U.S. passport events added

The U.S. State Department announced a series of "Special Passport Acceptance Fairs" to expand in‑person passport access across multiple states in April and May. (travel.state.gov) The Department posted the update on April 6, 2026, saying fairs will be hosted at post offices, clerks of court, public libraries and some passport agencies. (travel.state.gov) Officials said many events will run during evenings and weekends to reach people who cannot visit during weekday hours. (travel.state.gov) The fairs are aimed at first‑time adult applicants, children under 16 and anyone required to apply in person using Form DS‑11; planners say the first round began April 9–10 and continues into May. (visahq.com) Multiple outlets report the program will include dozens to more than 80 pop‑up events across more than a dozen states and territories, including early sessions in Puerto Rico. (visahq.com) The State Department’s published processing estimates remain routine service four to six weeks and expedited two to three weeks, and officials say the fairs supplement—not replace—those posted timelines. (travel.state.gov) The Department framed the pop‑ups as targeted relief ahead of the June‑to‑August summer surge, citing passport demand running roughly 18 percent above pre‑pandemic levels. (visahq.com) Local offices have already set dates: the Ipswich, Massachusetts Post Office scheduled a fair for April 14, and Wake County, North Carolina listed a one‑day fair on April 16 with walk‑in windows. (about.usps.com) The State Department advises applicants to bring original citizenship documents, a passport photo and payment for fees, to check travel.state.gov for event hours, and to avoid look‑alike websites that charge unnecessary processing fees. (travel.state.gov) The events are temporary and the Department urges travelers to use the published processing estimates when booking trips and to monitor the agency website for additional dates. (travel.state.gov)