WHEN summer is on the way – and with it the rush for holiday bookings – the demand for passports rises.
Fast-track applications offer an alternative if you need a passport quickly. Here’s all you need to know about applying, its cost, and how long it takes.
1
How do I get a fast-track passport renewal?
With Covid restrictions lifted and international travel bookings booming, April 2022 has seen the demand for new passports at an all-time high.
So, if you’ve got an urgent trip, or you just don’t want to wait that long, there is an alternative – for a price.
A fast-track service is available which allows you to pay extra and get your new passport more quickly.
In order to get one, you’ll have to get a form from the the Post Office.
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It is not possible to apply online.
Make sure to fill in the application form and that you have all the necessary documents.
Then book your appointment online and pay the fee.
You can book your appointment here.
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You will need:
- Two identical printed passport photos.
- The completed paper application form
- Supporting documents – this booklet provides information on what you’ll need
If you can’t make the appointment, you can change it, or someone else to go on your behalf.
You can also change it at any time if you’re self-isolating or living with someone who has Covid-19 or Covid-19 symptoms.
You can call the Passport Adviceline to do so.
If you need to change your booking for another reason, you can do so, provided your appointment is more than 2 days away.
If someone goes instead of you, they’ll need to bring the photos, completed form and supporting documents.
How much does a passport cost?
Fast-tracking offers a marked reduction in the time it’ll take to get your hands on a passport, but be prepared to pay considerably more for the convenience.
The service will set you back around double the normal cost of renewing, which is £75.50 for online submissions and £85 for paper forms.
You can also spend a little bit more to buy a frequent traveller passport which has 50 pages, rather than the standard 34.
The price points are:
- Child passport: £122 (50 page frequent traveller passport: £132)
- Adult passport: £142 (50-page frequent traveller passport: £152)
How long does it take to get a fast-track passport?
In April 2022, the Government was forced to issue urgent travel advice, with a warning that applications could take up to 10 weeks.
However, due to the extreme demand, many families have waited longer than that and have had to cancel their trips.
The fast-track service dramatically reduces the time you’ll wait, and takes just one week.
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
