A recent investigation by the House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts, in connection with the UK passport office, has found that hundreds of thousands of applicants faced unacceptable delays in receiving their passports.
Following the removal of COVID-19 travel restrictions, His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) received a record number of passport applications. HMPO had anticipated this surge in applications, however, whilst staff processed a record number of applications, many people were let down.
The consequences of these delays included being unable to travel for family emergencies, losing money spent on holidays and having difficulties proving their identities. Another surge in demand is predicted for this year, meaning that now might be a good time to check if your passport needs to be renewed.
It is currently taking up to 10 weeks for passports to be issued. It takes longer for postal applications to be processed than online applications. There are also premium services available at an additional cost.
The current fees for a new passport are as follows:
| Type of passport | Apply online | Apply by paper form |
| Adult (16 and over) standard 34-page | £82.50 | £93 |
| Adult (16 and over) 50-page frequent traveller | £93.50 | £104 |
| Child (under 16) standard 34-page | £53.50 | £64 |
| Child (under 16) 50-page frequent traveller | £64.50 | £75 |
| For people born on or before 2 September 1929 | Free | Free |