After years of travel restrictions, many people are eagerly waiting a trip abroad this summer.
But some would-be holidaymakers are being forced to cancel their holidays due to passports not arriving in time. It comes after the Passport Office saw more than five million people delay renewing their passport over 2020 and 2021 as the pandemic hit the travel industry.
Prior to the covid pandemic, people were advised of waits of around three weeks. But processing times can now take up to 10 weeks, according to HM Passport Office.
READ MORE: Family lose £3,000 and miss holiday over Brexit passport change
A spokesperson told Glasgow Live : "Due to Covid, over five million people delayed applying for a British passport throughout 2020 and 2021. In preparation for the demand for international travel returning, since April 2021 we have published clear guidance that our customers should allow up to ten weeks to get their passport.
"In busier periods, call waiting times will take longer. However, we continue to work with our supplier to further recruit and support the effort to return response times closer to normal levels."
How long does it take to get a passport?
According to HM Passport Office, processing times can take up to 10 weeks. If you are applying from another country it could take longer.
How to apply
You can either apply for a new passport or apply for a renewal. You can apply online or via post with a paper form from a post office. This costs an extra £9.50. A standard passport is £75.50 for an adult, and £49 for a child.
How to get a passport faster
There are a number of ways you can speed up the processing time, but you will have to attend an appointment at your closest passport office. There is one on Old Hall Street in the city centre.
One week fast track
You will have to take documents to the appointment and your new passport will be sent to you a week after.
You can use this service to:
- Renew an adult or child passport
- Change your name on your passport (for example with a marriage certificate or deed poll)
- Make changes to your personal details on your passport (for example, your gender)
- Replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
- Apply for a first child passport
This costs £142 for an adult passport (or £152 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport, or £122 for a child passport (or £132 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport).
You can book an appointment here.
Online premium service
You can use the online premium service where the appointment lasts up to 30 minutes and this service is to renew an adult passport. See more here.
To use the Online Premium service you’ll need:
- Your old passport
- A device that takes digital photos (like a smartphone, tablet or digital camera) and someone to take your photo
- A digital photo of you
This costs £177 or £187 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport.
You can only use Online Premium to renew an adult passports issued after 31 December 2001.
If you need a passport urgently due essential reasons
If you need to travel urgently for a passport to medical treatment or or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, call the ‘Passport Adviceline’ instead.
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