The U.S. passport processing times have returned to pre-pandemic levels following a tumultuous year in 2020. With the economy gradually reopening, people across the country have seen the turnaround in both domestic and foreign travel, and the demand for new and renewed passports is climbing steadily.
The pandemic caused serious delays in processing passport applications which resulted in a backlog of orders, particularly in 2020. But with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other agencies restarting services amidst the slow recovery, the U.S. State Department has been able to make noticeable progress in reducing the backlog and returning to pre-pandemic processing times.
The State Department launched its new expedited passport processing service earlier this year with the goal of “accelerating national response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Through the service, applicants can pay an expedited fee for passports delivered within 2–3 weeks, compared to the normal 4–6 weeks it typically takes to process applications.
With passport processing times getting back to normal, the State Department has also enacted a number of other measures to keep travelers safe during the pandemic. These include an updated passport application with a series of questions verifying the COVID-19 testing status of passport applicants, as well as extra precautions for applicants who are traveling abroad to ensure their safety.
For citizens planning to travel domestically or abroad in the near future, it is important to remember that passport processing times may still be slower than previously thought due to the increased amount of applications sent to the State Department since the start of the pandemic. Therefore, travelers are encouraged to make sure they apply for new or renewed passports well in advance of their trips to avoid unexpected delays.
It is undeniable that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an extensive impact on travel and passport services, and although processing times have returned to pre-pandemic levels, citizens and travelers should remain vigilant and make sure they have the necessary documentation and preparations in place for a pleasant journey.
