Edinburgh holidaymakers have been issued a warning to allow extra time for new passports if they are planning a trip overseas this year.
It comes as the Home Office has advised that the 10-week deadline introduced during the pandemic would remain in place due to an "elevated" and "volatile" demand from people across the country for the travel documents.
It means that anyone across Edinburgh who has booked a holiday or a trip abroad for work, or to visit family and friends will need to be prepared weeks in advance if they required an update passport or need to replace a stolen or damaged passport.
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Following the announcement, Home Secretary reportedly told MPs: “We expect elevated demand for passports throughout the year – and demand can be volatile – so customers should continue to allow 10 weeks. I urge people to apply in good time and not at the last minute.”
The warning follows figure obtained by the Liberal Democrats by submitting parliamentary questions were shared with the Telegraph, revealing that the number of passports lost by the Home Office was at a five-year high.
Wera Hobhouse, Lib Dem MP for Bath, told the Telegraph: "These are new heights of incompetence for the Home Office. British travellers who urgently need new passports are being left high and dry by these endless delays.
“With more and more passports going missing each year, it’s no wonder people are fed up with this endless travel chaos.
“The Home Office needs to step up and take decisive action before more people are let down and lose confidence in these services.”
The figures were published amid huge changes to passport applications, with the prices for both adult and child travel documents coming into effect on February 2.
The cost rose from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults, and £49 to £53.50 for children.
Postal application prices have also increased, with the cost for adults rising to £93 from £85 and to £64 to £58.50 for children.
It is the first time the prices have changed in five years. Following the hike, the Government's web page reads: "The new fees will help the Home Office move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.
“The Government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.
“The fees will also contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.
“The increase will also help enable the Government to continue improving its services.”
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