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Increased demand for US passports seen
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Posted on Jun 08 2008
The Honolulu Passport Agency has urged U.S. nationals and citizens hoping to travel abroad next year to apply for passports now.
Nancy K. Finn, regional director of the Passport Agency, said the amount of time required to obtain a passport is expected to increase significantly. The U.S. Department of State expects to issue over 21 million passports in 2008 and 30 million in 2009.
“We want to encourage U.S. nationals and citizens to apply for their passports now, rather than waiting until they have an emergency, or until next spring when we expect that we will again be extremely busy,” Finn said.
Currently, she said, passport processing times are less than four weeks for routine applications and less than two weeks for expedited applications. Travelers who choose to apply now can avoid having to pay the $60 fee for expedited processing.
“If you have family or friends living, studying, or working abroad, or if you are keeping your eyes open for an airfare bargain, we strongly recommend that you maintain a valid passport,” Finn reminded travelers in a media statement.
She also noted that those with existing passports must make sure their passports have at least six months validity remaining before the end of their trip. Many airlines and foreign countries do not accept passports with less than six months remaining before expiration.
Finn also announced that the State Department expects to begin issuing passport cards, in addition to passport books, in June, and to be in full production in July.
The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing for U.S. citizens and nationals entering the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air.
Finn said there is now great demand for applications particularly from the southern border states.
Official passport requirement information, downloadable application forms, and a list of acceptance facilities are available on the Passport Agency’s website at travel.state.gov. Customers may also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
