Why Passport Processing Times Are Rising Again in Europe and North America and How Travelers Can Avoid Delays

International travelers are once again facing longer waits for passports in Europe and North America. After a period of improvement, processing times have begun to creep up ahead of 2025. This comes just as many people are planning long-awaited trips for 2025 and 2026. Renewed demand and staffing shifts mean travelers need to plan smarter to get their documents in time.

Why processing times are increasing again

Passport agencies are experiencing another wave of high demand. A key factor is the surge of renewals from passports issued about a decade ago – many documents obtained during a previous peak in travel are now expiring together.

Travel itself has rebounded strongly in the post-pandemic era, with more people booking international trips for 2025 and beyond. This early rush to secure travel plans means a flood of passport applications, especially in the first half of the year when people prepare for summer holidays.

Officials report that passport volumes jumped sharply in early 2025, far above normal levels. In the United States, demand in 2025 has been described as “magnitudes above” the prior years, though efforts were made to boost capacity.

Seasonal patterns also play a role. Passport offices typically see the highest workload from late winter through mid-summer, aligned with spring break and summer vacation planning. As 2025 travel bookings rolled in, agencies faced the familiar crunch earlier in the year.

In Europe, countries like the UK saw a spike around the winter holidays and into the new year, prompting warnings that processing could take longer during these busy periods. Staffing constraints can exacerbate delays too. Some passport agencies had expanded staff to tackle backlogs in 2022–2023, but later reduced temporary positions.

For example, in Canada, unions warned that the mid-2025 layoff of hundreds of passport staff would “inevitably result in longer delays” for the public. All these factors – surging applications, peak-season backlogs, and in some cases limited manpower – have combined to push processing times upward again.

Importantly, officials emphasize that these delays are a predictable outcome of demand, not a permanent crisis. Knowing the causes helps travellers stay patient and plan around the bottlenecks.

What the US, UK, EU and Canada are reporting now

United States

The U.S. State Department managed to bring passport wait times down in late 2024, but routine service is still several weeks. As of December 2025, the official estimate for a standard (routine) U.S. passport application is about 4–6 weeks. Expedited service (for an extra fee) takes roughly 2–3 weeks.

These timelines do not include mailing time, which can add a couple of weeks total (shipping to the passport center and back). If you have urgent international travel within 14 days, you can attempt to get an in-person appointment at a regional passport agency, though availability is limited.

During the height of the last backlog, routine processing in the U.S. stretched to 10–13 weeks in 2023 , but by late 2023 it was brought back to 6–8 weeks and then improved further. The State Department credits increased staffing and efficiency measures for keeping current waits at a month or so.

Still, Americans are cautioned that turnaround times may lengthen when demand peaks, so the 4–6 week frame could rise again as more 2025 applications flood in. It’s wise to check the latest State Department updates, as processing times are adjusted throughout the year to reflect workload.

United Kingdom

British travellers saw severe delays in 2022, and while services recovered, officials continue to urge early renewal. The UK Passport Office says you’ll “usually” receive a passport within about 3 weeks for standard applications. However, during busy periods this can extend. In fact, ahead of the 2025 winter holidays the Passport Office warned that processing could take up to five weeks due to high demand.

The government recommends not booking any travel until you have the new passport in hand. In normal periods, many UK online renewal applications are completed in around 2–4 weeks, but the official line remains to allow up to 10 weeks just in case, a legacy of the pandemic backlog caution.

For faster service, the UK offers a One-Week Fast Track and a Online Premium one-day service. The one-week service requires an in-person appointment and costs more (£178 for adults). The one-day service (also called Online Premium) is even more expensive (£222 for a standard adult passport) and is available only for renewals, not first-time passports.

These premium services have limited slots and are often booked well in advance, so they’re not a guaranteed solution if standard processing is backed up. Overall, British authorities are managing to process most applications in a few weeks, but travelers are strongly advised to apply early, well before trips, to avoid any chance of missing travel due to a delayed passport.

European Union

Across the EU, passport issuance is handled by each country’s authorities, and wait times vary. Generally, many European countries report processing times on the order of about 3 to 6 weeks for a standard passport application in 2025.

For instance, Germany’s standard passport processing is roughly 7–8 weeks for an application inside Germany. Germany does offer an Express passport that can be ready in as little as 4–5 days for an extra fee , and if travel is extremely urgent a temporary passport can be issued on the spot (valid for up to 12 months). France typically takes around 3–4 weeks for a passport, though this can spike during local holiday rushes.

Some EU countries experienced technical and staffing issues that caused regional backlogs – for example, Portugal saw delays in mid-2025 due to IT system glitches amid record-high July applications. In that case even the “urgent” 24- or 72-hour passports could not be guaranteed and were taking multiple weeks.

The common theme is that European passport offices are dealing with more demand at once. Many are urging citizens to apply “well in advance” of any trip, as authorities in Portugal did after seeing queues stretch out the door. On a positive note, some EU governments are introducing new measures – France, for example, launched a trial in late 2025 allowing French citizens abroad in certain countries to renew passports online without a consulate visit. That two-year pilot aims to ease consular backlogs for expats.

Realistic wait times in Europe right now range from a few weeks in the best cases to a couple of months if there are local bottlenecks. Always check your own country’s passport agency guidance, and assume you’ll need at least a month or more for renewal unless you hear otherwise from official sources.

Canada

After a well-publicized passport crisis in 2022, Canada has largely restored normal service – though demand remains very high. As of late 2025, Service Canada’s standard processing time for a passport application is 20 business days (about 4 weeks) for applications submitted in person at many Service Canada centres or by mail.

At certain passport offices that offer express service, the turnaround can be as quick as 10 business days (2 weeks) for an in-person application. Canada has even introduced a service guarantee: if a complete application isn’t processed within 30 business days (6 weeks), the government will refund the passport fees.

This guarantee, announced in early 2025, adds a two-week buffer beyond the usual 4-week standard to ensure Canadians get their documents on time. For those with urgent travel, Canada continues to offer expedited pick-up for an additional fee – urgent processing can yield a passport by the next business day, and express service in 2–9 days, provided you apply at a passport office and show proof of immediate travel needs.

After the pandemic lull, passport applications in Canada surged dramatically: the government issued 5 million+ passports in 2023 and expects about 5.4 million passports in 2025, a 315% increase from 2021 volumes. In response, Canada has expanded passport office locations and even launched an online renewal portal (piloted in late 2024) so that eligible adults can renew from home.

The bottom line for Canadians is that routine renewals now take around a month by mail or a couple of weeks in person, but you should still apply well ahead of any planned trip. The government recommends against booking travel until you have the renewed passport, and with good reason – during the 2022 backlog some Canadians waited many weeks beyond the target times. Now, with new capacity and policies, waits are more predictable, but early action is still key.

How passport validity rules affect travel plans

Passport delays don’t just matter because of processing times – they also intersect with strict validity rules that can catch travelers by surprise. Many countries require that your passport be valid for several months after your trip. This means even if your passport is not expired yet, you might be denied entry (or even prevented from boarding your flight) if the expiry date is too close.

A common requirement is the “six-month rule,” where nations ask for at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport beyond the date you arrive or depart. For example, many destinations in Asia, Africa, and the Americas enforce a six-month validity rule.

If your passport is expiring in, say, four or five months, you could be turned away at the airport check-in for a trip to those countries. Airlines will usually refuse to let you board if they see insufficient validity, since the airline would be fined for transporting a passenger who is refused entry at the destination.

In Europe’s Schengen Area (most EU countries plus a few neighbors), the requirement for third-country visitors is a bit different but still crucial. Schengen rules mandate that your passport be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen zone.

In practice, to be safe, travelers from outside the EU (like Americans, Canadians, or Britons post-Brexit) should have over three months remaining after their trip and ensure the passport was issued within the last 10 years. For instance, if you plan to leave France on July 1, your passport should have an expiration of at least October 1 or later.

The United Kingdom, after leaving the EU, now falls under these Schengen rules when Brits visit Europe – a point of confusion for some UK travelers who were used to more lenient rules in the past. It’s also commonly advised to treat the Schengen 3-month rule as a 6-month rule in practice, because some airlines err on the side of caution and because trip dates can change.

These validity rules regularly disrupt travel plans for those who aren’t aware of them. Many people only discover the requirement when they are checking in for an international flight, at which point it’s too late.

During times of passport backlog, this becomes a bigger problem: someone might notice their passport expires in, say, five months, which feels “fine” for a short trip – only to realize they actually need to renew it due to the six-month or three-month rule. If processing is taking 8–10 weeks, that traveler might not get the renewal back before their flight.

In essence, the combination of backlogs and validity requirements means you need to look far down the calendar. As a rule of thumb, if your passport is set to expire within the next year, you should check the entry requirements of any country you plan to visit.

Europe’s Schengen area needs 3 months post-trip, many other countries need 6 months from arrival or departure, and a few places (including the UK for visitors) simply require a passport valid for the duration of your stay.

To avoid last-minute scrambles, plan to renew your passport well before it crosses those critical thresholds. It’s far easier to renew early than to deal with an emergency renewal because you found out too late that your passport wouldn’t be considered valid for travel.

How to avoid delays with proactive timing

Given the rising processing times and strict travel rules, the single best strategy for travellers is early, proactive renewal. Don’t wait until your passport is on its last few months – instead, renew it long before you actually need it.

Many governments encourage renewing a passport as early as 6 to 12 months before expiration. In fact, the U.S. State Department has been emailing reminders to citizens a year before their passport expires, nudging them to renew early.

Likewise, passport agencies and travel experts recommend treating that six-month validity mark as an absolute latest date to have a new passport in hand. By starting the renewal process well in advance, you can avoid the peak-season crunch and have plenty of buffer for any unforeseen delays (like a lost application or a mail disruption).

Timing your application can make a big difference in how fast it is processed. Passport offices have slower and busier seasons. In the U.S., for example, officials note that demand is highest from late winter through summer, and advise people to apply in the “slower season” from October to December.

The same pattern holds in many countries. If you can plan your renewal for the fall or early winter, you’re likely to encounter shorter queues and faster turnaround, because fewer people apply during those months.

By contrast, if you send in an application in April or May, you’re joining the tens of thousands of others rushing ahead of summer trips – meaning you’ll wait longer on average. Whenever possible, aim to renew during off-peak months. Mark your calendar for when your passport has a year left, and consider renewing around that time rather than pushing it to the last minute.

Being prepared with all required documentation is another proactive step to avoid delays. One common cause of individual holdups is when an application is submitted with missing info or an incorrect passport photo, which then triggers a request for additional documents. That can add weeks to your timeline. To prevent this, carefully follow your passport office’s guidelines for the application.

Ensure your photos meet the specifications (size, background, no glasses, etc.), include the correct supporting documents (such as original birth certificates if needed, or your old passport), and double-check that forms are fully filled out and signed. If you’re renewing by mail, use a trackable mailing method so you know when it’s delivered.

Small mistakes can lead to you receiving a letter or email weeks later asking for corrections, pushing your application to the back of the queue. By submitting a complete and accurate application from the start, you maximize the chance that it sails through in the minimum time.

Another tip is to leverage any appointment or queue management systems the passport authority offers. In some countries, you can book an appointment at a passport office in advance – this can be faster than mailing in, especially if you snag an early slot during a quiet period.

For example, the UK’s one-week Fast Track service requires booking an appointment, and those slots can fill up, so planning ahead to secure one is key. Some European countries (like Germany) require appointments at consulates or city offices for passport applications; knowing this, you should schedule the next available date as soon as you decide to renew, since the wait for an appointment might be weeks long in itself.

Keep an eye on local guidance: often, government websites or social media will inform the public if wait times are lengthening or if a surge is expected (such as before holidays). In summary, to dodge delays: renew early, avoid the rush seasons, have your paperwork in order, and use the systems in place to get your application in front of an officer as efficiently as possible. A little foresight goes a long way to ensuring you’re not sweating over a delayed passport when your departure date draws near.

Fast-track and urgent options

Even with good planning, sometimes travel plans can pop up or emergencies require a faster passport. Most passport authorities have some form of expedited or urgent service – but these come with caveats. It’s important to set realistic expectations about what fast-track options can and cannot do, especially during a widespread backlog.

In the United States, there are a few avenues to speed up the process. The standard expedited service (for a $60 extra fee) cuts the processing time down to a quoted 2–3 weeks instead of 4–6 weeks. In practice, expedited cases are handled more quickly, but when volumes are very high, even expedited applications can take longer than advertised (for example, during the 2023 backlog, “expedited” still averaged over 6 weeks ).

For truly urgent needs, the U.S. allows for an “urgent travel” appointment at one of its passport agencies. To use this, you must have proof of international travel within 14 days (or 28 days if you also need a foreign visa) and call the appointment line to book a slot.

These appointments are limited and can be very hard to get during peak times – stories abounded of people driving or even flying to distant cities just to snag a next-day appointment when local offices were full. If you do secure an appointment, passport agencies can sometimes issue the passport same-day or next-day, especially if the trip is imminent.

However, the State Department advises that you try every other option first and not rely on last-minute appointments, since they cannot accommodate everyone. One more U.S. option for emergencies is contacting your Congressperson; during extreme backlogs, congressional offices can sometimes facilitate communication with the passport center, but this is not a formal “service” so much as a last resort if you’re days away from travel and without a passport.

In the UK, fast-track services are well-defined. The Online Premium one-day service is the quickest: you fill out the form online and book an appointment at one of the designated Passport Customer Service Centres. At the appointment (which might be available in a day or two if you’re lucky), you hand in your old passport and documents and, after an in-person interview/check, you can get a new passport issued within about 4 hours the same day.

This is extremely convenient but only available for adult renewals (no first-time passports or children). It’s also expensive (£222 or more), and appointments may be scarce especially in busy times. The 1 Week Fast Track is a bit more accessible: you still book an appointment, but the passport is mailed to you within a week after the appointment. This service can be used for children’s passports and first-time applications, not just renewals.

It costs a premium fee as well. Both UK fast-tracks require you to physically attend an appointment, which might involve travel to a major city. During the passport logjam of 2022, even these fast-track slots were in huge demand. By 2025, availability is better, but the government consistently warns people not to count on getting a short-notice appointment.

Essentially, treat the fast-tracks as emergency options or for firm travel dates, not as something to rely on because you procrastinated. There is also the route of an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) if you have a compassionate or urgent situation (like a family death or medical emergency abroad and your passport is unavailable). The UK will consider issuing a temporary one-way document in those circumstances; you apply through the Passport Adviceline and must show evidence of the emergency.

For other EU countries, expedited services vary. Many European nations allow you to pay a surcharge for a faster passport. For example, as noted, Germany’s Express Passport takes just a few business days to produce. France also offers a “passport en urgence” in special cases, which can be issued very quickly but only with proof of immediate travel and if the prefecture approves it (these are often valid only for a short time).

Italy, Spain, and others can issue provisional passports or emergency travel documents if a passport is lost or last-minute travel is needed, but usually only in true emergencies. One common European approach if you’re abroad and your passport is unavailable is the Emergency Travel Document issued by consulates (for EU citizens, any EU country’s consulate can issue an EU Emergency Travel Document to an EU national as a last resort to get them home).

These are essentially single-trip papers. Additionally, in cases of emergency like a lost passport on the eve of travel, some countries (like Portugal as mentioned) have mechanisms such as a “salvo-conduto” – a temporary pass to leave the country for urgent reasons. The key point is that urgent options are generally intended for unforeseen events or truly time-sensitive needs, not for general convenience.

Canada offers urgent processing for those who can appear in person at a passport office. If you have travel within two business days, you can get an urgent pick-up (often same or next day) for an extra fee. For travel within 3–20 business days, there’s an express service (you’ll get the passport in under 10 business days) for a smaller additional fee. Proof of travel (like your flight booking) is required for these services.

After the 2022 fiasco, Canada expanded the number of offices where you can get 10-day service to more locations nationwide , which helps travelers outside major cities. There is a fee remission policy too: if they miss the service standard on an urgent application, you might get that surcharge refunded.

Across all regions, a reality check: fast-track slots are limited. They tend to fill up quickly when many people suddenly realize they need them. Also, during system-wide backlogs, even expedited processes can slow down if the volume is overwhelming.

The best use of these services is as a safety net – for instance, if you applied by mail and haven’t gotten anything with just a couple weeks left, you might then opt to pay for an urgent appointment (in some places that means essentially doing a second application that voids the first). It’s stressful and costly to go this route, so try to avoid needing it.

However, it’s good to know that these options exist if you truly have no flexibility. Just remember that a passport agency can only do so many in a day, so there is no guarantee every traveler with an upcoming trip can be accommodated last-minute. Whenever possible, don’t put yourself in the position of relying on an emergency issuance – use it only if truly necessary.

What to do when travel is soon but your passport is not ready

Sometimes despite your best efforts, the timing just doesn’t work out – you have a trip coming up very soon and your passport renewal is still in process (or you just discovered your passport expires too soon for your destination’s rules). If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few steps to take immediately, and there are ways to improve your odds of resolving it calmly.

Contact your passport agency or helpline right away. Explain your situation and see if your application’s status can be expedited. In the U.S., you can call the National Passport Information Center and inform them of your urgent travel date; they may be able to flag your application (especially if it’s beyond the normal processing time already) or advise you to try for an agency appointment.

In the UK, calling the Passport Adviceline and referencing an urgent need might get you guidance on next steps – possibly switching your application to a fast-track service (they sometimes can do that if you’re willing to pay the upgrade and your passport hasn’t been printed yet). Be polite but clear about your timeline. Keep in mind, passport staff hear from many anxious travelers, so while they sympathize, they will still have protocols to follow.

Try to get an in-person appointment (if available). As noted earlier, many countries allow you to book emergency or urgent appointments. Keep checking the online booking system if one exists; new slots can open up if someone cancels. People have had success by refreshing the appointment page repeatedly, especially early in the morning when overnight cancellations might be released.

If the only available appointment is in another city and time is critical, you might consider traveling there – for example, some U.S. travelers flew to passport centers in other states when local offices were full. It’s not ideal, but it can save a trip. Make sure to bring all required documents to the appointment (proof of travel, photos, etc.) to avoid any wasted trip.

Check if a temporary passport or emergency document is an option. If you’re days away from departure and no full passport can be issued in time, some governments can issue a very short-term travel document. For instance, Germany’s temporary passport (called “Temporary Passport” literally) can be issued on the spot by local authorities and is valid up to one year. It’s meant for urgent travel and requires evidence of why you need it immediately.

Similarly, if you’re abroad, your country’s embassy might issue an emergency passport or laissez-passer – usually valid only for a single return trip. The UK’s Emergency Travel Document, for example, can be issued by embassies to British nationals who have an urgent need to travel and no valid passport; it typically covers one journey back to the UK or to a destination where you can then get your passport sorted.

These documents are lifesavers if you qualify, but note that they often come with restrictions (single use, certain countries may not accept them, etc.). Always verify with the consulate what your onward travel plans are, to ensure the temporary document will be accepted.

Consider adjusting your travel plans if possible. This is never what one wants to hear after making bookings, but sometimes a slight change can rescue your trip. If your passport is due to arrive just after your intended departure, see if your airline can move your flight a few days later (even if for a fee). Or if you’re waiting on a renewal, perhaps delay the trip start and go for a shorter vacation once the passport arrives.

Also check your travel insurance – some policies cover cancellation or delay due to lost documents or government delays. If you have such coverage, you might be able to recoup costs if you have to postpone until the passport comes. It’s also worth communicating with your airline; occasionally during the massive backlogs, airlines and hotels showed some flexibility if you had documentation that your passport application was delayed. There’s no guarantee, but it’s worth asking given the circumstances.

Finally, stay calm and persistent. Panicking doesn’t speed things up, and abusive behavior will never help your case with passport officials. Many travelers in 2023–2024 went through the same stress, and the vast majority did ultimately get their passports – sometimes at the eleventh hour, but in time for their flights. Keep monitoring the status (online status tools are available for US, UK, Canada, etc.) and check your email regularly in case the passport agency contacts you.

If your departure date becomes unfeasible, focus on rebooking rather than risking getting stuck at the airport with no valid passport. It’s heartbreaking to cancel a long-planned trip, but it’s better than being turned away by border control. And once you resolve the immediate issue, use it as a lesson to plan much further ahead next time.

With a clear head and the help of consular staff, you still have a good chance of making your journey or at least salvaging part of it. Remember that everyone from passport officers to airline staff has the same goal – to ensure travellers are properly documented and safe – and they will work with you as much as they can within the rules.

The Ta

Passport delays can be frustrating, but with the right preparation they are manageable. Longer processing times in North America and Europe are mainly the result of increased travel demand, which means more people are applying and renewing at the same time. Staying aware of current timelines helps prevent unexpected issues and keeps your trip planning on track.

The most effective strategy is to start early. Renew your passport well before it expires, confirm the entry requirements for your destination, and prepare your documents carefully to avoid processing errors. If you need faster service, options like expedited processing or emergency appointments are available, but they work best when you understand their limits and contact the appropriate agency as soon as possible. New tools such as online renewals and digital status updates can also make the process easier.

With early action and realistic expectations, passport processing delays do not have to interfere with your travel plans. Many travelers receive their documents each day and continue with their itineraries as planned. By being proactive, organized, and attentive to deadlines, you can turn a potential setback into a straightforward part of your preparation and focus more confidently on your upcoming trip.

FAQ

Q1. Can I travel if my passport is expiring soon?
It is not recommended. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your trip, and some require three. If your passport expires within a few months of travel, airlines can deny boarding and border officers can refuse entry. Renew early so you always have at least six months’ validity.

Q2. Do children’s passports have different rules or wait times?
Yes. Children’s passports often have shorter validity (usually five years) and require extra documents such as birth certificates and parental consent. Many countries do not allow online or expedited renewals for minors, so processing can take longer. Validity rules, like the six month requirement, apply to children as well.

Q3. If I have dual citizenship, can I use my other passport if one is delayed?
Often yes, but you must follow each country’s rules. Many states require their citizens to enter and leave on their own passport. The alternative passport must also meet validity rules and have any required visas. Traveling with both passports and showing the appropriate one at each border is usually the best approach.

Q4. How long should I wait after applying before I follow up?
Wait at least until the end of the official processing window before contacting the passport office. Use the online status tracker if available. If your application goes beyond the stated timeframe, or you have not heard back after a request for more information, then call or email with your reference number.

Q5. Is it possible to renew a passport online now?
In some countries, yes. The United States, Canada, the UK, and several European nations are rolling out or expanding online renewal for straightforward adult cases. First-time passports and children’s passports usually cannot be renewed online. Always use official government websites and check current eligibility rules.

Q6. When is the best time to renew to avoid delays?
Renew well before your passport expires and outside peak periods. Applying in quieter months, such as autumn, often results in faster processing. Avoid the spring and early summer rush and do not wait until just before a planned trip.

Q7. What if I need to travel but my passport is stuck in processing?
Contact the passport office immediately to ask about expediting or retrieving your document. In urgent cases, you may be eligible for an emergency passport or second limited passport. If you are abroad, your embassy or consulate can advise on emergency travel documents.

Q8. Will renewing early make me lose validity?
Most countries do not add remaining validity to the new passport, but the benefit of a full new term and stress-free travel outweighs the small loss. Renewing several months early is usually worth it.

Q9. Do I have to carry my old passport when I travel with a new one?
If you have valid visas in the old passport, you may need to carry both so you can show the visa and the new passport together. If not, you generally only need the new passport, but keep the old one in a safe place at home.

Q10. What is the single most important rule about passports and travel?
Always check your passport’s expiry date and the validity rules for your destination before booking. If in doubt, renew early. It removes one of the biggest avoidable risks in international travel.

Research notes

To understand why passport delays are still appearing in 2025, I reviewed several industry updates and official notices. Reporting from Recommend and Travel and Tour World helped clarify how demand has increased again, especially around peak months when renewal volumes spike in both the US and the UK. These outlets also highlighted reminders from HM Passport Office encouraging travelers to apply early, as processing times can stretch beyond the usual estimates during busy periods.

On the US side, updates from Federal News Network and the State Department provided useful context. They noted that passport demand remains “magnitudes higher” than previous years, even as processing times have mostly returned to pre-pandemic ranges. The department’s own guidance explains why wait times fluctuate seasonally and why applications submitted in winter and spring tend to move more quickly.