UC Berkeley Passport Office Facing Backlog Due to Increased Demand
The UC Berkeley Passport Office has been experiencing a significant backlog in processing passport applications due to the surge in demand for passports in recent months. The office, which serves UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff, has been inundated with applications as more people make plans to travel internationally after being cooped up for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to office manager, Sarah Johnson, the office has seen a 50% increase in passport applications compared to pre-pandemic levels. “We are currently processing about 200 applications per week, which is double the amount we were processing before the pandemic,” Johnson said. “We have hired additional staff and extended our opening hours to try to keep up with the demand, but it has been a challenge.”
The backlog has led to delays in processing times, with some applicants reporting wait times of up to three months to receive their passports. This has caused frustration among those who have booked travel plans and are now scrambling to expedite their passports in time for their trips.
“I applied for my passport two months ago and was told it would take 6-8 weeks to process, but I still haven’t received it,” said UC Berkeley student, Emily Chang. “I have a trip planned in two weeks and I’m worried that I won’t get my passport in time. It’s really stressful.”
To alleviate the backlog, the UC Berkeley Passport Office has implemented several measures to expedite the processing of applications. They have dedicated additional resources to processing applications, including hiring temporary staff and increasing the number of appointment slots available for in-person applications. They have also introduced a priority processing service for an additional fee, which guarantees a faster turnaround time.
“We understand the urgency of our applicants’ travel plans and are doing everything we can to expedite the processing of passports,” said Johnson. “We are working overtime and weekends to ensure that everyone receives their passports in time for their trips.”
Despite these efforts, the backlog at the UC Berkeley Passport Office is likely to continue as international travel continues to rebound. As more countries reopen their borders to tourists and COVID-19 restrictions ease, the demand for passports is expected to remain high.
In the meantime, the UC Berkeley Passport Office is urging applicants to submit their applications well in advance of their planned travel dates to allow for processing time. They recommend submitting applications at least three months before travel to avoid any delays.
“We want to ensure that everyone receives their passports in time for their trips, so we encourage applicants to plan ahead and avoid last-minute applications,” said Johnson. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through this backlog together.”
In light of the backlog at the UC Berkeley Passport Office, many students and staff are exploring alternative options to obtain their passports faster. Some are opting to use commercial passport expediting services, which charge a premium but guarantee a quicker turnaround time.
“I decided to use a passport expediting service because I couldn’t afford to wait months for my passport,” said UC Berkeley staff member, Mark Rodriguez. “It was more expensive, but it was worth it to ensure that I could travel when I needed to.”
While the backlog at the UC Berkeley Passport Office is a temporary inconvenience, it underscores the importance of planning ahead and being prepared for international travel. As the world slowly reopens and people begin to explore new destinations, having a valid passport is essential for smooth and hassle-free travel.
As the UC Berkeley Passport Office continues to work through the backlog, applicants are encouraged to check the status of their applications online and contact the office with any urgent concerns. The office remains committed to providing efficient and reliable passport services to the UC Berkeley community and looks forward to helping travelers explore the world once again.
