The Business Press – July 03, 2023 at 04:15PM
Seeking a valid U.S. passport for that highly anticipated 2023 trip? A much-feared backup of U.S. passport applications has collided with a wall of government bureaucracy as worldwide travel rebounds toward pre-pandemic levels. Travelers in the U.S. and around the world find themselves trapped in a maddening pre-travel purgatory defined by costly uncertainty.
U.S. officials have not shied away from acknowledging the issue or making predictions on when it will ease. The epic wait times are attributed to lingering pandemic-related staffing shortages and the suspension of online processing earlier this year. Consequently, the passport agency is inundated with a staggering 500,000 applications per week, leading to an on-track projection of surpassing last year’s record of issuing 22 million passports, as stated by the State Department.
Stories from passport applicants and interviews conducted by The Associated Press paint a picture of crisis management as priority is given to urgent cases such as those with imminent “life or death” travel needs. For others, the options are limited and often expensive. Applicants find themselves caught in a slow-motion agony of waiting, worrying, refreshing the screen repeatedly, complaining to Congress, paying extra fees, and even purchasing additional plane tickets to retrieve their passports from different cities where they are being processed.
U.S. officials attribute the delays to the impact of COVID-19. When the demand for travel plummeted during the pandemic, the government let go of contractors and reassigned staff members who were previously dedicated to handling passports. The pause in online renewals was implemented to improve the system. Efforts are now underway to hire more agents, open additional appointment slots, and explore alternative solutions to address the crisis.
The requirement for passports for U.S. travelers abroad was established in 1952. Today, passports are processed at various centers across the country and printed at secure facilities in Washington, D.C., and Mississippi. The number of Americans holding valid U.S. passports has outpaced population growth over the last three decades, highlighting the increased desire for international travel. The number of U.S. passports per American has soared, indicating a growing trend of globetrotting among U.S. citizens.
Obtaining U.S. visas and passports at consulates overseas presents its own set of challenges. Aspiring travelers in various global cities face substantial wait times for visa interviews, which span over a year in some locations. The process is particularly arduous in Israel, where numerous dual-citizenship holders require appointments for each individual, including newborns. Finding available slots is akin to winning a lottery and often requires considerable time, patience, and coordination, leaving travelers anxious and uncertain.
While frustration remains high, some progress has been made in recent weeks. The wait time for passport renewal appointments has decreased from 360 days to 90 days, according to the website. Although the improvements are encouraging, the passport application process for many applicants continues to be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience.
For passport seekers, the journey towards obtaining a valid U.S. passport in 2023 has become an unplanned excursion into the nightmare zone. The struggles faced by travelers highlight the overwhelming demand for passports and the resulting strain on government agencies. As the world slowly resumes travel, it is essential for officials to address the backlog of applications promptly and efficiently to alleviate the burdens faced by eager travelers. Until then, travelers must navigate the challenges of this passport predicament with diligence, persistence, and creative solutions to realize their travel dreams.
The Business Press 