Jet Linx Elevated Lifestyle partner Swift offers tips and tricks to successfully navigate international travel.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic not only had a significant impact on public health, it also severely affected the tourism industry. Over the last three years, many countries introduced travel restrictions to contain the spread of the virus. As one might expect, domestic and international travel significantly declined in early 2020. Prior to the pandemic, leisure spending on travel and tourism across the globe amounted to nearly five trillion U.S. dollars – a figure that fell to 2.33 trillion in 2020.

Those who needed to apply for a passport in the last few years will tell you that the quick and easy process we were used to pre-pandemic is a thing of the past. Early in the pandemic Passport Agencies closed, only helping Americans who had a life-or-death emergency abroad.  Since most Americans had no need to travel (and even if they wanted to, the countries they could visit were very limited!), there were minimal impacts at the time. Once the Passport Agencies re-opened, we saw processing times extend to three months. Expediting services were paused, and there just weren’t a lot of options to get a passport quickly.

The good news is that the options to get a passport are looking up for 2023! Currently, regular processing for passports is quoted to be six to nine weeks, with expedited processing quoted at three to five weeks. The State Department website lists the most up to date processing options, and also provides step-by-step instructions to apply for a passport.

Travelers who need their passports faster than three to five weeks now also have the option to apply for an expedited service through a third-party service, such as Jet Linx Elevated Lifestyle partner Swift Passport Services. With these services, it’s possible to get a passport inside of just one week – a wonderful option for the many travelers whose passports expired during the pandemic, as well as for first time applicants. Expedited service makes a last-minute trip possible. 

All Jet Linx Members and Aircraft Owners have access to the Swift Passport and Visa Services Team to assist with all passport services, as well as special rate accommodations for use of their services. Their experts will walk you through the process of getting a passport for that last minute trip or to be prepared for when travel calls later in 2023.

If you plan to travel internationally in 2023 and do not have a valid passport, contact Swift today. Jet Linx is standing by to ensure your safe and Five-Star arrival.