Passport processing times reduced again

The State Department updated current passport processing times, showing reduced wait times for both routine and expedited services.

Key Points:

1. As of Nov. 6, processing times are now seven to 10 weeks for routine applications and three to five weeks for expedited applications, according to the department.
2. Travelers must have international travel within 14 calendar days to schedule an in-person appointment for urgent travel or emergency passport processing services.

Additional Information: It may take up to two weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and then an additional two weeks or more to receive a completed passport in the mail. These mailing times are not included in the processing times described above.

BAL Analysis: The decrease in wait times is welcome news, especially following significant delays over the summer. Requests for passports tend to increase ahead of holiday travel, however. Applicants should expect delays as the holidays approach and plan accordingly.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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