State Department says passport delays will continue at least until end of 2023

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The State Department says it could take at least three months to get a new passport right now.

“I’ve had … up to five different instances where clients booked their trips in December of last year to travel in March, and they did not have their passports back,” said Valerie Holmes with Odyssey Travel.

Typically, passports are created in less than two months, but the effects of the pandemic are causing delays.

Officials said the demand for passports is also very high. They think delays will continue until the end of the year.

“Allow yourself at least five months,” Holmes said.

She said having insurance might save your travel plans.

“That allows you to cancel for any reason up until the day before you go,” Holmes said.

You can then rebook using the credit.

You can always ask for an expedited passport process, but it costs more.

Also, when getting ready for your international trip, it’s important to note the six-month validity passport rule.

Some countries will not let you in if your passport is going to expire in the next six months.