As many of us in the UK prepare to travel abroad on our summer holidays, we all have our pre-flying checklist: Keys? Yes. Phone? Yes.
Passport? OH NO.
Before you pack the suitcase, it’s important to make sure your passport is still in date, as sorting out a new one weeks before you travel can be an enormous hassle.
But we’ve all been there. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the simple things, like when your passport expires or where you left it.
With recent reports of long delays for new passports, here is our guide on how to get your new passport fast or apply for an emergency passport, so you can have a stress-free summer.
How do I apply for a new UK passport?
If you’re planning on getting a new passport, head to gov.uk - all applications are processed on the government website.
Be wary of sites posing as the official government one as they can charge far more than the official fee.
Processing times for new passports can take up to 10 weeks for it to be delivered and even longer if you’re applying from another country, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time.
The cost of a new passport through the standard process is £75.50.
However, if you’re in desperate need of a passport and fear waiting that long could lead to a missed flight then you can create an urgent application.
How to make an urgent passport application
Urgent applications can only be made if you’re in the UK.
If you need a passport urgently, you need to book a passport office appointment and pay online. You can book an appointment up to three weeks in advance.
According to the government’s website, there are two ways to apply.
Online Premium - this way you will be able to pick up your shiny new passport at your appointment, but it costs £177.
Or you can use the one-week fast track - your new passport is delivered to your home within a week of your appointment, but someone will need to be in to sign for it. This method costs £142.
What is an emergency passport?
Emergency passports are for people who have lost theirs while abroad, or need to travel and cannot get a passport in time any other way.
However, if you are to get one, you must provide proof of your travel plans, for example booking confirmations.
The emergency passport is really an emergency travel document. It is only temporary and normally only valid for six months, setting you back £100.
Save those pennies for a pina-colada and make sure to check your passport expiry date way in advance.
