Individuals with a U.S. passport set to expire in 2016 or 2017 may face longer passport renewal adjudication times due to an anticipated surge in passport renewal applications. The reason for the expected increase in renewal adjudication times over the next 18-24 months can be traced to the swell of new first time 10-year passport applications made in 2006 and 2007 as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This Travel Initiative went into effect in 2007 and for the first time required U.S. citizens returning to the U.S. by air from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to hold a valid U.S. passport. The initial influx of new passport applications in 2006 and 2007 resulted in a severe delay in passport issuance times, and the same is anticipated for this round of renewals.

Individuals who have a U.S. passport that is expiring soon should plan to renew their passport at the earliest opportunity, especially if they want to avoid having to pay the expedited processing fee.

Foster continues to advise all travelers to review their travel documents well in advance of any planned international travel to ensure that all documents are up to date and valid. As always, Foster attorneys are available to answer specific travel-related questions and provide additional information regarding the requirements for international travel. Foster also provides periodic updates on the firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.