Passport problems

People are being urged not to leave their application for a British passport to the last minute, with demand at an all-time high.

Since April 2021 HM Passport Office has been advising people to allow up to ten weeks when applying for their passport. This remains the case.

Due to Covid it has seen a significant drop in the number of people applying for passports, with over 5m people delaying their applications throughout 2020 and 2021.

But with international travel returning to normal, more and more people are applying.

While there are urgent services for people who need their passport more quickly, appointment availability is limited. People are therefore strongly advised to apply early and help ensure that their holiday plans go smoothly.

Director General of HM Passport Office, Abi Tierney, said: “Now that international travel has resumed, we know people will be looking at going away on holiday and yet many people are leaving applying for a passport too late.

“The summer holidays are fast approaching so if you need a new passport, we urge you to apply now.

“Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure that passport applications are processed as quickly as possible”.

The Passport Office recommends that applying online is the cheapest and easiest way to obtain a passport.

www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport

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