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Appearing in today's Travel Weekly-

State Dept. advises travelers to apply for passports now (10/11/2007)
By Michael Milligan

WASHINGTON -- Travelers planning international trips should apply for passport during the fall, according the State Dept., rather than waiting.

According to an announcement released Thursday, the State Dept. said it historically receives "fewer passport applications during the fall, making it the best time to apply."

The department also cautioned against waiting until January to apply as the month marks the beginning of "our busy season" and increased demand may result in "longer processing times.

Currently, the processing time for routine passport applications is down to four to six weeks, the State Dept. said.

By comparison, the processing time ranged between 10 to 12 weeks during the height of the summer as the State Dept. struggled to keep up with what it called an "unprecedented" surge in demand for passports brought on by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a law that since January requires all airline passengers entering the U.S. to possess valid passports.

The department has since ramped up its operations, including hiring more than 400 additional staff to handle passport applications

"If you are planning or even considering international trips, don't wait, apply for a passport now," the State Dept. said.