British Warning Passport: 3 Times Longer To Process

As overseas travel began to resume in 2021, an unprecedented demand for new passports resulted in a massive backlog.

To give the passport office a brief respite, the government extended the deadline by which applicants should expect their new passport from three weeks to 10 weeks which is three times longer than the original processing time.

According to The Telegraph, Home Secretary Suella Braverman this week told MPs that demand for new passports continues to be “elevated” and “volatile”.

“We expect elevated demand for passports throughout the year – and demand can be volatile – so customers should continue to allow 10 weeks,”

“I urge people to apply in good time and not at the last minute.”
Home Secretary Suella Braverman

When To Book Your Holidays

The best advice is still to wait for your passport to arrive before you book a holiday.

The HMPO advice is to apply for a passport far in advance of travel, keeping in mind the ten-week waiting window. Applying for a passport online and submitting a high-quality photo can also help reduce the chance of a delay.

Applying for a passport online is also cheaper than completing a paper form.

If you are planning an Easter break in Spain or Portugal, check if your passport is still valid for travel, and make sure to renew your passport as early as you can if necessary. It is recommended to renew your passport around six to nine months before it is set to expire. You will need at least three-six months of validity on your passport in order to travel internationally.

Those who need a new passport should not delay and submit their application now.

British Passport Cost

Last week, the government increased the cost of a passport renewal and a new passport by almost 10%.

Here’s how much a new passport costs:

A standard online application (ordered domestically) rose from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and £49 to £53.50 for children
Postal applications rose from £85 to £93 for adults and £58.50 to £64 for children

You can apply online or obtain a paper form from a post office that you post, submit through the ‘check and send’ service at a post office or attend an in-person appointment in London.

It is important that you send the original documents to avoid further delays.

You will need:

a digital photo
a credit or debit card
Someone who can confirm your identity (first application)
your passport (renewal)

Fast-Track Passport Application

If you need the passport urgently, you can apply for a more expensive one-week Fast Track service at £155 for adults and £126 for a child’s passport.

If you need a passport to travel urgently for medical treatment or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, call the ‘Passport Adviceline’ instead.

If you need assistance with your British Passport needs, you can reach out to IaM for assistance.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.