The Home Office has warned that applications for new or renewed passports could take longer than usual due to a massive backlog.
There are numerous factors at play to explain why there is such a dramatic backlog, but the Covid-19 pandemic is the leading reason.
Now is the time to get your passport in order before the summer holidays season as there is no guarantee it will arrive in time.
Normally, it takes three weeks for your new or renewed passport from the HM Passport Office to come through the letterbox, but there is not reports of people waiting for significantly longer.
Here is everything you need to know before renewing your passport.
Why is there a backlog of passport renewals?
The main cause of the backlog is the Covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions.
It has meant that over the past couple of years there has been an ever-increasing list of people requiring new passports or updates ones and there hasn’t been enough staff at the HM Passport Office to meet demand.
However, the demand has been eased by the volume of applications decreasing.
Over the course of 2020 and 2021, 5 million people deferred their applications over the last two years, according to the HM Passport Office.
When do you need to apply for a new passport?
In order to travel or use your passport as a form of legitimate ID, it needs to be in date.
Renewing a passport is typically done just after it has expired, or you need it to travel abroad.
Some countries require a passport to be in date, so if you are heading overseas this summer, it is essential to double check your countries requirements.
This can be checked at the UK’s Foreign Office travel advice page.
Simply search your destination country in the search bar and it will list all the details you need to know before visiting.
If your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, it will be valid for 10 years after the date your passport is approved.
If you were younger than 16, then it will only be valid for five years.
If you are looking to renew a passport now for your summer holidays, the HM Passport Office is urging Brits to start the application process immediately due to the backlog.
Abi Tierney, Director General of HM Passport Office, explained: “Now that international travel has resumed, we know people will be looking at going away on holiday and yet many people are leaving applying for a passport too late.
“The summer holidays are fast approaching so if you need a new passport, we urge you to apply now.
“Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure that passport applications are processed as quickly as possible.”
How to renew your passport
The application process is relatively simply and does not require too much time.
To renew or replace your passport, head over to Gov.uk and visit the passport renewals page. It will cost you £75.50 to renew and you will need a digital photo, credit or debit card and your current passport before starting.
Paper applications are also available through your local post office that has a Check and Send Service.
There is also a Passport Advice line that can be found on the government website.
