With more people than ever wanting to go abroad the passport office are urging people ‘to apply for one as soon as possible.’
An estimated five million have applied to renew their passports since the end of Covid restrictions leaving massive demand for the travel documents and the current ten-week target to complete applications repeatedly being missed.
Home Office minister Kevin Foster said a million applications were handled last month – a seventh of what is normally processed in an entire year.
He said “We are at the moment processing most passports well within it (ten weeks), but we would advise people this is a very, virtually unprecedented surge in demand.
“And if people are planning to travel this summer we would advise them to get their application in as soon as possible.”
A Passport Office spokesman said: “We urge people who need a new passport to apply for one as soon as possible and we do offer urgent services for applicants who need a passport more quickly.”
Adam French, Which? Consumer Rights Expert, said “Travellers could find their holiday plans disrupted or worse find themselves stranded at the departure gate and prevented from travelling altogether if they fail to renew their passport in time.
“It’s vitally important that travellers check the validity of their passports if they’re considering a trip this summer. Anyone who thinks they might be affected should renew their passport today or consider using the fast track renewal service.”
