International travel costs are set to rise next week thanks to a price hike in passport book fees.
The State Department announced Monday that it would increase its security surcharge fees for passport books by $20 for all customers starting Dec. 27.
Passport book fees vary by age:
According to the State Department, “the increased fee is necessary to ensure we continue to produce one of the most secure travel and identity documents in the world.”
Travelers also have the option to pay $60 to expedite delivery and receive the passport in five to seven weeks or $17.56 for one-to-two day delivery.
Securing a passport has been a challenge for travelers in recent months, with nonexpedited wait times over the summer skyrocketing to 18 weeks due to high travel demand, staff shortages and delays within the U.S. Postal Service. Processing times have since dropped down to eight to 11 weeks.
► International travel:Passport wait times continue to drop, with the latest estimate at 8 to 11 weeks
Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz.
COVID-19
Surviving The 2nd Wave of Corona
‘This too shall pass away’ this famous Persian adage seems to be defeating us again and again in the case of COVID-19. Despite every effort
May 13, 2021
