Dustin Gandof
Longer passport processing times cause frustration for travelers as the delays in the issuance of passports are causing inconvenience and losses for those who need to travel urgently. The current global scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the reasons behind the increased processing time for passports.
As per a report by The Independent, British holidaymakers are missing holidays and losing cash because their passports are taking weeks to arrive, which is longer than the expected waiting time. The situation is similar in the US, where panic is growing over passport delays, as mentioned in an article by ABC7NY. The Department of State’s website says that the processing time for passport applications is eight weeks, and for expedited services, it is five weeks. But, due to increased demand for passports, the processing time is extending beyond the mentioned time frame.
The State Department has updated the processing times for US passport applications, which also include the routine processing time of 10-13 weeks, as mentioned in a press release by the department. The statement further mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the decrease in staffing at passport agencies, leading to longer processing times.
The delay in passport processing is not only causing frustrations for travelers but is also impacting the tourism industry. With a considerable number of people postponing their travel plans due to passport delays, businesses in the tourism sector are facing significant losses.
In conclusion, the longer passport processing times are causing significant frustrations and inconvenience for travelers. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in the delays, but the governments and agencies responsible must take necessary steps to expedite the passport processing time to avoid further losses for the tourism sector and the general public.
