HM Passport Office (HMPO) has clarified that applicants should expect two separate deliveries when applying for a new or replacement passport, describing the process as “totally normal”.
In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, HMPO stated: “Supporting documents are usually returned separately from your new passport and may arrive at a different time. Same application. Separate deliveries. Nothing unusual.”
Passport requirements for travel
Anyone in the UK wishing to travel overseas requires a valid passport, and British nationality is a prerequisite for applying for or holding a British passport. Entry requirements can vary significantly between countries, making it vital to verify how much time you need remaining on your passport prior to booking any trip.
For instance, UK travellers planning to visit the Schengen zone must ensure their passport's “date of issue” falls within 10 years of their arrival date. Furthermore, the “expiry date” must extend at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area, which includes destinations such as Spain, Greece, France, and Italy.
Those travelling to Turkey must hold a passport with an expiry date no less than 150 days after arrival, along with one blank page. For those heading to Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, passports must remain valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry.
Fees and processing times
A standard adult passport for those aged 16 and over costs £102 when applying online, or £115.50 via the paper form. For a child the fees are £66.50 or £80, respectively.
HMPO states that your new passport should arrive within three weeks of submitting your application. Should you require one as a matter of urgency, the Premium Service (one day) is available, though this will set you back £239.50.
While the vast majority of people must pay for their passports, certain individuals are entitled to receive one completely free of charge. If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, you can apply for a new British passport or renew your existing one without paying a penny.
