Are you looking to obtain a passport for your summer trip? So is everyone else. Passport processing times are currently delayed, with standard processing times taking between 10-13 weeks (according to the U.S. Department of State). This means that if you haven’t already applied for a passport, it could take up to 3 months for you to get it. And unless you intend to expedite your passport application, you may have to cancel your international summer travel plans altogether.
Passport Processing is Taking Longer Than Normal
Current routine passport processing times are taking much longer than usual (anywhere from 10-13 weeks), causing major problems for travelers. People who thought they could obtain a passport before their summer trip are concerned that they won’t receive their passport until late summer or even early fall. This likely means that unless you choose to expedite your passport, passport renewal, or child passport, your family won’t be able to travel internationally this summer.
Millions of Passport Applications Are Backlogged
A significant reason for the lengthy routine processing times is that many passports are currently backlogged. Millions of people apply for passports each year, and in 2022, the U.S. Department of State processed a record number of passport applications (22 million). Surprisingly, that number is expected to be even higher this year, with 500,000 people applying for passports on average each week.
Passport Agencies across the United States are struggling to keep up with the number of passport applications coming in, which in turn, has caused a large number of passports to be backlogged. For example, according to WSB-TV, the Atlanta Passport Agency is currently processing nearly 10,000 applications per week, which is 4,000 more passport applications per week than normal. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like the number of applications coming in will be slowing down anytime soon.
International Travel is Set to Surge This Summer
This summer is expected to break records, with more people looking to travel internationally than ever before. According to a survey conducted by The Vacationer, approximately 23% of Americans plan to travel internationally this summer, which is equal to a little more than 59 million Americans. This is up 12% from the previous year, which shows that Americans are eager to travel abroad, especially after being unable to during the coronavirus pandemic.
Expedite Your Passport to Avoid Missing Out on the Fun
If you have yet to get your passport but still want to travel internationally this summer, we recommend that you expedite your passport with Swift Passport and Visa Services. Our 3-step application process is easy to follow, and we can help you get your passport more quickly than the current routine processing times.
If you’re ready to start the application process, visit our website. Then, all you’ll need to do is follow our simple 3-step process:
- Step 1: Start Your Order
- Step 2: Send in the Required Documents
- Step 3: Get Your Passport!
Our team of travel experts will monitor the status of your passport application and ensure that everything is running smoothly. If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help! Traveling during the summer is such a fantastic experience, and we look forward to helping you and your family obtain your passports in time for your trip.
5 International Travel Tips
1. Expedite Your Passport Right Away: If you want to travel internationally this summer, start working on your expedited passport application right away. With routine processing times taking longer than usual, this may be your only chance to receive your passport in time for your summer trip. Get the process started today by going to our website.
2. Be Patient: With international summer travel expected to be extremely busy, you must try and be as patient as possible. Getting through airport security will take longer than normal, tourist attractions will be very crowded, and you’ll have to wait a long time to do, well, basically anything. So instead of stressing out, try your best to be patient.
3. Book Your Tickets ASAP: If you have yet to book tickets for tourist attractions, we highly recommend doing so as soon as possible. With international travel expected to be busier than ever this summer, you can’t rely on purchasing tickets at the door, as they will likely already be sold out.
4. Make Copies of Your Travel Documents: The last thing you need is to lose your essential travel documents while out of the country. So, to be safe, make sure you have copies of your travel documents while away. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to feel secure knowing that you have copies on hand if needed.
5. Go With the Flow: Last but certainly not least, go with the flow. Travel plans rarely go as planned, and that’s okay! Some of the best experiences come from unexpected circumstances occurring, and you’ll often end up finding new restaurants or meeting some amazing people you never thought possible.
