For More Information Contact:
Celeste Lawrence, Press Secretary
(340) 773-6449 ext. 3402
celeste.lawrence@lgo-vi.gov
Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis Announces Temporary Delay in Passport Application Processing Times
Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis is alerting residents of the Territory planning on traveling later this spring or in the summer to destinations outside the United States to immediately begin the process of applying for a U.S. Passport, if they have not already obtained one.
"We have received a notice from the U.S. State Department which warns that processing times for applications have increased, due to a recently enacted law requiring passports for reentry into the United States," Lt. Governor Francis said.
Currently it is taking up to 10 weeks for customers using routine service to receive their passports and up to one month for those using expedited service, according to a notice from the U.S. State Department. The State Department has hired additional staff and is working overtime across the country to alleviate the considerable increase in passport applications.
"We have been inundated with complaints from customers in the Virgin Islands who have experienced lengthy delays in receiving their passports because of the significant increase in time that it takes for passport applications to be processed," Lt. Governor Francis said. "While we are rapidly working with the processing offices in the States to rectify those concerns, I am encouraging any U.S. citizen without a passport planning on traveling out of the country within the next few months to apply early to ensure that they receive their passport before they travel."
Lt. Governor Francis reminds residents that passports are not required for travel between the United States and its Territories, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
U.S. passports are issued only to U.S. citizens or nationals. A completed application is required as well as proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of identity, two 2x2 photographs and the application fee. Applications can be obtained through the web at www.travel.state.gov or at the Passport Office which are located at Government House on St. Croix and at Nisky Center on St. Thomas. Passport application service is provided once a week at the Office of the Administrator in Cruz Bay, St. John. Hours of operation for the Passport Office are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
