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| Passport delays - what you need to know | Passport delays - what you need to know |
| (about 17 hours later) | |
| Home Secretary Theresa May has announced emergency measures to deal with a backlog of passport applications. | Home Secretary Theresa May has announced emergency measures to deal with a backlog of passport applications. |
| What's the problem? | What's the problem? |
| Thousands of people are experiencing delays in receiving their new passports. David Cameron admitted on Wednesday there was a backlog of at least 30,000 applications. | Thousands of people are experiencing delays in receiving their new passports. David Cameron admitted on Wednesday there was a backlog of at least 30,000 applications. |
| Why the delays? | Why the delays? |
| The Passport Office says it has been hit by an unexpected surge in demand for passports - new or renewed ones. Ministers have suggested this has been caused by an upturn in the economy. But British expatriates have reported a big jump in processing times since seven international passport centres were closed down in March to save money. All the paperwork is now done in the UK. | The Passport Office says it has been hit by an unexpected surge in demand for passports - new or renewed ones. Ministers have suggested this has been caused by an upturn in the economy. But British expatriates have reported a big jump in processing times since seven international passport centres were closed down in March to save money. All the paperwork is now done in the UK. |
| How long should it take to renew a passport? | How long should it take to renew a passport? |
| You should normally allow three weeks to renew a British passport. New passports can take up to six weeks. | You should normally allow three weeks to renew a British passport. New passports can take up to six weeks. |
| How long is it currently taking? | How long is it currently taking? |
| Theresa May says 97% of "straightforward" passport applications were processed within three weeks between January and May this year - and 99% within four weeks. Some people have told BBC News it has taken up to two months for their applications to be processed. | Theresa May says 97% of "straightforward" passport applications were processed within three weeks between January and May this year - and 99% within four weeks. Some people have told BBC News it has taken up to two months for their applications to be processed. |
| What is the Passport Office doing about it? | What is the Passport Office doing about it? |
| They have redeployed 250 staff to the "front line", introduced longer opening hours at all passport offices, which are now operating seven days a week, and drafted in an extra 650 helpline staff. New offices will be opened in Liverpool with an additional 100 staff. | They have redeployed 250 staff to the "front line", introduced longer opening hours at all passport offices, which are now operating seven days a week, and drafted in an extra 650 helpline staff. New offices will be opened in Liverpool with an additional 100 staff. |
| What is the Home Office doing about it? | What is the Home Office doing about it? |
| After days of pressure, Home Secretary Theresa May has now announced a series of emergency measures to try to tackle the backlog - people renewing their UK passports from overseas will be given a 12-month extension to their existing passport. Those applying for passports overseas on behalf of their children will be given emergency travel documents. | After days of pressure, Home Secretary Theresa May has now announced a series of emergency measures to try to tackle the backlog - people renewing their UK passports from overseas will be given a 12-month extension to their existing passport. Those applying for passports overseas on behalf of their children will be given emergency travel documents. |
| Can passports be renewed more quickly in an emergency? | Can passports be renewed more quickly in an emergency? |
| Passports can be renewed within four hours if you pay £128 for a "premium" service. For £103, your passport can be renewed within a week, under what is known as the "fast track" service. You can't use these services if you're applying online or for certain types of passport, such as a first adult passport. You also have to book an appointment to visit a Passport Customer Service Centre. There are seven of these around the UK, including in London, Belfast, Liverpool and Glasgow . | Passports can be renewed within four hours if you pay £128 for a "premium" service. For £103, your passport can be renewed within a week, under what is known as the "fast track" service. You can't use these services if you're applying online or for certain types of passport, such as a first adult passport. You also have to book an appointment to visit a Passport Customer Service Centre. There are seven of these around the UK, including in London, Belfast, Liverpool and Glasgow . |
| Can I upgrade to the fast-track service if I need my passport right now? | Can I upgrade to the fast-track service if I need my passport right now? |
| For a temporary period, the Passport Office will upgrade applicants to the premium one-day service at no charge if they can demonstrate an "urgent need" to travel abroad. It will only apply to people who are renewing their passport by post from within the UK - and are booked to travel within the next seven days but whose application has been with the Passport Office longer than the standard processing time of three weeks through no fault of their own. The proper checks must also have been carried out - but the processing, printing and delivery of their new passport will be fast-tracked for free. Full details are on the Home Office website. | |
| What do standard passports cost? | What do standard passports cost? |
| Standard adult passports cost £72.50 to renew or £81.25 if you use the Post Office's Passport Check and Send service. Child passports cost £46 or £54.75 respectively. | Standard adult passports cost £72.50 to renew or £81.25 if you use the Post Office's Passport Check and Send service. Child passports cost £46 or £54.75 respectively. |
| I am about to travel but my passport has not arrived - help! | I am about to travel but my passport has not arrived - help! |
| The best thing to do is telephone the Passport Office and ask if you can upgrade to the premium one-day service. If you are not getting the help you need, get in touch with your MP - a succession gave examples in the Commons of how they had helped people get their passports. | The best thing to do is telephone the Passport Office and ask if you can upgrade to the premium one-day service. If you are not getting the help you need, get in touch with your MP - a succession gave examples in the Commons of how they had helped people get their passports. |
| Can I claim on my travel insurance if I have to cancel a holiday over a delayed passport? | Can I claim on my travel insurance if I have to cancel a holiday over a delayed passport? |
| Almost certainly not. Most travel insurance only covers the loss of passports when overseas or when travel is significantly delayed by factors other than a late passport. You will not be entitled to compensation from the Passport Office either. | Almost certainly not. Most travel insurance only covers the loss of passports when overseas or when travel is significantly delayed by factors other than a late passport. You will not be entitled to compensation from the Passport Office either. |