Passport workers are expected to go on strike from April 3 to May 5, making it more vital than ever to check and make sure your travel documents are valid and ready for use.
It comes after the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union announced the "significant" escalation in its industrial action. The union accused the UK Government of failing to come to the table and engage in "meaningful" talks.
As reported by the Mirror, the five weeks of strikes could prove tricky for those with expiring passports who hope to get away in the coming months.
To help concerned travellers, Cody Candee, CEO and founder of Bounce, has provided some guidance on when and how you should apply for a travel document.
1. Check that your passport is valid
You must make sure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your trip.
Not only should your passport be valid for your departure date, but many countries require your passport to be in date for at least six months after your arrival.
2. Renew your passport early
If you have less than six months validity, apply for a new passport immediately.
Not only are processing times currently around ten weeks, but as travel is back on the cards for many following the pandemic, the Home Office is predicting another massive year for renewals.
3. Check your blank pages
If you run out of blank passport pages you will have to renew your passport. Some countries, such as Italy, require a fully blank visa page for valid entry, while others, such as South Africa require at least two.
Make sure you know the requirements of your chosen destination.
4. Beware of copycat websites
Some websites that imitate official Government websites for passport applications and charge users £20 - £100 on top of the official passport fee, by offering additional 'validation' services.
When applying for a new passport, be cautious of these types of websites. Instead, it may be worth using the Post Office's Check & Send Service offers in-depth passport application guidance, from specially trained Postmasters.
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