The cost of obtaining a US postal passport is set to increase in the coming months, causing concern among travelers and prompting many to expedite their passport applications before the price hike.
The US Postal Service announced the price increase in response to rising costs associated with processing passport applications. The new fees, which will go into effect on September 1st, will see the cost of a first-time adult passport book increase from $110 to $145, while the cost of a child passport will rise from $80 to $115. The price of a passport card, which can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, will also increase from $30 to $65 for adults and from $15 to $50 for children.
The price increase comes at a time when demand for passports is already high, as more Americans look to travel internationally following the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions. The State Department has reported a significant backlog of passport applications, with some applicants experiencing delays of up to 18 weeks.
Many travelers are now rushing to submit their applications before the price hike takes effect. The US Postal Service has seen a surge in passport applications in recent weeks, with some post offices reporting a 50% increase in demand. To cope with the influx of applications, the Postal Service has increased staffing levels and extended operating hours at some locations.
Despite the price increase, obtaining a passport through the US Postal Service remains a convenient and efficient option for many travelers. The Postal Service offers passport acceptance services at over 7,000 postal facilities nationwide, making it easy for Americans to apply for a passport close to home.
In addition to passport acceptance services, the US Postal Service also offers expedited passport processing for an additional fee. Travelers who need their passports in a hurry can opt for expedited processing, which typically takes 2-3 weeks instead of the standard 6-8 weeks. However, expedited processing comes at a premium, with an additional fee of $60 on top of the regular application fee.
For travelers who need their passports even more quickly, the State Department offers an expedited service that can process a passport application in as little as 2-3 business days. However, this service comes at a significant cost, with an additional expedited fee of $170 on top of the regular application fee.
Despite the higher costs associated with expedited processing, many travelers are willing to pay the premium to ensure they receive their passports in time for their upcoming trips. With international travel on the rise and the demand for passports increasing, expedited processing has become a popular option for those who need their passports quickly.
In light of the upcoming price hike, the US Postal Service is encouraging travelers to submit their passport applications as soon as possible to avoid paying the higher fees. The Postal Service has also advised travelers to double-check their application forms and ensure all necessary documents are included to prevent delays in processing.
Overall, the cost of obtaining a US postal passport is set to increase in the coming months, prompting many travelers to expedite their applications before the price hike takes effect. Despite the higher fees, obtaining a passport through the US Postal Service remains a convenient and efficient option for many Americans looking to travel internationally.
