New passport programs can speed travelers through control — six months ago it took four months to get a passport, today less than two months!
The post-pandemic start-up of international travel means the need for passport renewals to travel. Plus, lacking personnel and crowded flights mean navigating customs and border protection in Europe or other destinations. And, when returning to the US, these passport renewal tips make reentry as painless as possible when returning from overseas.
The State Department announced that the wait time for new passports is now 6-8 weeks. Expedited passports will take 2-3 weeks. Anyone planning to travel this summer should begin renewal. They should get their materials together. No foreign travel will be possible until their new passport is issued and in their hands. Start today. Get any necessary passport renewals done this year.
1. Passport issuing times are now around 6-8 weeks.
Today you can get a passport for travel this summer. Expedited passports will take 2-3 weeks. Travelers should ensure that they complete any actions they can take. The State Department is back to the pre-pandemic rate of issuing passports.
Travelers can use a new app for passport renewals.
Travelers can renew their passports from home with this app, available for both iPhones and Android. The US government registers them as safe, secure, and confidential agents. Send your signed application and passport to ItsEasy with the included trackable shipping label. The company will pre-check all of your documents. ItsEasy.com will submit government payments, print and attach your passport photo, and securely deliver your documents to the US State Department for processing.
Travelers cannot complete other issues using the app, but this app will save you time for passport renewals.
The Automated Passport Control Program is CBP’s version of self-check-in for customs operations. American and Canadian passport holders approved for Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTA) and who have visited the US after 2008 can use the system. Upon landing at an airport, go to an available automatic passport control kiosk (see the complete list here). Scan your passport and fingerprints, confirm your flight information, and tap on your Customs Declaration Form information. And take a photo. Travelers will receive a receipt from the machine, which they will show, along with their passports, at the check-out point.
Getting through passport control is one of the most time-consuming exercises. These two programs can be time savers.
2. Enroll in Global Entry
Global Entry is the best system for anyone traveling abroad. The time saved when arriving from overseas back to the US is impressive. Avoid long immigration passport lines. New flight connections come into play. These allow elite frequent fliers to stand by for earlier outgoing flights.
The steps needed for Global Entry are easy but can be time-consuming. Travelers must apply for Global Entry and pay a $100 fee for a five-year membership. After a customs and border protection (CBP) review, applicants will undergo an interview, including fingerprinting. Then they enroll in the system.
Another big Global Entry membership bonus includes the TSA’s PreCheck program. PreCheck members pass through their dedicated line at US airport security checkpoints. This security system consists of passing without the full-body scanner, with shoes on and with computers left in bags. It is almost like the old days.
3. Sign up for Mobile Passport to help with US passport entry.
Based on a smartphone app, this new Mobile Passport program is in place at 26 airports and three cruise ports. CBP and Airport Councils International (an airport association) made this app possible.
Currently, the app works at the following airports as of the day of publication — Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Honolulu, Houston, Houston Hobby, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Newark, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San José, San Juan, Seattle, Tampa, Washington Dulles, and West Palm Beach. The updated list can be found on the website as well.
Upon landing, follow the Mobile Passport Control signs. Set up your profile for future trips, and use a kiosk for your reentry into the US. It is easy, private, and free.
Set up profiles for entire families that contain everyone’s passport numbers and other necessary data. Answer some questions about your trip — the same questions asked today.
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Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
