Jacob Rees Mogg discusses civil servants amid passport delays
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Passport applications are taking longer to process in the UK following an influx of post-pandemic requests for new and renewed passports. Her Majesty’s Post office saw over five million people delay renewing their passport over 2020 and 2021, though eager holidaymakers could now be left unable to travel if they don’t apply at least 10 weeks before they set off. The Home Office has warned expected travellers to “be prepared” for the long delays, but exactly how long should you expect to wait? How can you speed up your application?
How long does it take to get a new passport?
Current processing times are estimated to take up to 10 weeks according to HM Passport Office.
Applicants who are applying from outside of the UK should expect even longer waiting times.
A spokesperson said: “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 to apply for a new passport
Applying for a new passport can be done online if you require the standard service, or with a paper form from your local post office.
A standard passport is £75.50 for an adult, and £49 for a child, though it will cost you an extra £9.50 if you choose to apply using the paper forms.
How to get a new passport quickly
Being prepared is crucial if you need a new or renewed passport before your holiday, but there are two other ways to speed up the process if you’ve left it too late.
The first thing you will need to do is get an appointment at your nearest passport office.
Currently there are only seven offices in the UK which are located in:
- London
- Newport
- Peterborough
- Durham
- Belfast
- Glasgow
- Liverpool
Once you’ve made an appointment through the Government booking system, you can either use the one week fast track service or the online premium service.
One week fast track
To use this service you will need to take specific documents to your appointment, after which you will receive your new passport within the week.
This service can be used to:
- Renew an adult or child passport
- Change your name on your passport (using a marriage certificate or deed poll)
- Amend personal details on your passport
- Replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
- Apply for a first child passport
This service is fast but will set you back a significant amount of money for the speedy turnaround.
You should expect to pay £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).
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Online premium service
The premium service offers you an online appointment which lasts up to 30 minutes, though it can only be used to renew adult passports which were issued after December 31, 2001.
For your appointment you will need:
- Your old passport
- A device that takes digital photos (smartphone, tablet or digital camera) and someone to take your photo
- A digital photo of you
To use this service you should expect to pay £177 or £187 for a 50-page frequent traveller passport.
Can you get an emergency passport?
If you need a passport urgently due to essential reasons, you should call the Passport Adviceline.
This can be used if you need to travel urgently to access medical treatment, or to visit a seriously ill friend or family member.
The Passport Adviceline can also offer help with urgent requests in the event of an unexpected death abroad.
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