Post Office Passport Alert: Holidaymakers Urged to Check Expiry Dates Early
Holidaymakers are being urged to check their passports now rather than risk last-minute panic before heading abroad this summer.
Richard Fleetwood, Postmaster at the Town Centre Washington branch, says too many travellers are caught out by simple but costly mistakes. The most common? Not realising that their passport fails to meet the entry requirements for their destination.
“My top tip to all travellers is simple – plan ahead. Be sure to check your passport’s expiry date and validity before booking your trip and make sure to always review the travel rules for your destination.
“Staying on top of your passport expiry date can save you a lot of stress and disappointment when the trip arrives. We would recommend that people check their passports and visit their local Post Office early if they need a new passport,” he said.
Many countries insist on a set amount of validity remaining on your passport before you arrive. The rules aren’t universal.
For example, those heading to any nation in the Schengen Area, which covers much of Europe, must hold a passport issued within the past 10 years and valid for at least three months beyond the departure date.
Staff at Fleetwood’s branch handle over 70 passport applications every month, showing just how common pre-trip checks and renewals have become.
Some travellers still assume a renewal will take weeks, but Post Office services can be much faster than expected. Fleetwood recalled one nervous visitor: “A couple of weeks ago, a customer came in asking how to renew his passport as it had expired, and he was going on holiday the next month.
“He was worried he had left it too late and wouldn’t be able to go away with his friends. Our team talked him through the process through our Check & Send service.
“He came back to the store with everything he needed later that day, and within 10 minutes, we had completed his application, checked and sent it. He came back with his new passport to thank us, he couldn’t believe how quick and easy we made it.”
How does the Check & Send service work?
The Check & Send system lets Post Office staff complete and submit applications digitally, eliminating paperwork errors. It’s available in around 1,100 branches across the UK.
An adult passport renewal through this service costs £110.50, which includes the £16 Check & Send fee.
For those who prefer online applications, the Government’s digital system is slightly cheaper at £94.50. Paper forms, meanwhile, cost £107. Applicants will need a recent digital photograph, a valid payment card, and their current passport details.
The key message? If you’re heading overseas this summer, don’t leave it to the last minute. Check your passport now, avoid the queues, and travel stress-free.
