Passport fees in Ohio are set to increase, causing concern among travelers who rely on this important document for international travel. The new fees, which are set to take effect in the coming months, will impact both adults and minors applying for passports in the state.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the fee for a new adult passport book will increase from $110 to $145, while the fee for a new adult passport card will increase from $30 to $65. For minors under the age of 16, the fee for a new passport book will increase from $80 to $115, and the fee for a new passport card will increase from $15 to $50.
The fee increase has sparked outrage among some residents in Ohio, who feel that the hike is unfair and burdensome, especially for families who need to renew or apply for multiple passports at once. Many argue that the increase will make it even more difficult for lower-income families to afford international travel.
“I think it’s ridiculous that they’re raising the fees for passports,” said Sarah Johnson, a mother of three from Cleveland. “Traveling is already expensive enough, and now they’re making it even more costly for families like mine to get passports for our kids. It just doesn’t seem fair.”
Others, however, believe that the fee increase is justified and necessary to cover the costs associated with processing passports and maintaining the security of the application process. Claire Roberts, a frequent traveler from Columbus, noted that passport fees in the United States are relatively low compared to other countries.
“I understand that nobody likes to pay more for things, but the reality is that the cost of processing passports has gone up over the years,” Roberts said. “I think it’s important for us to invest in the security and integrity of our passport system, even if it means paying a little bit more.”
In addition to the fee increases, the State Department has also announced that expedited processing for passports will no longer be available for free. Currently, travelers can pay an additional $60 to expedite the processing of their passport application, but under the new rules, this service will cost $85.
The changes to passport fees come as the State Department continues to grapple with a backlog of applications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the agency suspended routine passport services and limited its ability to process applications due to restrictions on international travel and social distancing guidelines.
As a result, millions of Americans were left waiting for months to receive their passports, causing widespread frustration and delays for those who needed their documents for essential travel. The backlog has slowly begun to improve as the State Department has ramped up processing operations, but many travelers are still experiencing long wait times for their passports.
The fee increases are expected to help the State Department recoup some of the costs associated with addressing the backlog and processing passport applications more efficiently. However, some worry that the higher fees will deter people from applying for passports altogether, further delaying the agency’s efforts to catch up on the backlog.
“I think it’s a Catch-22 situation,” said Michael Carter, a travel industry analyst based in Cincinnati. “On the one hand, the State Department needs to increase fees to cover their expenses and streamline operations. But on the other hand, higher fees could discourage people from applying for passports, leading to even longer delays in processing times.”
Despite the concerns raised by travelers and experts, the State Department is moving forward with the fee increases in Ohio and across the country. The new fees are scheduled to take effect on October 20, 2021, so travelers who are planning to apply for or renew their passports in the near future should be prepared to pay the higher rates.
In the meantime, the State Department is encouraging travelers to apply for their passports well in advance of their planned travel dates to avoid any potential delays. The agency also recommends using its online passport application tool, which allows applicants to track the status of their passport application and receive updates on processing times.
For travelers in Ohio and beyond, the changes to passport fees serve as a reminder of the importance of planning ahead and staying informed when it comes to international travel. While the fee increases may be a temporary inconvenience, many believe that they are necessary to ensure the security and efficiency of the passport application process in the long run.
