Current Passport Waiting Times UK

Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by MyBritishPassport

Current Passport Waiting Times UK: Are you looking to travel in the near future and need a passport? Wondering how long the wait time for a British Passport is right now? Check out our latest blog post for all the details.

Passport waiting times have been steadily increasing over the past few years, and unfortunately, there is no indication that this trend will reverse in the near future. MyBritishPassport’s mission is to make the British Passport renewal process as simple and hassle-free as possible.

Key Takeaways

In normal times, the wait time for a new passport in the UK is generally around three weeks.
It is best not to book travel until you have received your new passport.
Unexpected delays may occur, it is best to renew your British passport in advance. We recommend renewing when your passport has about nine months of validity remaining.

Current passport waiting times UK

In normal times, the wait time for a new passport in the UK is generally around three weeks. Waiting times for applications from abroad can depend on the location you are applying from, but generally take three to four weeks. Keep in mind that these wait times are just averages – if you submit your application during a busy season, or if there are any other complications with your application, it could take longer.

IMPORTANT: Please don’t book travel until you’ve received your new passport, as we can’t accept responsibility for any travel that you book.

Please be advised, some applications from abroad may take longer than the quoted delivery times.

We apologize, on behalf of HM Passport Office, for any inconvenience that this may cause you. Unfortunately, some things are out of our control but please be assured that we are doing everything we can to see that things run as smoothly as possible. We continue to monitor applications daily.

The government website advises the following:

You’ll usually get your passport within 3 weeks. It may take longer than 3 weeks if we need more information, or we need to interview you. We’ll tell you this within 3 weeks. There are different turnaround times if you’re applying from another country. – gov.uk

So what can you do to make sure that your travel plans aren’t affected by these long wait times? Here are a few tips:

Tips to make the most of your UK passport renewal or application

Plan ahead! If you know that you’ll need a new passport in the near future, start the application process as soon as possible. This will give you some breathing room in case there are any delays with your application. To start your British Passport renewal or application today, click here.
Keep in mind that there are different processing times for different types of passports.
Ensure your application is completed fully and correctly. HM Passport Office is known to reject or delay an application due to the tiniest inaccuracies.
Have an expert check your application before sending it in. Our team of British passport consultants will thoroughly check your application and ensure your documents are compliant, before sending them to the relevant government office in the UK.
Stay up-to-date on the latest British passport news. The UK government website is a great source of information when it comes to passport wait times and other important updates. Make sure to check back regularly for the latest news.
Using a courier service is advisable if you want to avoid delays and possible loss. Using a courier ensures that your passport application will reach HM Passport Office quickly and will not get lost in transit. MyBritishPassport’s services include the use of a reliable, registered courier for transportation of your documents, and receipt of your new British passport.

Renewing your British passport from the USA? Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a backlog for passports?

Not currently. The covid-19 backlog has been successfully cleared at this time.

Can I renew my passport if it's not expired?

Yes, you can renew your passport even if it is not yet expired. Bear in mind, the passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your planned departure from the UK.

What do I need to renew my passport?

To renew your passport, you will need to provide a completed application form, a recent passport photo, your current passport, and (in some cases) proof of your identity and nationality. For more information on what documents are required for a British Passport renewal, contact us today

MyBritishPassport offers a full range of services to help you with your UK passport application or renewal. We have years of experience helping people get their passports as quickly as possible, and our team of experts are here to help you every step of the way.

For more information on UK passport wait times, please visit our website or contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Renewing a British Passport for a child? Click here to find out more.

About MyBritishPassport

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The procedure that I had to follow was well documented and easy to complete. Brittany B, was my contact at MyBritishPassport and was very efficient in communicating the progress of the passport. Another satisfied customer, thank you. – GARY KASZA (read more verified reviews here).