British holidaymakers have been left in the lurch by delays in getting their passports approved or renewed.
A number of people, who submitted their applications in the correct amount of time, have been forced to forego their travels – due to a lack of proper identification.
So, in order to make sure you jet off abroad when you’re supposed to, what do you need to know about getting your British passport for the first time – or getting your old one renewed?
Here’s how to get your passport sorted.
How to apply for a British passport
To apply for a new passport, replace a lost one or renew an old one, you’ll need to visit gov.uk.
On the government’s website, you can then fill out an online application form – for which you’ll need your details, an appropriate digital passport photo and o provide documents.
You may also need a referee of sorts – someone to prove you are who you say you are.
Those who can’t fill in the form online are able to do so by post. Go to your local Post Office to pick up the forms, fill them in, and send off. Or use the Post Office Check and Send service.
It costs £75.50 to get or renew your passport online, and £85 (so £9.50 more) if you apply by post.
This is the standard price for a 34-page passport for an adult over 16. It’s £10 more (so £85.50 online and £95 by post) for a 50-page passport, suitable for frequent travellers.
And a children’s 34-page passport will be cheaper, at £49 (online) or £58.50 (by post).
Keep in mind these instructions are for those living in the UK. Anyone living abroad will have to select their country of residence on the form, and follow the instructions from there.
How long can it take for an adult or child passport to arrive?
For adult and children’s passports, you’re supposed to allow at least 10 weeks for it to arrive.
You shouldn’t book any travel until your passport has arrived, as you’ll have a new passport number – and, of course, you don’t want to end up booked for a trip only to miss it because of delays.
Though the government’s website currently suggests the average time people are waiting, as of March 20 2022, is five or six weeks for an adult passport, or five weeks for a children’s passport.
Of course, you may find it takes longer than 10 weeks if there are unexpected delays. So, keep this in mind.
These wait times are for people who’ve applied online, and are currently living in the UK.
How many months do you need on your existing passport to travel?
If you feel like balking at those wait times, you might be wondering if you can get away with travelling on your existing passport.
Firstly, if your passport is past its expiry date, then obviously you can’t travel on it at all.
People on British passports hoping to visit any European Union country (except Ireland) or Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland or Vatican City have rules to follow.
Their passport must be:
- At least 10 days old
- Valid for three months after the planned end date of your trip.
E.g. If you’re planning to visit Spain, and intend to leave on June 6 2022, your passport will need to be valid until at least September 6 2022.
Other countries beyond Europe may have similar rules in place for Brits, so it’s important to check the FCO’s exact travel advice for your desired destination before you book.
Don’t drop any cash on a holiday until you’ve checked everyone’s passports are all good to go.
How to get an urgent passport renewal
If this all sounds too cumbersome, there is the option to get an urgent passport renewal.
It’s available for adult and child passports, if you need to change your details (such as a new marital surname), to replace a lost or stolen passport, or if you need to travel urgently.
To do this, you’ll need to go to the Post Office and get your application form.
Then you’ll need to book an appointment with the Passport Office, either online or by phone, and pay when you book. Appointments can be booked up to three weeks in advance.
Fill in your application, then attend the appointment at the allotted time and date in person with your completed form, and any other relevant documents that have been requested.
After your appointment, all being well, you should receive your passport in one week.
People hoping to secure their child’s first ever passport can also use this service, but you can’t use it to get your first adult passport.
How much does an urgent passport cost?
It’s way more expensive to use the fast-tracked service than it is to go the usual route.
An adult passport will cost £142, or £150 for a 50-page passport for frequent travellers.
Children’s passports, meanwhile, will also cost more at £122, or £132 for the 50-page option.
MORE : My passport application was rejected because of my wheelchair
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