Particle.news
Download on the App Store

UK Travellers Urged to Check Passports Three Weeks Before Trips to Avoid £222 Rush Fee

Damaged or near‑expiry passports typically force travellers into expensive urgent services.

Overview

  • Standard online renewals usually take about three weeks and cost £94.50, while paper applications via the Post Office cost £107 and generally take longer.
  • Destination rules differ on passport validity, with some countries requiring six months remaining and others three months, so travellers should confirm requirements on GOV.UK.
  • The One Day Premium service for adult renewals costs £222 (£235 for 54‑page) with the earliest appointment two days after applying and collection around four hours after the appointment.
  • The One Week Fast Track service costs £178 for an adult (£191 for 54‑page) and £145 for a child (£158 for 54‑page), with earliest appointments the next day and delivery by courier one week after.
  • HM Passport Office says damaged passports must be replaced and may prevent travel, defining damage as unreadable details, torn or missing pages, loose or cut covers, or stained pages.