savd4one
Veteran Member
this is just an FYI if you're flying to the fest this year...got it from my company's web site.
The U.S. State Department’s Passport Services unit is experiencing a major backlog in processing applications. Rather than taking the usual four to six weeks, routine applications or renewals are now taking 10 weeks. Even the more expensive expedited service takes about three to four weeks. Additionally, because the service uses a centralized system, travelers cannot get their documents faster by submitting applications directly to a regional processing facility. At present, passports are not required for Western Hemisphere travel by land or sea.
Historically, January to March is Passport Services peak period for processing applications. Although the agency hired extra help, the anticipated surge due to Phase I of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was far larger than expected. As of January 23, 2007, every U.S. citizen must have a valid passport to fly between the United States and Mexico, Canada and other Western Hemisphere countries.
The National Passport Information Center (travel.state.gov) lets applicants check on the status of their applications online. The website also provides telephone numbers and e-mail addresses to contact customer service representatives.
The U.S. State Department’s Passport Services unit is experiencing a major backlog in processing applications. Rather than taking the usual four to six weeks, routine applications or renewals are now taking 10 weeks. Even the more expensive expedited service takes about three to four weeks. Additionally, because the service uses a centralized system, travelers cannot get their documents faster by submitting applications directly to a regional processing facility. At present, passports are not required for Western Hemisphere travel by land or sea.
Historically, January to March is Passport Services peak period for processing applications. Although the agency hired extra help, the anticipated surge due to Phase I of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was far larger than expected. As of January 23, 2007, every U.S. citizen must have a valid passport to fly between the United States and Mexico, Canada and other Western Hemisphere countries.
The National Passport Information Center (travel.state.gov) lets applicants check on the status of their applications online. The website also provides telephone numbers and e-mail addresses to contact customer service representatives.