Backlog of Passports Could Ground Air Travel Plans

February through April is actually the busiest time of year for passport requests because of Americans planning spring and summer trips.  However, this year, it’s even busier because of new regulations requiring a passport to travel by air to another country.  These regulations require Americans to have passports when traveling by air to any country, including Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.  Even children are now required to have their own passport.  People who drive or take a cruise to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean from the United States still do not need a passport to get back into the country.

According to the State Department, about 74 million Americans now have valid US passports and the government expects to process another 17 million in 2007, which means you must plan ahead.

Applications received between October and March 2007, have risen 44 percent compared to the same period in 2005-2006.  Some members of Congress have received complaints from constituents about delays.

The State Department, says they are disseminating passports at record numbers to meet the unprecedented demand.  Despite their best efforts, it is now taking ten to twelve weeks or even longer – during regular demand, it used to take six weeks.

The State Department, which has known about the new requirements for two years, hired hundreds of additional clerks and workers to process an expected increase in applications. However, the increase was far more than officials anticipated.

For adults getting their first passport, the routine processing fee is $97 with an additional $60 charge for expedited service.  Passport renewals for adults cost $67, with the same expedited fee.

Anyone planning any travel in the upcoming year should get their passport applications in as soon as possible to avoid any unpleasant surprises!

Posted by on 04/06 at 09:32 AM

Next entry: Cook Islands Sizzle As Romantic Hot Spot

Previous entry: Singapore is Sensational!

<< Back to main