Passport Delays Cause Frustration

It now takes months to get an American passport due to increased demand caused by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Getting a passport in the U.S. is becoming a stressful, frustrating experience for travelers with countless numbers having to cancel trips because their passport didn’t arrive in time. Following the passing of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, Americans now need a passport to return to the U.S. by air from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Next year, unless something changes, Americans will also need a passport to cross the borders by vehicle (and presumably by foot, horse or any other means).

No hindsight necessary

The sad thing is that for anyone who watches the travel industry, this was one of those situations seen miles and months away. And yet, here we are. The delays are only getting worse. Couples are missing their honeymoons for lack of a passport. They can still head to Hawaii or the U.S. Virgin islands, it’s true. But don’t tell that to someone with non-redeemable tickets to the British Virgin Islands.

Passports on sale now!

My advice? Buy a passport. I don’t care if you’re planning to go anywhere or not. Better if you haven’t made any plans because you won’t likely be leaving in the next four months. That’s right: It’s taking months to get a passport. Even an expedited passport, where you pay some extra cash to allegedly have it “expedited,” will take some time.

Do you want to be left behind?

And yes, I am aware of the nearly $100 it costs to purchase a passport, but it’s good for 10 years. For $10 a year, you can give yourself a peace of mind not generally available so inexpensively. Imagine being in San Diego and all your buddies say, “Hey, let’s hit Tijuana!” And you’re the only sad sack without a passport. Do you really want to be stuck in that situation? Besides, every American should leave the country at least once. I mean, the education alone is worth the price of admission.

U.S. out red-tapes France

In an ironic twist of fate, I will be renewing my passport in France, one of the most bureaucratically nightmarish countries in the world. And, according to an American acquaintance, it’s now easier to renew an American passport in France than it is in America. Now that is saying something about getting a passport in the U.S. these days.