UK holidaymakers may have their trips put into jeopardy as the Home Office has warned it can take up to 10 weeks to get a new passport.
Recently, the Home Office announced the 10-week turn-around time for travel documents which was introduced during the pandemic would remain in place. Four years ago the wait was just three weeks.
But despite warnings by the Passport Office not everyone has to wait that amount of time. Some people get theirs much sooner, with Passport Waiting Times - which tracks self-made reports of applications online - reporting most people are waiting around 17 days for their travel documents to arrive.
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There are also other things you can do to help speed up your application. The government website states that if you’ve already applied for a passport using the standard service, you might be able to upgrade your application and get your passport faster. Meanwhile, if you have not applied yet you can get your passport faster by applying through the Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services instead.
Who can apply for a passport application upgrade?
You can only ask for an upgrade if all of the following are true:
- you’re in the UK
- you need to renew, replace or update a passport, or get a first child passport
- you need a passport in the next 2 weeks for international travel or for ID
- HM Passport Office received your documents or confirmation of your identity details at least 6 weeks ago
You’ll need to provide evidence that you need the upgrade, such as proof of your travel plans (like booking confirmations) or your need for ID (such as a letter inviting you to a job interview). Your request will then be considered, and you’ll be told if you can get the upgrade.
How much does a passport upgrade cost?
The upgrade can cost between £72.50 and £111, depending on your circumstances. You’ll only be charged if your request is successful.
How to apply for a passport application upgrade?
If you applied online or at the Post Office using the Digital Check and Send service
Sign in to the online application tracker. If you’re eligible, you’ll be able to submit a request. After you’ve done that, you’ll get an email asking you to provide evidence that shows why you need the passport urgently.
If you applied using a paper form
Call the Passport Adviceline on 0300 222 0000 and choose option 1. You’ll need to have your application reference when you call. This will be the 10-digit barcode number on your application form.
After you’ve asked for the upgrade over the phone, you’ll get an email asking you to provide evidence that shows why you need the passport urgently.
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