People are losing thousands of pounds on cancelled holidays, due to huge delays for passport applications to be processed from the UK Passport Office.

It comes after a large amount of applications have been received, following not being able to travel during Covid-19 restrictions. Many of these people have been forced to cancel trips, flights and family holidays costing thousands of pounds.

The advertised waiting times currently for adult renewals is around 5 weeks, 6 weeks for a first time adult passport. Child passport renewals and child first time passports are being processed in around 5 weeks, in the week ending March 20th 2022. However HMPO are advising to allow up to 10 weeks for the application to be processed.

The advice is to not book any trips until you have your passport. However, this is easier said than done in most cases.

With the 10 week turn around time causing havoc with people’s holiday plans, we have put together some tips to hopefully get that passport in your hands sooner.

Tips to speed up your passport application

  1. Ensure you send all the correct documentation as soon as you can. The sooner you get it in the post (Special Delivery or Signed for, ideally) the quicker their sorting offices can scan it into your application. This is typically taking around 11 days from receipt currently.
  2. If you are needing an urgent passport, take advantage of the 1 week fast track service. It costs a lot more, but worth it if it means you may lose a holiday!
  3. If you have been waiting longer than 10 weeks, it may be worth contacting your local MP to see if they can help progress things. Some people have had great success with this.
  4. ** New Policy for travellers who have had their application in the system less than 10 weeks & travel in less than 2 weeks. You can now opt to upgrade your application if those conditions apply to you. Of course, you will need to send proof and contact HMPO using their advice line 0300 222 0000. Options, 3, 2. **
  5.  Check out social media, in particular twitter – you can contact HMPO directly, or follow the @hm_passport search.

 

These are just a few unofficial tips, which will hopefully help you get that passport in your hands in time for your trip.

We hope they help.