The Government has warned Brits to renew their passports now or they could miss their summer holidays.
Demand for passports is currently at an all-time high, with The Passport Office (HMPO) advising travellers to allow up to 10 weeks for applications to be processed.
That is up from an average turnaround time of three weeks pre-pandemic.
An HMPO spokesperson said: “Due to Covid-19, over 5 million people delayed applying for a British passport throughout 2020 and 2021.
Brits are being urged to renew their passports as soon as possible
PA
More than 5 million people delayed applying for a British passport throughout 2020 and 2021
Jonathan Brady
“In preparation for the demand for international travel returning, since April 2021 our published guidance has made clear people should allow up to 10 weeks to get their passport.
“In busier periods, call waiting times will take longer. However, we continue to work with our supplier to further recruit and support the effort to return response times closer to normal levels.”
Travellers are now being urged to renew their out-of-date passports as soon as possible to avoid they risk of having to cancel their summer plans.
Abi Tierney, HMPO Director General, added: “Now that international travel has resumed, we know people will be looking at going away on holiday and yet many people are leaving applying for a passport too late.
“The summer holidays are fast approaching so if you need a new passport, we urge you to apply now.
“Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure that passport applications are processed as quickly as possible.”