Brits planning a half-term holiday could be turned away for five passport issues | Travel News | Travel
Certain damage to your passport could invalidate it for travel (Image: Getty)
Certain issues with your passport could see you turned away at the airport. Brits planning a foreign holiday this half-term should check their travel document ahead of time for this reason.
A passport is not only crucial for international travel but also serves as an ID within the UK.
However, there are certain conditions under which your passport could be rejected for official use.
GOV.UK cautions: “If your passport is damaged you must replace it,” adding, “You may not be able to travel with it.”
A passport will be considered damaged by HM Passport Office if:
- You cannot read any of your details
- Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
- There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
- The cover is coming away
- There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
To avoid any travel disruption, securing a new passport well in advance of your trip is essential.
It is also important to check your passport is still in date and valid for travel (Image: Getty)
Bear in mind that acquiring a replacement necessitates a minimum of three weeks, which is the standard processing time needed to issue a new passport.
It is also important to check your passport is still in date and valid for travel – some countries require the passport to have six months remaining. Check passport rules per country here.
Online passport application
To submit an application online, visit the Government website here. Key requirements include a digital photo, a valid payment method (credit or debit card), and your current passport for renewal applications.
Additionally, applicants are required to provide proof of identity and citizenship. The application fee for adults stands at £94.50, while children’s passports are priced at £61.50.
For those requiring assistance with the online application, local Post Office branches offer support services. Their staff can:
- Take your digital photograph
- Assist with filling out the online application
However, please note that this service incurs an additional charge.
Postal applications
Paper passport applications can be obtained from your local Post Office for postal submissions. Keep in mind that postal applications generally take longer than online ones.
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They also carry a higher cost than online applications, with a price tag of £107. You’ll need to send a completed application form along with your supporting documents, two photos, and the necessary fee.
Post Office staff can help ensure your form is correctly filled out – although you must supply your own photographs. Be aware that this service will incur an extra cost.
Payment can be made via cash, debit or credit cards.
Fast-track applications
If the usual three-week processing period is too close for comfort regarding your holiday plans, there are a couple of quicker options available for securing a passport. GOV.UK states: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.”
To use these services, you must book an appointment at a passport office:
- The one-day premium service comes with a fee of £222 (or £235 for the 54-page frequent traveller passport)
- Alternatively, the one-week fast track service costs £178 for an adult passport (or £191 for the 54-page frequent traveller passport), and £145 for a child’s passport (or £158 for the 54-page version)
For further information, it’s advisable to check the Government website here.
