Holiday Passport warnings

Cheaperholidays.co.uk Passport advice: UK Holiday makers are being warned to never book a holiday, until a valid passport is in their possession as replacement delays can be very costly. Please check your passport for the renewal date as most countries require at lease 6 months left…

Figures from the Post Office show, a fifth of UK residents have no idea when their passport expires, while 30 per cent of UK travellers have experienced a ‘passport nightmare’.  ..

Most countries require at least 6 months left, Spain Caribbean Greece Tunisia Cyprus Egypt Maldives to name but a few.

Common Passport problems UK holiday makers incur include:

1.  Not leaving sufficient time to renew their passport before travelling.
2.  Being turned back at their destination, due to insufficient time left on their passport. as well as
3. Being VERY late for departures because they can’t find their passport.

The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) said that while applications are usually returned within AROUND three weeks of receipt, people should never book travel until they have received their new passport.

A spokesperson for the IPS said: “The Identity and Passport Service constantly reminds customers that they should never book travel before they have their passport.

Important information regarding passport applications

From 1st May 2007, if you are applying for your first British passport or for a child under 16 years, you will need to ensure you complete ’section 4′
Check & Send service

For just £7* the Post Office® will:

• check and validate your application form
• send it to the appropriate passport office
• provide you with a receipt
• provide you with a phone number so you can track the progress of your application

The usual turnaround time for these applications is 2 weeks from when they are accepted, however this is not a guaranteed service and turnaround times may be longer during peak periods.

In addition the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) may also need to make further checks in terms of identity and nationality and this may more time to confirm your eligibility.

“Checks are required to be completed on all applications. Some of these checks do take longer to complete than others.”

For people that have booked a holiday but have realised they have not yet renewed their passport, she advised: “If they’ve left it too late, if they need to renew their passport within two weeks, you have to call the 24-hour passport advice line.

“If you phone them you can make an appointment at one of our offices and we also offer a fast-track one week service or a premium first-day service.”