The processing time for obtaining a U.S. passport has been accelerated.
The Department of State revealed on Thursday that the standard period for processing US passports has been reduced to between four and six weeks. Before this change, the processing time was between six and eight weeks.
This quicker processing period is one more piece of good news after a substantial backlog during the pandemic led to waiting times of as long as 18 weeks during the summer of 2021.
This four-to-six-week processing time applies to applications submitted either through paper or online, as stated in the Department of State's announcement.
Even if you're running extremely close to the deadline for obtaining a passport, you can still avail of expedited service. The processing time for this service remains at two to three weeks.
Keep in mind that these processing times do not account for the time it takes for the passport to reach you through the mail.
According to the Department of State's announcement, "These processing times begin when an application is received by the State Department and do not include mailing times."
In mid-September, the Department of State introduced an online service for American citizens to renew their passports. This service is available to adults who are renewing a standard 10-year passport that expired within the last five years or is set to expire within the next year.
All set?
Discover more about applying for or renewing a US passport by visiting the US State Department site here.
A US passport can grant you access to numerous travel destinations.
The Henley Passport Index, an annual ranking system produced by Henley & Partners, a London-based consultancy firm specializing in global citizenship and residence advisory services, ranks the world's most potent passports.
A Singaporean passport holds the top spot for 2024, and the United States finds itself within the Top 10.
This article was contributed by Forrest Brown from CNN.
The reduction in US passport processing times to between four and six weeks is certainly welcome news for travelers, especially after experiencing wait times of up to 18 weeks during the summer of 2021. With a US passport, you can gain access to numerous travel destinations.
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