The following is a summary of an article by Bailey Berg at AFAR.com, published on November 2nd, 2023.

For those planning international travel and in need of a new passport or renewal, it is advisable to apply well in advance due to the current wait times of eight to 11 weeks for U.S. passports. The U.S. government has experienced a surge in passport applications, surpassing 24 million by November 1, 2023, compared to the previous year’s total of under 22 million. While passport renewals can be done by mail, first-time applicants or those requiring emergency processing may need in-person appointments at acceptance facilities or passport agencies. Passport acceptance facilities, including post offices, often require advance reservations, and if availability is limited, alternative locations should be explored. Passport Acceptance Fairs and expedited services are additional options for expediting the application process. In cases of urgent travel, individuals can call passport agencies for emergency appointments, though availability is limited. Regardless of the situation, it is emphasized to initiate the passport application process as early as possible. For more information, please click here to access the full article.