US Passport renewal strategy in 2021
So my US passport has less than a year of life left on it. The current renewal times border on the ridiculous. 12 weeks for expedited and 18 weeks for "routine".
The only alternative seems to be for "immediate international travel", which can potentially get you an in-person appointment at a Passport agency that can renew the passport on the spot. However the appointments seem to be very hard to get and are in no way guaranteed.
That creates a chicken and egg problem: you need a confirmed flight to even apply for an appointment but if you don't get one, you are screwed and can't take the flight.
Questions
- Has anyone any recent experience with US passport renewal that they can share?
- Any idea and suggestions how to avoid being stuck in the country for 3 months or more ?
- Has anyone tried booking a "bogus" flight just in order to get an appointment? For example: booking a fully refundable ticket to get an appointment and then cancelling it after the passport has been issued?
Any other ideas are welcome.
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How long does it take to get new passports in the USA in 2021?
What to Expect: Routine processing is 8 to 11 weeks and expedite processing (for an additional $60) is 5 to 7 weeks. Our processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you mail your application or apply for a passport at a local acceptance facility.How soon before my US passport expires Should I renew it?
Tips on When to Renew Your Passport Renew your passport approximately nine months before it expires. Check the expiration date because certain countries require passports to remain valid for up to six months after travel. Also, some airlines do not allow you to board if you do not meet this requirement.How far into the future should your passport be valid at all times?
Six Month Club Requirements: As a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit the United States. However, the United States has signed agreements with a number of countries to waive this requirement.What should I choose for passport renewal?
The following documents are required for passport renewal.How To RENEW AN EXPIRED US PASSPORT 2021 | Using Post Office And Online Form | Complete Guidelines.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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