact that the rising cost of passports will have on tourism in Arizona. With fewer residents able to afford a passport, there may be a decrease in the number of Arizonans traveling internationally. This could have a negative impact on the state’s economy, as tourism is a major source of revenue for many communities.
In response to the rising cost of passports, some Arizona lawmakers have called for a review of the fees charged for passport services. They argue that the current fees are too high and are putting an unnecessary financial burden on residents. They have proposed legislation that would lower the cost of passports for Arizona residents, making it more affordable for them to travel internationally.
However, not everyone is in favor of reducing the cost of passports. Some argue that the fees charged for passport services are necessary in order to cover the costs of processing and issuing passports. They point out that the fees are set by the U.S. Department of State and are used to fund the Passport Agency, which is responsible for processing passport applications.
Despite the differing opinions on the cost of passports, one thing is clear – the price of obtaining a passport in Arizona continues to rise. For many residents, this means having to make difficult decisions about whether they can afford to travel internationally. As the state works to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rising cost of passports adds an additional financial strain on residents. It remains to be seen whether lawmakers will take action to reduce the cost of passports and make international travel more accessible for Arizona residents.
