Summertime is a busy time for travel. With corporate travelers going abroad for global conventions and families heading off on their summer vacations, the summer is when we always see a passport rush. The US State Department’s current passport processing times are 6-8 weeks, and this is subject to change with the number of passport applications increasing.
If you need a passport urgently for your summer travel, a third-party passport expediting company can help you beat the passport rush.
Why is the State Department Experiencing a Passport Rush?
The summertime is always a popular time for travelers to apply for passports. This seasonal surge in passport applications can be attributed to several factors, with the foremost being the impending vacation season. Families and individuals are eager to embark on international adventures after prolonged restrictions, leading to a sharp uptick in passport requests. The summer rush also coincides with the academic break, as students and educators plan overseas study programs or leisure travel.
The overlap of these factors creates a perfect storm, intensifying the demand for passports and posing logistical challenges for the State Department. Navigating through this yearly phenomenon requires strategic planning to ensure that the passport application process remains efficient. Historically, there have been delays during the summer despite planning.
If you are a business traveler, this can cause an added level of strain when planning to travel internationally. Delays can disrupt crucial travel plans, affecting business meetings, conferences, and other time-sensitive engagements. This emphasizes the importance of efficient passport processing during peak seasons to mitigate disruptions and ensure the smooth flow of global business operations.
Top Three Tips to Beat the Summer Passport Rush
1. Apply Early
Don’t wait until the day before your trip to look for your passport. When you start planning your trip, check your passport right away. You’ll want to make sure you can answer yes to all of these questions:
- Do I know where my passport is stored?
- Does my passport have at least six months validity after the end of my trip?
- Is my passport in my current legal name?
- Does my passport have blank pages marked “visas” for my entry stamps?
- Is my passport in good condition, with no tears, damaged pages, or unauthorized markings?
2. Find the Best Passport Acceptance Facility
If you need to get your first passport, get a passport for your child, or replace a lost or damaged passport, you will need to visit a Passport Acceptance Facility. During the passport rush, you may find that some Passport Acceptance Facilities do not have any appointments available, or ones that do not require appointments may have long lines.
During this busy season for passports, it’s great if you can schedule an appointment with a Passport Acceptance Agent. With an appointment scheduled in advance, you know exactly when you’ll be seen, and you won’t have to waste time standing in line. We encourage you to call around to other Passport Acceptance Facilities if you can’t get a convenient appointment with the first one you check. Consider locations near your home, your office, or maybe even one further afield that is close to a shop or restaurant you like but don’t get to visit often.
3. Use a Third-Party Passport Expediter
Sometimes things come up last minute and it is impossible to plan ahead. In this case, you may not be able to find an appointment with a Passport Acceptance Facility or apply for a passport without expediting. A third-party passport expediting company can get your passport to you quickly, despite delays with the U.S. Department of State.
A registered passport expediting company will hand-carry your application documents to the Department of State, for processing in as little as 7 business days. Then, they’ll ship your new passport back to you. Should there be any delays at the passport office, the expedited service company can promptly notify you, allowing you to address the issue promptly.
Passport Applications Made Simple
Beat the passport summer rush with G3 Global Services. We understand that the process of applying for a passport can be complex. Our experts across the country are available to review and submit your requests, letting you focus on travel plans.
If you manage a team of frequent travelers, G3’s Managed Service Program stands out as the premier passport and visa solution for the most active international travelers. This fully managed and opt-in program is a game-changer for corporate travelers, eliminating the need for individual travelers to navigate the complex and often time-consuming process of completing their own applications for travel documents. Contact us to learn more about the Managed Service Program and how it aligns with the specific needs of your team.