US State Department Raises Passport Fees Amid Backlog of Applications
In a move that has sparked outrage among travelers, the US State Department has announced an increase in passport fees in order to address a significant backlog of passport applications. The price hike, which went into effect on January 1, has left many Americans scrambling to renew their passports before the new fees take effect.
The State Department cited the need to cover rising costs and maintain efficient processing times as the main reasons for the fee increase. However, many critics are slamming the move as a money grab, especially considering the unprecedented delays and difficulties faced by applicants in recent months.
The new fees are as follows: for a first-time adult passport book, the fee has risen from $145 to $165, while a passport card will now cost $55, up from $30. Renewing an adult passport book will now cost $130, an increase from $110. For minors under the age of 16, the fee for a passport book has increased from $115 to $135, while a passport card will now cost $50, up from $15.
The State Department has also imposed a new expedited processing fee of $60 per application, in addition to the regular application fees. This expedited service will guarantee a passport in four to six weeks, compared to the standard processing time of six to eight weeks.
The fee increase comes as no surprise to those who have been following the State Department’s struggles to keep up with the surge in passport applications over the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the pent-up demand for travel, has resulted in a record number of Americans applying for or renewing their passports.
The backlog of applications has only exacerbated the situation, with some applicants waiting several months to receive their passports. Many have missed out on planned trips or had to reschedule due to the delays, causing frustration and disappointment among travelers.
In response to the fee hike, several lawmakers have called on the State Department to address the backlog and improve processing times before imposing additional costs on applicants. They argue that increasing fees without improving service is unfair to American citizens who rely on their passports for travel and other essential purposes.
Travel industry leaders have also voiced concern about the impact of the fee increase on tourism and business travel. They warn that higher fees could discourage Americans from traveling abroad, hurting the travel industry’s recovery from the pandemic.
Despite the backlash, the State Department stands by its decision to raise passport fees, insisting that the move is necessary to maintain the integrity of the passport system and provide adequate staffing and resources for processing applications.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the State Department said, “We understand the concerns of travelers and are working diligently to address the backlog of applications. The fee increase will help us cover the costs of processing passports in a timely manner and ensure the security of our passport system.”
For now, travelers are advised to plan ahead and apply for or renew their passports well in advance of any upcoming trips. With the new fees in place, it’s more important than ever to avoid last-minute applications and allow plenty of time for processing.
As the travel industry continues to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the backlog of passport applications, Americans are urged to stay informed and be patient with the passport application process. With some planning and patience, travelers can still enjoy the benefits of international travel while complying with the State Department’s updated passport fees.
