Travel Bans, Delays, and What It Means for U.S. Nationals and Global Mobility Managers 

If you’ve opened a news app, scrolled through headlines, or turned on the TV lately, chances are you’ve seen buzzwords like “travel bans,” “visa restrictions,” or “border tightening.”

Whether it’s related to geopolitics, public health, or economic measures, these alerts are designed to get your attention—and they do. But for those of us in the travel and mobility industry, these headlines signal more than just news—they hint at procedural shifts that impact real timelines and expectations. 

So, What Does This Mean in Practice? 

For U.S. travelers and global mobility managers, these changes often show up behind the scenes in the form of: 

• More stringent review of travel documents 

• Longer processing windows for passports and visas 

• Fewer early approvals, even when timelines are technically met 

We want to be clear: we’re not seeing missed deadlines, but we are noticing a subtle shift. 

Real-Time Trends We’re Seeing: 

• Passport Processing: The U.S. Department of State still quotes 7 business days for expedited processing post-COVID. In the past, we often saw passports returned in just 5 days. Now, they’re consistently coming back right at the 7-day mark. 

• Electronic Visas (E-Visas): Many countries provide a 3-5 business day window for approvals. While we used to receive e-visas the next day, we’re increasingly seeing approvals come through closer to 48 hours or even 72—still on time, just later within the range. 

What This Means for You: 

The takeaway? The new administration is adding more scrutiny to travel documentation. It’s not about alarm—it’s about adjustment. 

• Global Mobility Managers: Be proactive. Don’t rely on last month’s fast turnaround as your baseline. Apply for e-visas as early as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. 

• Travelers: Be patient. While we still expect timely passport processing, plan for the full 7-business-day window. That way, you’re not left in a bind hoping for early release. 

We’re Here to Help 

At Sam’s Passport, our job is to navigate these shifting currents with calm and clarity. We’re always tracking the latest trends and adapting accordingly, so you don’t have to worry. 

Need guidance? Have a unique case? Just want to talk through a timeline? 

📞 Call us: 713.784.5501 
📧 Email us: info@samspassport.com 

We’re always happy to hear from you.