Posted on 07/03/2023 4:34:02 AM PDT by Republicans 2016 2020
Seeking a valid U.S. passport for that 2023 trip? Buckle up, wishful traveler, for a very different journey before you step anywhere near an airport.
A much-feared backup of U.S passport applications has smashed into a wall of government bureaucracy as worldwide travel rebounds toward record pre-pandemic levels — with too few humans to handle the load. The result, say aspiring travelers in the U.S. and around the world, is a maddening pre-travel purgatory defined, at best, by costly uncertainty.
With family dreams and big money on the line, passport seekers describe a slow-motion agony of waiting, worrying, holding the line, refreshing the screen, complaining to Congress, paying extra fees and following incorrect directions. Some applicants are buying additional plane tickets to snag in-process passports where they sit — in other cities — in time to make the flights they booked in the first place.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
IOW......we can’t leave but everyone else in the world can just walk right in without ANY documentation.
I am not excited about this! My passport is in the process of being renewed because my son is getting married at the end of August in Prague. I would hate to have to miss his wedding. I paid to have it expedited. We’ll see what happens!
My expedited passport arrived just as advertised in six weeks, 10 days before my travel date. Unfortunately, I had to cancel the trip for medical reasons.
Also if you want TSA Pre-Check/Global Entry, you may have to wait months for an appointment.
A rip off!
In order to create a totalitarian state, the rulers first must train people to learn how to wait in line for goods and services.
Is Buttplug in charge of this?
NEXUS for new applications has a wait period of about 18 months currently in the NE district.
From the website:
Processing times vary by applicant, but on average you can expect your application to be processed as follows:
Global Entry: 4-6 months
NEXUS: 12-14 months
SENTRI: 10-12 months
FAST: 1-2 weeks
Some good news is that as long as you apply for your Global Entry renewal on time, you have a 24-month Grace Period, after expiration, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck.
I have no idea how current that info is. My neighbor works at the Whirlpool bridge office, so I know for a fact what he told me is current.
Exactly! I’ve had NEXUS since they first came out—own a cottage in Sherkston.
it is stupid that we need a passport to go to Canada.
The best way to deal with the Global Entry interview backlog is to ask to do you interview when you’re coming back in from an overseas trip. I couldn’t find an appointment time, so I just asked when i got to US Customs and they took me aside and did the interview right there. Got my updated card in the mail a week later.
I recently renewed mine. Estimated time for non-expedited was 10-13 weeks plus mailing. Actual time about 8 weeks including mailing.
i let mine expire some years ago (no traveling anymore) but have wanted to renew recently. I have not for this exact reason - there are too many stories of re-activation taking months.
This is a once in a lifetime event you must not miss. Contact your congressmember, there are people at State who do nothing but answer passport complaints submitted via congressmembers. This is your best bet.
This is very good advice, and exactly the right thing to do.
At my first visit to Canada (1970) all I had to show was a driver's license.Same thing when returning.
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