March 14, 2007 — Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis, in a release issued Wednesday, is alerting residents planning on traveling later this spring or 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,” 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 department has reportedly 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,” 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.”
Francis reminded residents that passports are not required for travel between the United States and its territories, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
According to the release, 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 2" x 2" photographs and the application fee.
Applications can be obtained through the web at >www.travel.state.gov or at the passport offices, 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.
