It may only be January but many people have already planned, or are in the middle or planning their next big trip.
And whilst it's (somewhat) easy to pick a destination to unwind in, there's nothing worse than realising you need to replace or renew your passport - especially if there's a backlog of applications to get through meaning you may not get your passport back in time.
In a recent warning, passport holders have been told to carry out vital checks before travelling as whilst a damaged passport is not the end of the world, in some cases, it could be the end of your holiday before it even begins.
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If the condition isn't acceptable, you could be turned away from passport control. According to the Government website passengers are advised: "You must replace your passport if it has more than reasonable wear and tear because you may not be allowed to travel with it."
It's also important to note that there needs to be ample space for stamps needed by the country you have visited. Turkey, for example, demands visitors have a full page for the exit and entry stamp.
So, if you are in this situation whether your travel document is lost, stolen, damaged, or you simply need to renew your passport, here is what you need to know.
How renew your UK passport
You must renew your passport before you can travel if either your passport has expired or you do not have enough time left on it. It costs £75.50 to renew an adult passport. - rising to £82.50 in February - and £49 - rising to £53.50 in February - to renew a child passport.
In order to renew, you must have the following when applying:
How much time you need on your passport depends on the country you’re visiting. Before booking anything, first check how long you have left on your passport, then check the entry requirements of the country you want to travel to.
Can I still travel with a red passport?
If your passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, you can still use it as long as it’s valid for travel.
How to renew your passport online
You can renew your passport online through the Gov.uk website.
How to renew your passport through a paper application form
If you can't or do not want to apply online, you can get a paper application form by either:
- Going to a Post Office that has a Check and Send service
- Calling the Passport Adviceline
Applying via paper will cost you £85 - slightly more expensive than online. You can pay by either:
- Debit or credit card - fill in the form in the application pack
- Cheque - made payable to ‘HM Passport Office’
In this instance, you will need two new and identical printed photos of yourself whereas online, you only need one.
How to replace your UK passport if it is lost, stolen or damaged - online
You must replace your passport if it has more than reasonable wear and tear because you may not be allowed to travel with it.
To replace it, you need:
- A digital photo
- A credit or debit card
You’ll need to ask someone to confirm your identity online if you’re replacing a lost or stolen passport.
You can replace your passport online via the Gov.uk website.
How to replace your UK passport if it is lost, stolen or damaged - paper application form
Should you wish to apply via a paper application form, you will need to get one by:
- Going to the Post Office
- Calling the Passport Adviceline
This will cost £85 and you can pay by either:
- Debit or credit card - fill in the form in the application pack
- Cheque - made payable to ‘HM Passport Office’
You’ll need two new and identical printed photos of yourself. You can use the Post Office Check and Send service if you’re using a paper form. The address to send it to is on the form.
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