Online passport renewal becomes reality for Americans nationwide

Starting from Wednesday, Americans will have the ability to renew their passports online as the beta phase of the programme, which has been running for two months, will be expanded nationwide, a US official announced on Tuesday.

The US Department of State has increased staff, engaged specialists, and enhanced its website to address the rising demand for consular services, such as passport renewals and the issuance of travel visas.

"Tomorrow, online passport renewal will become available nationwide for the first time ever," Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma revealed at a travel conference in New York.

Approximately 200,000 people participated in the beta programme, and the State Department anticipates that close to 50% of future renewals will be completed online.

However, there are specific criteria for using the digital application for passport renewals, including being physically present in the United States. Passports that have been expired for more than five years cannot be renewed online, Verma added.