Brits warned about major passport deadline that could affect their travels this year

Brits have been warned that they will still need to allow up to 10 weeks for a new passport if they want to go on holiday abroad this year.

The Home Office issued the warning this week despite the fact there had been a dramatic improvement in Passport Office performance. However, post-covid the demand for new passports has remained so high that the deadline has had to remain in place.

10-week deadline

The 10-week deadline was originally brought in to cope with increased processing times during the pandemic but since then there has been a big rush to renew passports once the restrictions were lifted.

Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, told MPs the 10-week deadline is in place as demand is expected to remain high throughout the year, as per The Telegraph:

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.

The announcement comes despite 97.2 per cent of all applications last week being completed within three weeks, compared to 75 per cent last year. In addition, 99.5 per cent of all UK applications were completed within the 10-week deadline.

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Passport fees

The publication of these figures comes just weeks after an increase in passport fees, which go towards the cost of processing applications. Whilst the Passport Office has shown improvement of late, the number of people waiting more than 10 weeks rose eightfold last year. Furthermore, over 400,000 were waiting longer than the 10-week deadline despite the postal service being back to normal, as per The Telegraph.

Fees for passports changed from February 2 with the cost of applying for a new passport increasing from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and from £49 to £53.50 for children. Postal applications for passports went up from £85 to £93 for adults and from £58.50 to £64 for children.

The government website states the money will improve services, according to The Daily Echo:

The fees will contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders. The increase will also help enable the Government to continue improving its services.

Read more:

⋙ This passport rule could stop you from entering certain countries, here's how to check

Sources used:

- The Telegraph 'Holidaymakers must still allow 10 weeks for new passports this summer, says Suella Braverman'

- The Daily Echo 'Warning issued to anyone applying for a new passport'