Holidaymakers heading away for the summer holidays are being advised to double and triple-check their passport dates as workers in the country’s passport offices go out on strike for the next five weeks. More than 1,000 members of the Public Commercial Services (PCS) union walked out on April 1 and will not return until May 6.
The Home Office has said that the strike action will not have an impact on passport applications and says that the standard 10-week wait time will still apply. However, those looking to travel this summer are being urged not to make plans until they receive their new passport.
It added: “Processing time guidance is provided to help ensure that people allow sufficient time to get their passport. There are no plans to change this guidance in response to the industrial action."
Read more: Durham Passport Office staff to begin five-week pay and pensions strike on Monday
"If you do not need a passport for travel within 10 weeks, we strongly advise you to continue using the standard service,” the Home Office advised.
What to do if you need to apply for a new passport
According to the Home Office, applying for a new passport online is both the easiest and cheapest method. This process costs £82.50 for adults.
The Government has stressed that applicants should allow for 10 weeks wait to receive their new passport from the time all necessary documents are submitted and despite strikes, this guidance isn’t changing. They are also asking people not to make holiday plans "without a passport that meets their travel needs".
What to do if you need a passport for urgent travel or compassionate reasons?
HM Passport Office says that “For anyone that requires a passport on compassionate grounds for urgent travel, services will continue to be available.”
To apply for an emergency passport
What to do if you have an appointment at a passport office
If you have already begun the application process and have an appointment at a passport office, the Home Office has said that it’s working to honour as many of these as possible. However, in the event that an appointment can’t be kept, those affected will be contacted.
It has said: “If you do have an existing appointment scheduled during strike action and it needs to be re-arranged, you will be contacted by HM Passport Office. Please do not visit any passport office without a pre-arranged appointment."
What to do if you need further advice?
Anyone who needs further assistance can still contact the passport advice line on 0300 222 0000 which will remain open as usual:
Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm and Saturday
Sunday/UK Bank Holidays - 9am to 5:30pm
Read next:
Jet2 passenger dies after woman takes 'sudden turn' as flight forced to make emergency landing
Ryanair passenger shares clever tip on getting free extra bag on flight
Warning as Highway Code rule change could see dog owners hit with £5,000 fine
Newcastle Airport welcomes 'world's best leisure airline' offering flights to the 'Turkish Riviera'
Plane passenger caught smuggling 83,000 cigarettes into Newcastle International Airport
