British travellers planning trips abroad must check their passports at least three weeks before departure
Failing to check your passport ahead of time could result in an expensive fee(Image: Getty)
Brits heading abroad should carefully check their passports at least three weeks before they travel. Missing certain critical problems could land you with a £239 bill.
Travellers must make sure their passports are valid and in good condition before they set foot on a plane. Any problems could see you turned away at the gate.
To sort this out, your passport will need to be replaced straight away, and putting this off could prove costly as standard passport renewals can take up to three weeks.
Following a price rise earlier this month, a standard passport will set you back £102. However, if you’ve left a passport problem until just days before your trip, you’ll be forced to shell out £239.50 for the one-day express service.
GOV.UK warns: “If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it.”
The HM Passport Office will consider a passport damaged if:
You cannot read any of your details
- Any of the pages are torn, cut or missing
- There are holes, cuts or tears in the cover
- The cover is detaching
- There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
Regarding your passport’s expiry date, the requirements will differ depending on where you’re headed. Some countries insist on at least six months remaining on your passport upon arrival, while others only require three.
For a full breakdown of passport requirements by country, visit the Government website here.
Applying for a passport online
To apply online, head to the Government website here. Key requirements include a digital photograph, a valid payment method (credit or debit card), and your existing passport if you’re renewing.
Furthermore, applicants must supply proof of their identity and citizenship. The application fee for adults stands at £102, while children’s passports are priced at £66.50.
For anyone requiring assistance with the online application, local Post Office branches provide support services. Their staff are able to:
- Take your digital photo
- Help with completing the online application
Be mindful that this service carries an extra charge.
Postal applications
Paper passport applications are available from your local Post Office. Keep in mind that postal applications generally take longer to process than online ones.
They’re also more expensive than online applications, setting you back £115.50. You’ll be required to submit a completed application form alongside your supporting documents, two photographs, and the relevant fee.
Post Office staff can assist in making sure your form is properly completed – though you’ll need to supply your own photos. Payment can be made using cash, debit or credit cards.
Fast-track applications
If the standard three-week processing period is cutting it too close with your holiday plans, several quicker options are available for securing a passport. According to the Government website: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.”
To take advantage of these fast-track services, you’ll need to secure an appointment at a passport office:
- The same-day premium service carries a charge of £239.50 (or £253.50 for the 54-page frequent traveller passport)
- The one-week express service costs £192 for an adult passport (or £206 for the 54-page frequent traveller passport), and £156.50 for a child’s passport (or £170.50 for the 54-page version)
For further information, visit the Government website here.