Millions of summer holidays are at risk because of “huge” delays in processing passport applications, it has been reported.
The Times newspaper said there has been an “unprecedented” surge in demand for applications after Covid travel restrictions were relaxed because five million people had delayed renewing their passports during the pandemic.
It reported that MPs told the Commons on Monday that a 10-week target for processing applications was being “repeatedly breached” and they accused the Passport Office of presiding over “an absolute shambles”.
More: Home Office reiterates 10-week turnaround for passport applications
Holidaymakers ‘forced to cancel’ trips as passports delayed [February 22]
There were one million passport applications last month, the Commons debate heard, and the Passport Office normally deals with seven million in a whole year.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, commented on the news on Twitter, saying: “Passport validity remains crux of issue. Home Office passport checker was incorrect. Under EU post Brexit rules, adult passports renewed now only valid up to 10 years from date of issue, not expiry, add to this 3 month validity. Shambles.”
Passport validity remains crux of issue. Home Office passport checker was incorrect. Under EU post Brexit rules, adult passports renewed now only valid up to 10 years from date of issue, not expiry, add to this 3 month validity. Shambles. https://t.co/wq47TcRsUW
— Julia Lo Bue-Said (@jlo_said) April 26, 2022
Adam French, Which? consumer rights expert, also responded to the report, saying: “Travellers could find their holiday plans disrupted or worse find themselves stranded at the departure gate and prevented from travelling altogether if they fail to renew their passport in time.
“It’s vitally important that travellers check the validity of their passports if they’re considering a trip this summer.
“Anyone who thinks they might be affected should renew their passport today or consider using the fast-track renewal service.”
On April 11, the Passport Office urged people not to leave their application for a passport to the last minute, with demand at an all-time high.
The Times report also highlighted concern about flight cancellations, noting that Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, told Times Radio that airlines had underestimated demand.
The minister said he will be holding talks with carriers this week about the issue as it is vital for the sector to get “reliability” back in the system again before the summer holidays.
More: Home Office reiterates 10-week turnaround for passport applications
Holidaymakers ‘forced to cancel’ trips as passports delayed [February 22]