Passport Delays Could Stop Travelers in 2017

Passport renewal delays and photo requirements lead changes in 2017.

Travelers with expiring passports are being encouraged to renew their passports sooner rather than later in order to ensure that their documents will be valid for travel in 2017 and beyond. In a news release, the State Department announced another wave of passport renewals could once again delay renewals in the next year.

In 2016, the State Department anticipated a surge in travel document renewals with the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, mandating passports for all border crossings. With millions of passport applications received for the first time in 2007, officials warn that the surges could delay passport renewals by weeks at a time as those passports begin to expire.

“In 2007, we experienced an unprecedented surge in passport applications, issuing over 18 million passports,” the State Depament wrote. “We issued over 15.5 million passports in fiscal year 2015 and the increased demand is expected to continue through 2018.”

The criteria for what constitutes an acceptable passport photograph will also update with passport renewals as well. Starting November 2016, travelers will no longer be allowed to wear glasses in their passport photos or other travel documents. The change comes after officials claim glasses prevented them from verifying identification on applicants.

“Last year, more than 200,000 passport customers submitted poor-quality photos which we couldn’t accept. The number-one problem was glasses,” the State Department wrote on their website. “We had to put their passport applications on hold because we couldn’t clearly identify them from their photo.”

The change will only apply to travelers applying for a new or renewed passport. Those who currently have a valid passport with a photo featuring glasses can continue to travel as usual.

In regard to enforcement of the REAL ID Act, travelers still have time before drivers’ licenses will potentially be disallowed for boarding a commercial aircraft. According to the Department of Homeland Security, enforcement of the state-issued identification law will begin at the end of 2018.

[Photo: United States Postal Service]