Share this @internewscast.com

Processing times for U.S. passport applications have returned to pre-pandemic levels, the State Department announced Monday.

Routine passport applications are currently processed within 6 to 8 weeks, while expedited service, which costs an additional $60, will take 2 to 3 weeks, the department said.

“With this update, we have fulfilled our commitment to return to benchmarks from March 2020,” the department said in a statement. “This reflects the work of dedicated employees working for the American people.”

Lingering pandemic-related factors and a surge in overseas travel had disrupted processing times earlier this year, scuppering plans for thousands. As recently as July, routine processing times had slowed to between 10 and 13 weeks, and 7 to 9 weeks for expedited processing. The department said that, during some weeks this summer, it had seen 400,000 applications submitted.

A department spokesperson said staffing levels had increased by 12% since Dec. 2022, with hundreds of additional staff in the hiring pipeline. Department staff have also worked tens of thousands of hours of overtime a month. From January 2023 through October 2023, the department authorized 30,000 to 40,000 overtime hours each month. It also tapped volunteers from across the department working on surge teams, including retirees and new hires adjudicating passports before reporting to other assignments.

Nearly half of all Americans, around 48%, now possess a current U.S. passport, compared with just 5% in 1990. There are now over 160 million valid U.S. passports in circulation, nearly double the amount from 2007.

While Transportation Security Administration screenings at U.S. airports continue to set records some days, there are signs that the post-pandemic “revenge travel” trend is slowing down, as flyers trim budgets amid a slowing economy.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Police swarm student after AI security system mistakes bag of chips for gun

AI Security Error Causes Police Response at School After Mistaking Chips for Gun

A startling incident unfolded at Kenwood High School in Essex, Maryland, last…
Milei scores historic win in Argentina midterms, tightens grip on Congress

Milei Achieves Landmark Victory in Argentina Midterms, Strengthens Congressional Influence

In a significant political shift, Argentine President Javier Milei achieved a commanding…
Trump pick for religious freedom envoy visits Holy Land, cites strong US-Israel bond

Trump’s Religious Freedom Envoy Highlights Robust US-Israel Ties During Holy Land Visit

During his recent visit to Israel, Ambassador-Designate for International Religious Freedom, Mark…
Trial for Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin will test new judge in ‘career-defining moment,’ attorneys say

High-Stakes Trial for Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassin Puts New Judge in Spotlight: A Career-Defining Moment

Two attorneys from Utah have expressed confidence that the newly appointed Judge…
Eric Swalwell Says Candidates Must Pledge to Demolish Trump Ballroom

Eric Swalwell Urges 2024 Candidates to Vow: Tear Down Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Ballroom

Representative Eric Swalwell from California has recently become the latest figure to…
Asking Eric: After family death, bereaved kept the card but returned the cash

Bereaved Family Finds Solace: Returns Cash, Keeps Sentimental Card After Loved One’s Passing

Dear Eric, I recently faced an unexpected situation following the passing of…
Jews differ on both Zionism and Mamdani

Diverse Jewish Perspectives: Debating Zionism and Mamdani’s Views

American Jews today are at a crossroads, contemplating the direction their collective…
George Clooney says 'Ocean's 14' script is done, will begin filming in 2026

George Clooney Confirms ‘Ocean’s 14’ Script Complete, Filming Set for 2026

In an exclusive chat with Variety, George Clooney, famed for his role…
‘Chainsaw Man’ anime film topples Springsteen biopic and ‘Black Phone 2’ at the box office

‘Chainsaw Man’ Movie Surpasses Springsteen Biopic and ‘Black Phone 2’ in Box Office Success

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The cinematic rendition of the beloved anime “Chainsaw…
Former Vice President Kamala Harris leaves door open for 2028 presidential run, according to new BBC interview

In a recent BBC interview, Former Vice President Kamala Harris hints at potential 2028 presidential bid.

WASHINGTON — Kamala Harris is keeping her options open for another potential…
AARP Florida creates petition against proposed JEA natural gas plant

Florida AARP Launches Petition to Oppose New JEA Natural Gas Plant Proposal

In Jacksonville, a proposed natural gas plant has sparked controversy, with AARP…
F/A-18, Sea Hawk helicopter crash in South China Sea in separate incidents

F/A-18 Jet and Sea Hawk Helicopter Crashes in South China Sea: Unrelated Incidents Raise Concerns

In two separate incidents on Sunday, a Navy fighter jet and a…