Passport hold-ups warning
HOLIDAYMAKERS are being urged to get their passport requests in early because it could take up to 10 weeks to process them.
That means anyone who is applying for a new or renewed passport now should not expect to receive their documents until the end of June.
The Passport Office also warned there will be limited in-person appointments.
Last month, new passports were being turned around in six weeks and renewals in five.
The latest delays are being blamed on an increase in applications since Covid restrictions were lifted and a shortage of passport workers because of the conflict in Ukraine.
An insider said: “Many of our staff have been seconded to deal with visas for Ukrainians.”
Shadow Home Office minister Stephen Kinnock branded the delays “completely unacceptable”.
He said: “Time and again, Priti Patel’s Home Office messes things up and fails to put proper plans in place.
“British families shouldn’t be missing out on hardearned breaks.”
The Association of British Travel Agents said: “We are encouraging people to renew or apply as early as possible so they have their passports in good time for their trips.”