People hoping to get away on a winter holiday could be set for disappointment.
The Passport Office's courier TNT has become swamped due to post-lockdown applications, reports The Mirror.
Travellers are advised to check the dates on their passports and get renewals sorted as early as possible.
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Anyone needing a new passport has already been warned that they face a wait to have their document processed, but now they have been told they face delays in the passport also being sent to them.
People have been told that it can take up to 10 weeks to have their documents renewed but waits could be delayed further with the couriers, TNT, being absolutely swamped with orders.
TNT, who have a £77 million, three year contract to deliver passports, have received many complaints over the delays and a lack of good customer service as many customers await a response.
People have even reportedly travelled from passport depot to depot in a bid to find their documents.
A petition has now been set up calling for an investigation into the problems people are having with TNT.
It states: “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."
It has called for an explanation about the selection process for TNT and what criteria was used.
TNT told The Times that the delay was due to a surge in applications since the end of the lockdown.
"We are taking additional steps to provide timely delivery by adding additional resources to the operations. We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” it added.
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