Do you have a trip you are planning to take at the end of 2020 or 2021? If so, you should be aware that the State Department is experiencing a backlog in processing passports.
In March 2020, the State Department significantly reduced passport operations across the United States due to Covid. Since that time, they have only been processing passports needed for life or death emergencies. In the meantime, travelers have continued to submit applications for renewal or new applications. A few days ago, the State Department announced the following phased approach to reopening their office:
Phase 1: Limited staff return to work, allowing staff to resume limited processing of applications already received. Applications will be processed on a first in, first out basis. They will continue to offer services for customers with life-or-death emergencies. During phase 1, the State Department recommends customers wait to submit new or renewal applications. As of today, the State Department is in this phase.
Phase 2: Most staff will return to work, and will process applications on a first in, first out basis, beginning with the oldest applications.
Phase 3: All remaining Passport Services staff return to work. They will continue to address applications on a first in, first out basis, focusing on the oldest applications. We also plan to resume expedited processing in this phase.
Life-or-death emergency applications will be prioritized throughout all three phases of the reopening process.
The State Department isn't advising on when they will move into phase two which can make planning for travel challenging. Additionally, they do not reference how back-logged they are in their current volume. My industry contacts are telling me that they are six months behind. I and several of my peers have been contacting our representatives encouraging them to open up quickly in processing these passports.
Are you planning on traveling in 2020 or 2021? I recommend that all my clients have passports that are valid for six months following their return home from their trip. There are two main reasons for this. First, many countries require this because they don't want your stay to surpass your passport validity if your travel plans change. The second reason is that major air carriers also require this for international travel. Please note that while the State Department is recommending not submitting renewals or new applications in phase one, I am not sure I agree with that approach. If this is something that may impact you, we should talk.
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Happy Traveling!
Tammy
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