The Home Office has urged British travellers not to leave their passport applications to the last minute, reiterating a 10-week turnaround first advised in April 2021 with demand at “an all-time high”.
The reminder came amid national media reports of some customers having to cancel holiday plans due to applications not being processed in time.
Due to Covid, the Passport Office saw a significant decline in the number of people applying, with more than five million delaying their applications throughout 2020 and 2021.
But with international travel returning, increasing numbers are applying for new documents.
While there are services for those who need their passport urgently, appointment availability is limited, the Passport Office said.
People are being advised to apply early and allow up to 10 weeks for the process to “help ensure their holiday plans go smoothly”.
Abi Tierney, director general of the Passport Office, said: “Now that international travel has resumed, we know people will be looking at going away on holiday and yet many people are leaving applying for a passport too late.
“The summer holidays are fast approaching so if you need a new passport, we urge you to apply now.
“Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure that passport applications are processed as quickly as possible.”
Applying online is the cheapest and easiest way to obtain a new passport, a Passport Office spokesperson added.