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Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks

Posted By: bdeeley

Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/19/2021 05:52 PM

Link to Article


If your passport is expiring anytime in the near future, apply very early. This backlog will likely continue to grow.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/19/2021 06:07 PM

Thanks for posting. Fortunately, ours don't expire until 2024, so hopefully by then, everyone will have renewed!
Posted By: bdeeley

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/19/2021 06:12 PM

I hope that this doesn't affect anyone's travel. I saw the article and wanted to post it as a reminder for those whose passports might be expiring in the near future.
Posted By: jazzgal

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/20/2021 08:03 AM

I'm pretty nervous. I sent my renewal off on July 8, 16 weeks prior to next travel date. I can't even check status for six weeks. I did pay for expedited. Fingers crossed.
Posted By: dustinbh

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/20/2021 09:40 AM

Linda, we sent in Ian’s passport for expedited on July 6 and it was already showing up in the system as “in process” by Saturday July 10. We did mail it Priority Overnight and also paid for expedited service and overnight return shipping. Also worried! Our trip is in 12 weeks. Fingers crossed.

Dustin
Posted By: Colour1

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/20/2021 11:37 AM

Not to long ago, a poster said his passport was expiring in December, I had advised that he get the paperwork started now. Some snickered. Not so funny now is it!!
Posted By: PelicanPirate

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/20/2021 12:29 PM

One family member initiated their first-time passport in early May and had it in hand by end of May. So, mileage may very.
Posted By: jazzgal

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/20/2021 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by dustinbh
Linda, we sent in Ian’s passport for expedited on July 6 and it was already showing up in the system as “in process” by Saturday July 10. We did mail it Priority Overnight and also paid for expedited service and overnight return shipping. Also worried! Our trip is in 12 weeks. Fingers crossed.

Dustin


Good to know. I just checked again and they are now saying in process as of July 13; USPS tracking says it was delivered July 9. Oh well. It's now Hurry Up and Wait. Crossing my fingers for both Ian and me.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/20/2021 09:27 PM

Linda--best wishes!
Posted By: sxmmartini

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/20/2021 10:40 PM

In Vermont you can get your passport the same day?
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/20/2021 11:22 PM

No, I don't think so.
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/21/2021 12:06 AM

She might be thinking of going to a Federal Passport Office like I did in Miami for a renewal on an expired passport. But that was years ago for me.
Posted By: bdeeley

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/21/2021 12:18 AM

But, there is no guarantee that they will approve the application. All, and I will say it again, ALL in person appearances at regional State Department offices are by appointment only. Absolutely no walk-ins. If it is travel related, the appointment must be within 3 days of your travel and you must show proof of travel when scheduling your appointment.

** Regional passport agencies are offering extremely limited in-person services if you need to travel internationally in the next 72 hours. Those with qualified life-or-death emergencies are prioritized.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, and grandparent) that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 business days).
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/21/2021 01:13 AM

Yep. Times have definitely changed.
Posted By: Bluesfan

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/21/2021 04:25 PM




If you go to St. Albans on Canadian border. Not a busy office. Some people have driven 5-6 hours and stayed overnight.
Posted By: Bluesfan

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/21/2021 04:26 PM

"Quote" command does not seem to be working???
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/21/2021 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Bluesfan
"Quote" command does not seem to be working???


I just did it.
Posted By: Bluesfan

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/22/2021 01:48 AM

How? Do you just click on "quote"?
Posted By: bobbarb

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/22/2021 01:51 AM

My wife sent in her passport for renewal mid April for our trip in October and has not received it yet. Fortunately she has three more months as the trip is the end of October. When it was submitted we understood it to take 8 to 10 weeks which has passed.
Posted By: bdeeley

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/22/2021 01:53 AM

Originally Posted by Bluesfan
How? Do you just click on "quote"?



YES
Posted By: PHLarry

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/22/2021 02:06 AM

Well....up until last week you could..... https://www.washingtonpost.com/poli...0-e597-11eb-88c5-4fd6382c47cb_story.html
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/22/2021 01:02 PM

Bluesfan--yes, the same as it always has been.
Posted By: Bluesfan

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/22/2021 09:35 PM


Not working for me. I rebooted and logged out and back in. Still does not work.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Passport backlog surges to 2.2M as applicants wait up to 24 weeks - 07/22/2021 09:42 PM

Dunno. I suspect maybe it's a browser issue. We have not had anyone else complain about it.
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