What’s the problem?

Over half a million people have been caught up in the UK passport issue/renewal backlog. In the last three months the numbers have doubled with thousands of passports now taking longer to issue than the recommended three weeks.

Why the delays?

The passport office has received 3.3 million applications in the first five months of this year. 300,000 more applications than it usually does. This has had a knock on effect with the issuing of passports.

How long should it take to renew a passport?

Under normal circumstances it should take approximately three weeks to renew a British passport. New passports can take up to six weeks.

How long is it currently taking?

Currently it is taking four to eight weeks to renew a British passport and 12 weeks for new passports.

How much do standard passports cost?

It cost £72.50 to renew a standard adult passport or £81.25 if you use the Post Office’s Passport Check and Send service. Child passports cost £46.00 or £54.75 respectively.

You can make an appointment at the Passport Customer Service Centre to arrange a premium or fast track one week service. You will need to call the passport advice line to arrange this.

The premium service enables you to receive your passport within 4 hours of your application being accepted. You must collect it from one of the Passport Customer Service Centres. This service costs £128.

The fast track one week service will mean that your passport will be sent to your home address within one week of your application being accepted. Please note you will need to sign for the delivery of your passport. This service costs £103.

Urgent travel upgrades

Those living in the UK will be able to upgrade their passport applications free of charge. To qualify your application must have been with the Passport Office longer than the standard three weeks processing time and through no fault of the individual.

To qualify:

• The Passport Office must have had their application for longer than three weeks, the standard processing time for renewals.
• Adults applying for their first passport will be excluded unless they have valid compassionate grounds for needing to travel.
• People must be booked to travel within the next seven days.
• Delays to their applications must be “through no fault of their own”. If someone has filled in their form incorrectly or not provided the right information they will not benefit.
• The scheme takes effect immediately but is temporary and is not retrospective.

What to do if your passport has not arrived and you’re about to travel

You should get in touch with the Passport Office and ask for an update on your application. If you have been waiting longer than the standard three week processing time ask to be upgraded to the premium one day service. If you feel you are not getting the help you need, get in touch with your local MP and ask them to request an investigation into your application. We are finding that applications are being processed more efficiently once an MP has been involved.

If I need to cancel a holiday can I claim on my travel insurance?

You will not be able to claim on your travel insurance as most travel insurance policies only cover the loss of a passport.

What happens if I have to cancel my holiday?

If you need to cancel your holiday you must contact us as soon as possible.

Guide to cancellation charges:

• 14 – 0 days before travel you would lose 100% of the booking price
• 15 – 21 days before travel you would lose 90% of the booking price
• 22 – 35 days before travel you would lose 70% of the booking price

We do not recommend you book a Latedeals.co.uk holiday until you receive your passport. Please make sure that your passport is valid before confirming your holiday.

Last week a statement was released by The Department of Transport regarding the increased security measures at UK airports. “On 2 July we announced we were stepping up some of our aviation security measures. In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft. Passengers flying into or out of the UK are therefore advised to make sure electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are charged before they travel.”

Why do I need to turn on my phone and electrical devices?

A new type of explosive that can go undetected in batteries has reportedly been designed. You need to be able to prove that your phone contains a normal working battery.

What do I need to do at the airport?

You need to make sure all electrical items are charged or you will be denied boarding, or face leaving your electrical items behind. Some airports now have charging points, so it is advisable to carry your chargers in your hand luggage just in case.

What electrical items do I need to keep charged?

Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, iPads, e-books, MP3 players, electrical shavers, hair straighteners and any other electrical equipment that you carry in your hand luggage needs to be charged so that if you are asked by airport security, you are able to turn them on and prove they are in working order.

When and where will these checks take place?

For security reasons it has not been publicised where and when these checks will take place. Thomson Airways are advising passengers to keep mobile phones switched on until they board the flight as additional checks are being made at the boarding gate. This means any electrical items bought in duty free must be charged, too.

Does this mean delays at the airport?

Although delays have not been predicted, it is advisable to allow yourself some more time at the airport, due to increased security checks. Are you still looking for a last minute deal? Check out our sizzling summer prices at Latedeals.