The UK government has issued an important warning to Britons regarding their passports, saying certain problems with their documents could prevent them from traveling. Five specific issues can not only prevent you from traveling, but also cost more than £100 to resolve.
The government explains on its website how damaged passports can be rejected by authorities.
It says, “If your passport is damaged, it must be replaced.”
“You may not be able to travel with this.'' It costs £88.50 to exchange your passport online or £100 if you do it in a paper form.
The Passport Office considers a passport to be damaged if:
Pages are torn, torn, or missing, making it impossible to read any details. There are holes, cuts, or tears in the cover. The cover is peeled off. The pages are dirty (such as ink or water damage).
To order a replacement passport online, you'll need a digital photo and a credit or debit card. If you're replacing a lost or stolen passport, you'll also need to ask someone to verify your identity online.
However, if your passport is lost or stolen, you must first cancel it before you can apply for a replacement.
You can obtain a paper application for a replacement passport by visiting a post office or calling the Passport Helpline. You will need two identical, newly printed photos.
You will also need to get someone else's signature on your application form and one of your photos to prove your identity.
How long will it take for my replacement passport to arrive?
You can usually get your passport within 3 weeks. The government website states: “If further information is required or an interview is required, it may take longer than three weeks.
“We will notify you within three weeks. If you are applying from another country, the turnaround time will vary.”
If you need a new passport within three weeks, there are two ways to apply urgently.
With the 1-day premium option, you can get your reservation in as little as two days after applying. Old passports must be submitted at time of booking.
Your new passport will be ready for collection at the passport office 4 hours after your appointment. The cost is £207.50 (or £219.50 for a 54-page Frequent Traveler Passport).
With the 1-week fast-track option, you can get your reservation as early as the day after you apply. Your new passport will arrive by courier one week after your reservation date.
It costs £166.50 for an adult passport (or £178.50 for a 54-page frequent traveler passport). Or £135.50 for a children's passport (or £147.50 for a 54-page Frequent Traveler Passport).
