Thread: What is the wait time for a Passport?

I know there is a back up and back log for passports. But how long is the wait? Didn't they push the time change on passports again?

We have passports but our children do not. I keep on trying to wait since they are so close to getting an adult passport.

From what I am reading on several forums...the wait is as long as 16 weeks.

As Char said, allow 16 weeks. I've had clients tell me lately it's taking an average of 12 to 14 weeks, but don't count on it.

If you need them quicker, you can pay for expedited service, but if you can afford to wait for a while and not in a hurry, then I would suggest waiting to get them. They have promised that by the end of this year, they are suppose to be back to normal and getting passports out within the usual 6 weeks - but I'll believe that one when I see it!

Pete

Have been hearing the same reports - 3 - 4 months to get a new passport.

From the US Dept of State web site:

.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007. The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was mandated by Congress in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for citizens and legitimate international visitors. WHTI requirements for air travel took effect on January 23, 2007.

Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child’s proof of application status. Children traveling alone should carry a copy of their birth certificate, baptismal record or a hospital record of birth in the United States in addition to their passport application status documentation. This accommodation applies to all American citizens who apply for passports, until September 30, when this accommodation period ends. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.

I notice that it specifies "by air". That has caused a lot of confusion for cruisers. I have seen this hotly debated on several forum sites.

I'll find their latest verbage on requirements for cruisers and post it.

Currently, Cruisers don't need a passport...until after December 31st...but then again...they will probably change that again...and if you blink, it might change again...lol.

I would definitely allow 4 months...they have hired extra people to help with the increased request for passports...when I got ours last year...it took a whopping 2 weeks!

thanks, Dolores!
Here's some words from the State Department. BUT, please see my next post for some additional points.

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise or to travel by vehicle across the land border to Canada or Mexico?
No, but it is recommended that U.S. citizens carry and present government-issued identification when requested. Although not currently required to present a document, U.S. citizens arriving by land and sea must still establish to the satisfaction of the inspecting officer that they are U.S. citizens.

As early as January 2008, the Departments of Homeland Security and State will begin to implement WHTI at land and sea ports of entry. A Notice of Proposed Rule Making outlining a phased implementation is expected to be published in the Federal Register within the next two weeks


... And This ...

If you travel abroad frequently, you may request a 48-page passport at the time you apply for a new passport. In addition to foreign entry requirements, U.S. law must be considered. With certain exceptions, it is against U.S. law to enter or leave the country without a valid passport. Generally, for tourists, the exceptions refer to direct travel within U.S. Territories or between North, South, or Central America (except Cuba). However, airlines and cruise-lines sometimes require their passengers to have passports when flying or cruising to and from locations in these areas.

A little off the topic of wiat times for passports, but I've seen some folks operate under the assumption that they will only need a passport when they are required to have one to cruise. I'd like to address this.

Consider:

WHAT IF your tour bus breaks down and you miss the ship in a port and need to fly home or to the next port?

WHAT IF you (or someone for whom you are responsible) have a medical emergency requiring foreign disembarkation and subsequent return home by air?

WHAT IF the ship has serious mechanical problems and can't return to the US?

WHAT IF you are detained in port and are still at the police station when your ship sails?

WHAT IF there is an emergency at home requiring you to return at once?

WHAT IF someone in your party does (or is perceived to have done) something wrong and your entire party is put off the ship mid cruise?

WHAT IF there is a fire onboard, and the ship can't continue farther?


OK . . . perhaps it is unlikely that anything unforseen will ever happen to you.
But is it completely out of the reallm of possibility? NO

Just some stuff to think about with regard to whether or not you might need a passport, even if you're not required to have one to get on and off the ship in the U.S.