Senator Eldridge Advises Constituents Planning on International Travel to Renew Passports 6 Months Before Trip Due to Federal Backlog

Delays expected in passport processing due to unprecedented demand and State Department backlog

BOSTON – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) is urging constituents who are planning to travel internationally to look at the expiration date of their passport, and to plan on renewing their passports at least six months prior to departure, due to significant delays in renewing passports as a result of a backlog in the federal government. 

Increased and unprecedented demand for international travel in recent months have resulted in a backlog in the passport approval process. The State Department has continued to take measures to mitigate and address the backlog through aggressive recruitment and hiring, as well as the opening of a new satellite office to assist in the approval process, but constituents should still anticipate delays when planning international trips.

“Over the past two months, I have received multiple desperate calls, texts and emails from constituents, because they have not received their renewed passport and have vacation plans outside of the U.S. happening in a matter of weeks or even days,” said Senator Eldridge. “I am deeply grateful to the federal congressional delegation and their staff for working diligently to get these passports delivered, but given bureaucratic barriers, I strongly urge constituents of the Middlesex and Worcester district to take a look at their passports, and begin the renewal application process 6 months before their international travel.” 

State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) further advised constituents to contact their federal representatives with requests surrounding passport processing, as passports are under federal, not state jurisdiction. 

For updates about the State Department and passport processing, click here.

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