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
Judge sets sentencing date for Jacksonville rapper Ksoo convicted of murder

Live | Sentencing today for Jacksonville rapper Ksoo and co-defendant ATK Scotty following murder conviction

Ksoo and his co-defendant Leroy Whitaker, also known as ATK Scotty, are…
Government shutdown live updates as impasse enters second day

Live Updates: Government Shutdown Stalemate Continues into Second Day

Late Tuesday evening, the National Park Service, a division of the Interior…
Class back in session as 'Abbott Elementary' returns for fifth season on ABC

“Abbott Elementary” Kicks Off Its Fifth Season on ABC

HOLLYWOOD — “Abbott Elementary” is getting ready for the start of its…
New Bears stadium renderings released, along with report on projected cost, economic impact of Arlington Heights, Illinois project

Renderings of New Bears Stadium Unveiled, Plus Cost and Economic Impact Report for Arlington Heights, Illinois

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — We have received initial insights into the…
MTG Demands Influencers Register Under FARA

MTG Calls for Influencers to Sign Up Under FARA Regulations

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) called for all social media influencers paid…
Gaza flotilla: Activists including Greta Thunberg say Israeli navy has begun intercepting a Gaza-bound aid flotilla

Gaza Flotilla: Activists, Including Greta Thunberg, Report Interception by Israeli Navy

BARCELONA, Spain — Activists traveling on a flotilla of vessels headed towards…
Portland police seek public's help after 'safe space' officer loses track of assault suspect near ICE facility

Portland Police Request Public Assistance After ‘Safe Space’ Officer Loses Assault Suspect Near ICE Facility

The police are asking for help from the public to locate a…
Federal government could resume taking DACA applications for permits to live and work in U.S.

U.S. Government May Start Accepting New DACA Applications for Work and Residency Permits

The federal government is expected to start accepting new applications for a…
Charlie Kirk assassination: Exclusive photos show path to campus rooftop weeks later as access scrutinized

Charlie Kirk Incident: New Photos Reveal Route to Campus Rooftop Amid Security Review

“Many campus police departments do not have drone programs, which poses a…
Illegal immigrant tied to 17 rapes and deported 8 times, faces reinstated charges

Individual Deported Eight Times Faces Renewed Charges Linked to Multiple Assault Cases

An undocumented immigrant suspected of serial rape and linked to up to…
UVU Professor’s CIA Ties Vanish After Kirk Event

CIA Connections of UVU Professor Disappear Post-Kirk Event

A social media investigation has surfaced claims that a Utah Valley University…
Florida brides face sudden venue closure before weddings

Unexpected Venue Closure Disrupts Weddings for Florida Brides

Chez L’Amour’s closure has set off a dispute between the owner and…