Christmas holidays could be in jeopardy after the Passport Office’s courier has been slowed down with delays.
Many British sun-seekers book a break in chilly November to escape the icy grip on the UK in the hope of basking in foreign winter sun.
However, people needing a new passport have been warned they could be hampered with delays on receiving their passport after an increase in applications for the document following the end of Covid lockdown restrictions.
TNT, who have a contract to deliver new and renewed passports, have been hit with complaints about the delays and angry travellers have started a petition demanding answers.
The petition read: “In recent months thousands of us have experienced significant delays in getting our passports delivered.
“Many have had to cancel their travel plans as a result and lost out on hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
“Unlike many other couriers, TNT do not seem to provide real time tracking, nor can you provide delivery instructions.
"People have experienced numerous failed delivery attempts, others have had their delivery date continuously pushed back with no end in sight.
“Some have even had their passport or application supporting documents lost by TNT.”
A TNT spokesman apologised to The Times for the “inconvenience” over the passport delays.
It faces a backlog because of a spike in applications when Covid lockdown restrictions eased.
The statement added: “We are taking additional steps to provide timely delivery by adding additional resources to the operations. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
It comes after the UK is set to review its Covid travel rules in January, a minister said.
