In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, international travel is gradually making a comeback. Yet, Americans seeking to explore destinations beyond their borders are encountering a significant hurdle—passport processing delays.
As the number of passport applications surges, the State Department is grappling with a cumbersome backlog and understaffed teams. This predicament has left travel advisors cautioning individuals to approach their travel plans with careful foresight and meticulous preparation.
You may ask yourself, What does this have to do with me? If you plan on climbing Kilimanjaro, going on safari, or both, you will need both a visa and passport for Tanzania.
Passport Delays
The current situation is distressing for many would-be travelers. The growing frustration is palpable as individuals find themselves caught in an interminable waiting game.
The size of the passport processing delays becomes evident when examining the staggering numbers. The U.S. State Department reports receiving approximately 400,000 passport applications each week as of July. This puts it on track to surpass the record-breaking 22 million passports issued in 2022. These figures illustrate the immense strain placed on the already overwhelmed system. This has further exacerbated the delays and created a post-COVID paperwork storm that shows no signs of abating.
In light of these circumstances, travel advisors stress the critical need for advanced planning. Applying for or renewing a passport has become a task that necessitates a proactive approach. It requires travelers to start contemplating the process at least a year in advance. Gone are the days when one could walk into a passport office and expect to receive their passport within a few weeks.
You should apply for a new passport knowing your current one is going to expire in the next year or so. Within six months of expiration, you should have already sent it in.
International Passport requirements
Beyond the processing delays experienced within the United States, travelers must also consider the validity requirements imposed by other countries. The majority of nations mandate that passports remain valid for at least six months beyond the intended travel dates. This is true of Tanzania.
For example, if your trip is from August 1 -August 11, 2023, your passport needs to be good until February 11, 2024.
Trip Insurance
The consequences of failing to plan extend beyond the disappointment of a missed flight. Travelers may find themselves entangled in logistical nightmares with regard to trip cancellations and insurance coverage. When purchasing trip insurance make sure it covers reimbursement due to passport expiration.
Processing Timeline
To better comprehend the current state of affairs, it is crucial to understand the processing timelines provided by the State Department.
Routine passport processing times currently range from 10 to 13 weeks, making early submission of applications a necessity.
Expedited processing, while faster, still requires 7 to 9 weeks for completion and incurs an additional fee of $60.
Urgent passport requests mandate appointments at passport processing centers, with scheduling limited to within 14 days of the international travel date.
Emergency Travel In cases of emergency travel that qualify as life or death, there is a possibility of obtaining a passport within three business days. However, it is important to note that delays may still occur in any of these categories, highlighting the uncertainty and unpredictability of the process.
The lack of communication from the processing centers has compelled some frustrated travelers to take matters into their own hands. They travel to passport centers to receive answers only to be turned away. Others have opted to postpone their travel plans until next year.
Despite the challenges and frustrations that arise during the passport application process, travel advisors encourage individuals to maintain a positive outlook and remain determined in pursuing their travel dreams.
The lessons learned from the pandemic have underscored the fragility of life and the significance of seizing opportunities.
Final Thoughts
While the passport woes may persist for the foreseeable future, travelers are advised to approach their travel plans with caution and meticulous attention to detail. By planning well in advance, understanding the processing timelines, and being aware of the validity requirements imposed by destination countries, individuals can navigate the complexities and uncertainties surrounding renewing or obtaining a passport for Tanzania. Despite the current challenges, the allure of exploring new horizons remains so what are you waiting for, book your Kilimanjaro climb today!
