Passport Renewal Taking 10 Weeks

"eFlyer," an E-newsletter put out by Global Traveler, is reporting that US passport renewals, as well as first-time applications, are currently being processed slowly. The timeframe now appears to be up to about 10 weeks, about a month longer than previously. "eFlyer" attributes the new backlog to the recently passed Western Hemisphere Initiative requiring Americans to carry passports for travel to the Caribbean and Mexico, where previously a vote ID card and other official documents sufficed. there is a massive backlog in the passport application process that is equally affecting passport renewals. Applications for new passports has backed up renewals too.

More cautionary news is that even the $60 expedited service has stretched form two weeks to three or even four. "eFlyer" advises, "You’ll speed up your expedited application if, in addition to using the proper form and enclosing your check, you write 'expedite' prominently on the envelope." The newsletter also reports that both local and regional passport offices are often requiring appointments.

The National Passport Information Center (877-4USAPP) is open from 6:00 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday for those who must travel within seven days. "eFlyer" further notes that "there is a limited staff who will even take your call on weekends. But as with other passport processing, the phone lines are jammed; it may take multiple calls to get through to a human being. Email forms are available on the website, but only for general inquiries since — surprise! — they take a while to get answered, too. These days, 'passport' is spelled with three Ps — planning, patience and persistence."

Even before this slow process (another P), I learned not to let my passport renewal go later than six months prior to the expiration date of the current one. A number of years ago, I went to Turkey on a one-week trip with a passport that was still three months from expiring -- not the six months that I had no idea that Turkish authorities wanted. The officials at the airport in Istanbul didn't want to let me in at all. They finally did, after a serious plea (still another P) and the presentation (yet another P) of my return airline ticket showing that I was booked to leave the country seven days later. The lesson seems to be that renew your passport if it is within six months of expiring, and then expect to wait a while until you get your new one.