Millions of Brits planning a summer getaway are being urged to follow a crucial passport "3-week rule" amid a fresh alert from His Majesty's Passport Office.
The government agency says that travellers should allow at least three weeks for their passport application to be processed and has warned that some cases can take longer if additional checks are required. The reminder comes as families prepare to head overseas during the peak holiday season, when demand for passport renewals typically increases.
In a message to travellers, His Majesty's Passport Office said: "Sun, sea & stress-free travel. Apply early - UK passports usually arrive within 3 weeks (longer if checks needed)."
Official guidance states that standard passport applications submitted in the UK are usually processed within three weeks from the point at which the Passport Office receives the required documents. However, officials stress that not every application can be completed within that timeframe.
Government guidance states: "You'll usually get your passport within 3 weeks. It may take longer than 3 weeks if we need more information, or we need to interview you. We'll tell you this within 3 weeks."
The Passport Office is also warning Brits against booking holidays before their new passport has arrived. Its guidance states: "Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - your new passport will not have the same number as your old one."
The advice is particularly relevant for anyone whose passport is due to expire before an upcoming trip. Since the UK's departure from the European Union, many European destinations require British passports to have been issued within the previous 10 years and to have at least three months' validity remaining on the date of departure from the country being visited.
Travel industry experts routinely warn that passengers can be denied boarding if their passport does not meet the entry requirements of their destination.
Brits needing a passport more urgently may be able to use the Passport Office's premium services, including the Online Premium and One Week Fast Track options, although these are more expensive than the standard application process. Passport applications can be submitted online or by using a paper form available from Post Office branches, although paper applications carry an additional fee.
Anyone who has already applied can track the progress of their application through the Government's online passport tracking service.
Passport processing times
The standard UK passport application service typically takes up to three weeks to process. For those needing a passport more urgently, the One Week Fast Track service aims to issue a passport within seven days. Travellers requiring a passport immediately can use the Online Premium service, which offers a same-day appointment and passport issuance.
The Passport Office says processing times begin only once it has received all necessary documents, meaning delays in supplying paperwork can extend the overall time taken to receive a new passport.
