The countdown to your holiday is on, and instead of daydreaming about sandy beaches or bustling city streets, you’re stressing over whether your passport will arrive in time.
But we’re going to help you avoid this stress. Here’s what you can do if your passport doesn’t make it in time, along with some practical advice on renewal times, the costs of applying for passports and what to do if your passport is stolen or lost, and how travel insurance can help.
Let’s get into it.
How long does it take to renew a UK passport?
The standard turnaround time for renewing a UK passport is 3 weeks, but it may take longer if the government need more information.
If you’re against the clock, there are some special services you can take advantage of which can get your passport to you sooner:
- One Week Fast Track service: This service aims to deliver your passport to you within seven working days. You must attend an appointment in-person at a registered passport office with a completed paper application and two photographs. There are a number of offices around the country. Prices start from £166.50 for a standard passport.
- One Day Premium service: If you’re in urgent need, the One Day Premium service will be your best bet for adult passport renewals. The earliest you’ll get an appointment is 2 days after applying. Similarly to the One Week Fast Track service, you’ll have to attend an in-person appointment.
Please note that these services cannot typically speed up an already submitted application that is delayed. This is also strictly for passport renewals.
Our advice on when to renew your passport
Don’t wait until the last minute, renew your passport well before any planned trips. It’s not worth the headache.
We advise checking the issuing date of your passport if you haven’t done so for a while. Some international countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months before entering the country to avoid any legal issues – such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
It’s recommended you check your destination’s requirements in advance of your trip. You can do this on the government website.
What if my passport won’t arrive before my holiday?
If you haven’t had any update or you’re yet to receive your passport before your holiday, there are some things you can do which may help.
Contact the Passport Adviceline
If your holiday is fast approaching and there’s no sign of your passport, there are some services you can explore to try speed up the process.
First and foremost, by getting in touch with the Passport Adviceline, you can receive support and get an update on your application. They might be able to accelerate the existing application depending on how far it has progressed in the system.
Can you change your travel dates?
If you’re not confident that your passport will arrive in time, it could be worth considering rescheduling your holiday.
Some booking providers have better rebooking policies than others, many airlines and hotels can be flexible especially when it comes to documentation issues. Just be sure to check when you’re able to cancel by – if you’re able to.
Will travel insurance cover me?
No, travel insurance doesn’t cover you if your passport does not arrive in time before your holiday. That’s why you should check your passport’s expiry date, contact Passport Adviceline or try to change your travel dates. But travel insurance will cover you for lost/stolen passports, which we will get onto next.
