So urgently renew your passport as the Home Office warns of a huge backlog

The Home Office has warned that passport applications could take longer than expected as millions of Britons delayed their passport renewals during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Home Office has urged travelers from the UK Don’t put off passport applications until the last minute as a backlog of applications means that individuals face delays of more than two months.

The passport office experienced significant processing problems following an influx of post-Covid passport applications.

It is estimated that up to five million Brits have delayed applying for a new passport during the coronavirus pandemic. The passport office said a recent surge in demand after travel restrictions were lifted is responsible for the backlog.

New Travel rules after Brexit have also complicated matters, UK citizens must now have a minimum of 3 months passport validity to travel to EU countries and the passport must have been issued within the last 10 years.

What do I do if I need to urgently renew my passport?

The Passport Office currently recommends that their passport application take up to 10 weeks to process, but there are reports that some applications have taken longer.

If you need your passport sooner than 10 weeks, you may need to apply for an urgent passport extension.

If you apply for an urgent extension, you can get a new passport in just two days.

To apply for an urgent passport renewal, you must make and attend an appointment at your nearest passport office. You can book and pay for your renewal online at gov.uk website up to three weeks before your appointment.

If you are unable to book your passport office appointment or pay online, you can also book and pay for your urgent passport renewal by calling the Passport Adviceline.

How soon can I get my passport renewed?

The fastest way to extend your passport with an urgent passport renewal is two days from the date of your application.

There are two types of urgent requests; How quickly your passport can be renewed depends on the type you choose:

• Online Bonus – With this service, a new passport will be issued to you at your passport office appointment. The earliest appointment you can book is two days after the date of your application. You can only use this service to renew an adult pass.
• One week fast track – With this service, your new passport will be sent to you within a week of your appointment at the passport office. You can use this service to renew an adult or child pass as well as make changes to your pass or replace a lost or stolen pass.

How much does it cost to urgently renew a passport?

Urgent passport renewal costs vary depending on the service you choose.

It costs £177 (or £187 for a 50-page frequent traveler passport) to do an urgent passport renewal through the Premium Online Service – it’s the fastest way to renew your passport.

The pass application fee for the One Week Fast Track Service is £142 for an adult pass renewal or £122 for a child pass renewal.

You must pay for your urgent extension at a passport office before your appointment.