US raises passport prices
'21.12.2021'
Nurgul Sultanova-Chetin
International travel costs will rise next week as US passport prices rise. On December 20, the Department of State announced that it will increase tariffs for issuing passport books by at least $ 27 for all clients starting December 20. USA Today.
The cost of a passport book depends on age:
- First-time travelers 16 and older are now paying $ 145 and will pay $ 165 starting next week.
- Travelers aged 16 and over renewing their passports now pay $ 110 and will pay $ 130.
- Travelers under 16 will pay $ 135 instead of $ 115.
According to State Department officials, "the increase in tariffs is necessary to ensure that the US can continue to issue some of the most reliable travel and identity documents in the world." Additional money will be spent to ensure that the passport book is protected from counterfeiting.
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Americans also have the option to pay $ 60 for a fast track passport and get it in five to seven weeks.
Passport acquisition has become a challenge for travelers in recent months, with waiting times over the summer skyrocketing and now averaging 8-11 weeks due to high travel demand, staff shortages and delays at the US Postal Service.
