The deadline for new passport applications to be processed was recently extended from three weeks to 10 weeks by the Government. If an application were started on Friday and it took the full 10 weeks, the traveller would not receive it until Friday 28 April – three weeks after the Easter bank holiday.
However, Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, said that 97 per cent of applications are being processed within three weeks.
There was a backlog in applications in 2022, with a sharp rise in demand due to the resurgence of international travel after the pandemic. Some travellers missed trips as their passport failed to arrive in time.
Between January and September last year, 360,000 applicants experienced waits of more than 10 weeks, according to an investigation by the National Audit Office that was published in December.
The same issues have not yet been reported in 2023. Here’s what you should know about applying for a passport.
“You should allow up to 10 weeks from when we receive your old passport and any supporting documents,” reads the official advice on gov.uk.
Those who need a new passport urgently can try the same day premium (for renewing adult passports and for which you need an appointment at a passport office) or one-week Fast Track services.
You can track your passport application via gov.uk if you applied online with a digital photo:
Passport fees increased by nine per cent on Thursday 2 February. The cost to renew or replace a standard passport when applying online is now:
For postal applications:
The new passport will arrive by courier or Royal Mail.
To use the one-week service, you will need to get a paper application form from a Post Office; book an appointment online or over the phone and pay a fee and fill in your application form and gather your documents before your appointment. The service costs:
The one-week fast track option can be used to:
The number of appointments available depends on the region of the country and demand; the earliest that you can get an appointment is two days from when you apply. You will get a new passport at the appointment. The service can only be used to renew an adult passport that was issued after 31 December 2001.
A useful tool for keeping track of the latest appointments is the Twitter bot @ukpassportcheck.
Travellers who have already applied using the standard service may be able to “upgrade” their application to get their passport back faster.
However, you are only eligible for this option if:
You will need to provide evidence that you require the upgrade. This may include proof of your travel plans (such as a booking confirmation) or your need for ID (such as an invitation to a job interview).
This request will be considered with evidence, and you will be told if you can get an upgrade. If successful, it can cost £72.50–£111.
There are no reports of long waits for passports, with some social media users suggesting a wait time of three weeks or less.
To travel to the EU or within the Schengen Area using a UK passport, you will need to check the following:
Yes, but there are stipulations. HM Passport Office will consider applications for an additional passport for British citizens who:
The reason that a traveller needs a second passport must be outlined in a covering letter with supporting documents.
