As summer is on the way, the demand for passports rises as many will be booking their dream holiday.
But with passport office workers on a five-week strike, it could significantly impact your holiday plans. Here is everything you need to know about how to get a fast-track passport renewal
Fast-tracking offers a marked reduction in the time it’ll take to get your hands on a passportHome Office
How do I get a fast-track passport renewal?
If you’ve got an urgent trip, or you just don’t want to wait a long time, there is an alternative – for a price.
A fast-track service is available which allows you to pay extra and get your new passport more quickly.
In order to get one, you’ll have to get a form from the Post Office.
It is not possible to apply online.
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Make sure to fill in the application form and that you have all the necessary documents.
Then book your appointment online and pay the fee.
You can book your appointment here.
You will need:
Two identical printed passport photos.
The completed paper application form
Supporting documents – this booklet provides information on what you’ll need
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If you can’t make the appointment, you can change it, or someone else to go on your behalf.
You can also change it at any time if you’re self-isolating or living with someone who has Covid-19 or Covid-19 symptoms.
You can call the Passport Adviceline to do so.
If you need to change your booking for another reason, you can do so, provided your appointment is more than 2 days away.
If someone goes instead of you, they’ll need to bring the photos, completed form and supporting documents.
How much does a passport cost?
Fast-tracking offers a marked reduction in the time it’ll take to get your hands on a passport, but be prepared to pay considerably more for the convenience.
The service will set you back around double the normal cost of renewing, which is £82.50 for online submissions and £93 for paper forms.
You can also spend a little bit more to buy a frequent traveller passport which has 50 pages, rather than the standard 34.
The price points are:
Child passport: £122 (50 page frequent traveller passport: £132)
Adult passport: £142 (50-page frequent traveller passport: £152)
How long does it take to get a fast-track passport?
With Covid restrictions lifted and international travel bookings booming, Brits are being warned to renew their passport now ahead of the spring surge that is expected to happen.
There is also a five-week strike with the passport office workers which could impact those planning a trip abroad.
Around 600,000 passport renewal applications could be received during the five-week strike period which there will be a drop in the workforce.
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Despite the strikes, there are currently no plans to change official guidance which states that it takes up to 10 weeks to get a passport.
The fast-track service dramatically reduces the time you’ll wait, and takes just one week.