Brits are reminded to check their passport pages three weeks before scheduled holidays and airport risks are absent. Travelers should ensure that the passport office does not have any rifts, marks or other issues causing damage before it collides.
Your passport is an important document you need for traveling abroad. It can also be used as an identification in the UK.
However, there are certain cases where you can reject your passport for official use.
This includes cases where it is considered damaged.
“If your passport is damaged, it needs to be replaced,” warns Gov.uk. “You may not be able to travel with it.”
HM Passport Office will consider breaking your passport if:
You cannot read the details of the page. Holes, cuts, or rips in the cover are dirty (for example, ink or water damage)
Therefore, you must apply for a new passport before your holiday. However, you should do this at least 3 weeks before your scheduled travel date. This is because it takes time to get something new.
Online Passport Application
To apply online, gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. Key requirements include digital photos, valid payment methods (credit or debit cards), and old passports for the renewal application. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of identity and citizenship.
The application fee for adults is £94.50 and the passport for children is £61.50.
Local post office branches can provide support for those who need help with online applications. Their staff are:
Complete the application online and capture digital photo assist
However, please note that this service will cost an additional fee.
For postal applications
You can obtain a paper passport application from a nearby post office and apply by mail. Applying via a post usually takes longer than submitting an application online.
You will need to send a fully completed application with support documents, two photos and the required fees.
Post office team members must provide their own photos, but they can help them to ensure that the form is filled out accurately. Please note that this service will incur additional charges.
Payments can be made in cash or via debit or credit card transactions.
Fast Track Application
You can usually expect a new passport within 3 weeks of processing and shipping.
However, if your passport office needs more information, it may take some time. If this is too close to your holiday, there are two ways to apply for an emergency passport.
gov.uk said: “If standard services seem to take too long, you can pay to get your passport urgently.” For both these options, you will need to go to the passport office for an appointment.
Daily Premium – This service costs £178 for a week's fast track – Adult passport (or £191 for a 54-page frequent traveler passport) or £145 for a child's passport (or £158 for a 54-page frequent traveler passport) (or £178 for a 54-page frequent traveler passport)) £222 (or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveler passport).
For more information, please visit gov.uk/renew-adult-passport.
