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Answered3 years ago

What’s the current average time for renewing a US passport from Thailand and how do expedited renewals compare?

John-Paul ******
asked Jul 7, 2023
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What is the fastest time anyone has gotten their US passport back after renewing it recently? Have been told by embassy that the 5 to 6 week published time frame might be more like 7 to 8 weeks or even 9. Been asked many times by others as I am the CVL here in Tak and Embassy/ Consulate seems to hedge on the question. Anyone know more or less?
Answer summary
The renewal time for US passports varies significantly, with recent experiences shared by individuals suggesting anywhere from 24 hours (for expedited cases) to around 10-13 weeks, especially for foreign applications. Several users reported their renewals took as little as 2 weeks under normal circumstances, while others noted longer timelines due to delays. The US embassy's communication often presents a broader timeframe of 5-6 weeks, which many in the community believe to be optimistic, with actual waits frequently stretching to 8-10 weeks. Expedite services might be available under certain conditions, such as having a flight booked.
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John-Paul ******
John-Paul ******
OP
Thanks everyone who responded to this issue. I have just been trying to help some folks out that contacted me about it. Some were a bit panicked other just pissed off at not being able to get any answers from the US Missions here without them using words like "Should", "Approximately", "Perhaps", and my favorite ones that someone told me, "Not sure". But thanks everyone.
Jeffrey *******
Jeffrey *******
@John-Paul *****
IDK a good answer for you, but Expedite PP Service takes 7 to 9 weeks. and that is for someone currently in the US.
John-Paul ******
John-Paul ******
OP
The 10 to 13 weeks time period is for those inside the US. Well... that is what they say anyway. After a great deal of digging and calling DC and even Manila (offices for Social Security and Vet benefits the only offices in SEA and so much bigger and more important in many ways) I found out that the 5-to-6-week time period that they post on the web here and spout whenever they are asked is more like 8 or even 10 weeks. They simply added the sentence, "Once we have received..." and "Possible mailing delays" and "... business days...". Try and plan anything around the vague responses and misleading web postings. Shame that. I remember when the Missions in foreign countries being a help. I remember movie nights, July 4 parties ON July 4, being able to pick up Express and Special Delivery mail, just getting simple help with questions and if in trouble someone actually coming out to assist, not to mention vaccination procedures that they actually carried out...with vaccines. Would make a great documentary along with one on VOA. Okay my rant is over!
John-Paul ******
John-Paul ******
OP
As of June 2023 US passport renewals are now taking 10 to 13 weeks. This is posted on US State web site.... but one needs to dig around for it. This is for foriegn applications . For those inside US... seems one can subtract 2 weeks... more if they expedite with extra fee. But the latter is only for those in the US
Kool *******
Kool *******
First time awhile back I went in in the morning, and my new passport was done in less than an hour. The next time it was done mailing it in just 14 days from the time I mailed it until I got my new one back.
John-Paul ******
John-Paul ******
OP
@Kool ******
years ago, I dare say. But thanks.
Steve **********
Steve **********
Two weeks exactly from mailing to them to it arriving back in my mailbox.
John-Paul ******
John-Paul ******
OP
@Steve *********
how long ago? US missions all saying 4 to 6 weeks or longer.
Steve **********
Steve **********
@John*****
to be fair it was a couple of years ago. But I’ve seen on another forum someone said their friend just did it and it was under three weeks.

But as you know it’s the embassy and consistency isn’t exactly a quality of theirs.
Sri ***
Sri ***
4 weeks, I did it in May
Dale *******
Dale *******
Had mine renewed about 4 years ago in Bangkok. I think it only took about two weeks. It definitely wasn’t too long.
Khun ************
Khun ************
You can have it expedited if you have a flight out of the country already booked...

Takes about 3 days.
John-Paul ******
John-Paul ******
OP
@Khun ***********
not anymore. Expedited is only available if in the US... or you are government... military it seems.
Khun ************
Khun ************
24 hours... but I'm a merchant marine and have a letter from my union to expedite.
David ********
David ********
I have done it twice since I have been here. 1st time went in on Thursday and had Monday. Not kidding. 2nd time had in a week that was 3 years ago. See different now.
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
Think my son's took 3 weeks last year. Maybe 4. It was nerve-wracking because he didn't have a SSN and at first they refused to renew it. Even though he'd had several renewals during his 40 years. We got the SSN about 5weeks before it expired.

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