Passport processing times have returned to pre-pandemic norm. As of December 18, 2023, passport applications will be processed within 6-8 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service, which costs an additional $60, The United States Department of State informed.
In 1990, only five percent of Americans had a passport. Today, that number is 48%. More Americans can travel abroad now than at any time in the country’s history. There are now over 160 million valid U.S. passports in circulation (nearly double the amount from 2007).
This past year, the Department experienced unprecedented demand for passports. Between October 2022 and September 2023 (the federal fiscal year), the Department of State issued over 24 million passport books and cards – the highest amount ever in the nation’s history.
Visit travel.state.gov/passport to plan your 2024 travel with the latest passport guidance and processing tips in mind. The Department of State encourages all U.S. citizens traveling overseas to renew their passports early. They also advise the U.S. traveling public to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP.state.gov) so they can receive important messages about their destinations directly, including timely Alerts and updates to Travel Advisories.
Source: U.S. Department of State