The Government is telling people in the UK to allow up to 10 weeks for a passport application as delays have been reported. People are asked to apply online to use the standard service.
You can also apply with a paper form from a post office. This costs an extra £9.50, however. Applying online, a standard adult passport costs £75.50 while a child's is £49.
It comes as some British holidaymakers are reportedly missing holidays and losing money because their passports are arriving weeks slower than expected. Recent reviews on Passportwaitingtime.co.uk, which tracks consumers’ waiting time during applications, show customers’ frustration with the often inconsistent wait times for a new passport, the Independent reports.
Read more: TUI, Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet: Passport warning for UK travellers as airline rules differ
On Monday, Abi Tierney, director general of HM Passport Office, warned that travellers were leaving their applications too late, urging holidaymakers to apply now ahead of the summer holidays. The typical waiting time for a new passport is five weeks - as stated on the government website - unless it is a first time adult passport, in which case the average wait is six weeks
One user’s review, posted on Wednesday, says she’s waited more than 12 weeks for two of her family’s passports to be renewed. If you need a passport urgently, you can find out more about the Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services.
If you need a passport to travel urgently for medical treatment, because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, or for urgent government business, call the Passport Adviceline.
You can apply for a passport online here.
