HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Summertime is here, and for some that means summer vacation planning is underway! So ,if you're traveling out of the country here's what you need to know.
THE QUESTION
Can anyone can get a last minute passport for summer travel?
THE SOURCES
- U.S. State Department
- The office of Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL 4th District)
- Madison County Probate Judge Frank Barger
THE ANSWER
Yes. If you are traveling for pleasure you can try to get a last minute passport for summer travel within 14 days. But whether you get the passport in your hands is truly... a matter of timing.
WHAT WE FOUND
The U.S. State Department said, "Our passport agencies and centers process routine and expedited applications, and are open by appointment only for customers who have urgent international travel within 14 calendar days or need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days."
However - if it's more than 14 days out before your vacation....Carson Clark, Communications Director for Congressman Robert Aderholt, explained,"... we're telling people right now that if you have a passport need between now and labor day, you're going to go out of the country. you need to apply for that passport right now and pay for the expedited fees. it costs a little bit more money, but there's a better chance that you'll actually get that passport before you leave on that trip."
Madison County Service Center Probate Judge Frank Barger also added that it's not impossible, but if you've waited until this point to apply for your passport for summer travel you've probably waited a little too late. "It takes right now, on average, 7 to 9 weeks on an expedited passport, meaning you have requested that it be rushed and processed as quickly as guidelines will permit. and so that's taking 7 to 9 weeks regular processing. it's taking anywhere from 12 to 14 weeks. and so if you just apply using the general process by expediting, you're looking at it's just over three months generally."
Your member of congress can attempt to help you in an emergency situation. but cannot make any guarantees. Keep in mind an emergency situation is different than urgent travel.