The Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State has noted it has decisively responded to historic demand for travel documents, implementing sweeping changes to improve accessibility and efficiency.
In 2024, the Department introduced its largest expansion of passport services in decades, with plans to open six new passport agencies in the coming years to bring essential services closer to millions of Americans. That same year, it achieved the fastest passport processing timeline in over five years, with applicants receiving their documents within 4–6 weeks. Since 2021, the Department has issued an unprecedented 90 million U.S. passports, increasing the total number of valid passports in circulation to a record-breaking 170 million.
“Today, more people can safely and securely travel to the United States than ever before. Since 2021, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad have issued approximately 30 million nonimmigrant visas, with a record 11.5 million visas issued in FY 2024 alone. These efforts have facilitated legitimate travel while safeguarding U.S. borders, fueling the $2.3 trillion travel and tourism sector, and supporting an estimated 10 million American jobs,” according to a statement from the State Department.
A significant milestone came in September 2024 with the launch of the Online Passport Renewal (OPR) application. This innovative platform allows U.S. citizens to renew their passports entirely online, including using a digital photo tool, all from the comfort of their homes. Over 1.5 million citizens have already utilized the service, and the Department anticipates millions more will benefit from its convenience and efficiency. Enhanced staffing, technological advancements like OPR, and other improvements have contributed to processing times that often surpass advertised expectations.
On the visa services side, the Department launched a pilot domestic visa renewal program in 2024. This initiative allows skilled workers to renew their visas within the United States, eliminating the need for international travel. Benefiting over 6,000 applicants from 2,400 companies, the program has minimized disruptions and bolstered productivity across U.S. industries.
To further strengthen U.S. leadership in innovation, the Department made changes to the Exchange Visitor Skills List to attract and retain top global talent in research and academia. This initiative supports U.S. businesses and universities in advancing critical work, from pioneering research to groundbreaking discoveries in science and technology.
The statement also emphasized the Department’s unwavering commitment during crises, including natural disasters and geopolitical conflicts. Since 2021, the Department has safely evacuated over 10,000 U.S. citizens from high-risk areas such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Haiti, Sudan, and Niger. These efforts have leveraged every available resource, including boats, buses, and helicopters. Around the clock, embassies, consulates, and task forces have provided vital round the clock assistance to Americans in need worldwide.
“We have also empowered U.S. travelers, providing the tools they need to make informed, confident decisions about their overseas travel. By enhancing travel advisories to include warnings about wrongful detentions by foreign governments, we are helping Americans to stay safer abroad,” it added.
Additionally, the Department highlighted significant progress in supporting Afghan allies who worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats for over two decades. Since January 2021, more than 78,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) have been issued to Afghan allies, accounting for over 51 per cent of all SIVs granted since the program’s inception in 2009. This achievement underscores the U.S.’s commitment to honoring those who supported its mission and share its values.