Tag: passport

Travel expert reveals tips for a faster passport application

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Woman’s hands holding passports & boarding passes of her family while waiting at the check-in counter in the airport
The last thing you want is to be worried about your new passport arriving in time (Picture: Getty)

With two years of no foreign travel, we might have forgotten how to do it – you might have also realised your passport has nearly expired.

There is nothing more stressful than planning the trip of a lifetime only to realise that out of date documents could put a spanner in the works. And getting a new one isn’t as simple as you might thing.

At the moment, travelers are waiting weeks for their renewed passports, and the chaos is only set to continue this summer. Searches for ‘TNT passport tracking have already soared by 4,250%, but is there a way to make sure you get your passport on time?

Thankfully, the travel experts at Next Vacay have revealed exactly what you need to check on your passport, and application tips and tricks to speed up the process as much as possible.

Check your passport to see when it was issued

‘After travel took a pause for many holidaymakers during the pandemic, plenty of passports need to be renewed,’ says Naveen Dittakavi, founder and CEO of Next Vacay.

To beat any disappointments for your summer vacations, Naveen says you should make sure that it has been no more than ten years since your passport was issued.

‘You also need the minimum of three or six months to gain entry into many destinations, including popular travel spots such as Eygpt, Thailand, and Dubai,’ he adds.

‘It may be worth seeing if you can push your vacation back to a later date if either of these issues applies to your passport, otherwise you may end up losing out on your vacation.’

Ensure your details are correct

‘I would recommend thoroughly checking your application before you send it off,’ says Naveen.

Check, check and check again.

He adds: ‘Many delays are made through typical errors – such as incorrect photos or typos – which can worsen your chances of receiving a passport in time for a summer trip.’

Go for digital rather than paper

Naveen says there are many variables that affect how long it will take to get your passport renewed – whether it’s a first-time passport or a child’s renewal. But choosing the best application format can make a difference.

‘When it comes to the method of how you apply, digital applications generally take a shorter amount of time as parts of the application are less likely to get lost, plus the online process will be more efficient,’ says Naveen.

‘Keep this in mind if you don’t want to end up stuck in the backlog.’

Make an appointment in person or over the phone

With the current demand for travel in recent months, Naveen says that even the fast-track services for passport renewal are becoming overwhelmed – so there is no quick fix to receiving your passport on time.

‘However, if you are traveling for urgent family matters – such as a funeral –  you may be able to expedite the process,’ he says.

‘Alternatively, look to book an appointment to one of the various passport centers across the country – that way you can speed up the process in person and have someone on hand should there be any errors.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.


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Simon Calder: Essential tip amid passport chaos at Passport Office for Britons | Travel News | Travel

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“Occasionally one comes up and somebody grabs it but frankly it’s not worth bothering with.”

Simon Calder said British tourists would have to wait for the 10 week period advised by the Passport Office.

He said: “As soon as you’re up to 10 weeks, which is two and a half months, that seems absurd anyway, then you can call the Passport Advice line, demand that you get fast-tracked.

“They could well offer you an appointment at a Passport Office.”

Simon said the advice line had been a “real disaster” for some people with long wait times for customers.





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How to get a passport in Philadelphia

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After years of waiting to travel again, many are looking to find their next getaway or see that distant relative in another country. But if you want to travel outside the U.S., then first things first — you need a passport.

It can be expensive and you’ll have to gather some documents, but understanding the steps and what to expect can alleviate some of that difficulty. According to U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, taking the extra time now to prepare can save time and money in the long run on that next international trip.

Here’s a breakdown of what a passport is, what you can do with it, and how to get one.

A passport is a federal form of ID that proves your identity and citizenship. It’s the form of ID that supersedes all other forms of ID in the U.S. With a passport, you can use it for anything a State ID or municipal ID can do and it can prove your citizenship abroad. The only thing it can’t do is give you permission to drive — you need a driver’s license for that.

If you want to travel internationally — yes. Otherwise, you don’t necessarily need a passport.

For instance, if you have REAL ID you don’t need a passport to travel within the U.S. or enter a federal facility. REAL ID works for that. Here’s how to get government ID, including REAL ID, in Philly.

If you’re traveling outside of the U.S. or its territories, then you need a passport. You don’t need a passport if you’re traveling within the U.S., American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Anywhere else, you need a passport.

Only U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals — which are people born in outlying U.S. territories mentioned above or who have parents who are non-citizen nationals — are able to get a U.S. passport.

You can apply for a passport at any Passport Acceptance Facility, which are commonly post offices and government buildings (see the list below). Many local post offices and city records offices are able to receive and process your application.

There is also a Philadelphia Passport Agency, however, you can only apply there with an appointment and if your reason for international travel is a “Life-or-Death” emergency or if you have urgent travel plans within 5 business days. If that is the case, call 877-487-2778 to make an appointment.

You can look for a Passport Acceptance Facility using the U.S. Department of States search tool.

You need to apply for one. You can do this in-person or by mail. However, if it’s your first time getting a passport — you have to apply in-person.

Apply in person:

  • If you’ve never been issued a passport before

  • If you were under age 16 when your previous passport was issued

  • If your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago

  • If your passport was lost or stolen

  • If your name has changed since your previous passport was issued and you are can’t legally document your name change

Otherwise, if you’re just renewing your passport you can apply by mail.

Complete form DS-11. Download the form here or complete the form online and print it out using the U.S. Department of State’s form fill out tool. Do not sign this form until you’re at a Passport Acceptance Facility.

Bring your unsigned form to a Passport Acceptance Facility. You can find a facility near you by using the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Acceptance Facility Search Tool.

Bring the required documents with you. (See the above ‘What documents do I need to get a passport?’ section)

Bring payment for application and acceptance fees. You have to pay by check or money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

You need to prove your U.S. citizenship, your identity, and provide a photo of yourself. U.S. Department of State needs both the originals or certified copies of your documents, and photocopies of the front and back of each document. Photocopies have to be on 8.5″ by 11″ paper, black and white ink, and both legible and clear. The photocopies can’t be double-sided. So you’ll provide the original documents and a photocopy of each.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship (one of the following):

  • Naturalization Certificate

  • Certificate of a U.S. Birth Abroad

Proof of Identity (one of the following):

  • Valid PA Driver’s or Non-Driver’s License

  • Naturalization Certificate

  • Official Military ID Card

Passport Photo:

  • The photo has to be in color. Black and white photos are not accepted.

  • The photo has to have been taken within the past six months.

  • The photo has to be two inches by two inches (no exceptions).

  • The photo has to be a front view of your face with a plain white or off-white background. You have to have a neutral expression — no smiles. You also can’t have face or head coverings unless for religious or medical purposes and with a signed statement.

  • The photo has to be taken by someone else. No selfies.

For your passport photo, some Passport Acceptance Facilities have on-site photo services so you can get your photo taken while applying in-person for an additional fee.

You can renew your passport by mail. You can renew your passport if your passport was issued after your 16th birthday and if it was issued within the past 15 years. You also don’t need to wait til your passport expires to renew it. If your passport was lost or stolen or if your name has changed since your last passport was issued and you don’t have a legal document (like a marriage license) to prove the legal name change, you have to reapply in-person.

  • Complete form DS-82. Download the form here or complete the form online and print it out using the U.S. Department of State’s form fill out tool.

  • Provide your most recent passport. Your passport should be undamaged besides normal wear and tear.

  • Provide an updated passport photo. Get your photo taken at a Passport Acceptance Facility or have someone take a photo for you. The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.

  • Include your passport fees. You have to pay by check or money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

  • If your name has changed, provide legal proof of the name change. You can submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of your name change.

  • Mail your passport package to: National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155. You have to mail your documents through the United States Postal Service (USPS). Private companies, like UPS and FedEx are not able to deliver these documents to the post office box listed.

  • If you want your new passport and application documents sent back to you ASAP, you can pay for expedited processing to the U.S. Department of State for an additional $60. To have the department send everything back to you in 1-2 days once your passport is printed, include an additional $18.32 in your payment for renewal. You can add these fees to the total amount on your check or money order for renewal. Clearly mark, “EXPEDITE” on the outside of your passport package envelope.

Once the U.S. Department of State prints your passport, they will mail everything back to you. This can take a couple of weeks and you may get your documents back in separate mail.

All children under 16 years old have to apply in-person with two parents or guardians. If a child’s passport expires, they can’t renew it. They have to reapply in-person. Only people who were issued a passport at age 16 years or older can renew their passport.

  • Complete form DS-11. Download the form here or complete the form online and print it out using the U.S. Department of State’s form fill out tool. Do not sign this form until you’re at a Passport Acceptance Facility.

  • Bring the required documents with you.

  • Provide proof of parental relationship. Parents of the child applying will have to show documentation that they have custody of the child. These documents can be a U.S. birth certificate, divorce or custody decree.

  • Both parents need to be there — unless one parent has sole custody or the parent who is unable to attend completes a “Statement of Consent” form DS-3053 in the presence of a notary public — and provide a copy of their ID.

  • Provide a passport photo. Get your child’s photo taken at a Passport Acceptance Facility or you can take a photo of your child. The photo has to follow U.S. Department of State guidelines.

  • Bring payment for application and acceptance fees. You have to pay by check or money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “U.S. Department of State.”

There are four different considerations that determine how long it will take to get your passport: Emergency, Urgent Travel, Expedited, Routine processing.

Emergency: 72 hours

  • This is only available to you if your reason for international travel is a matter of “Life-or-Death.” This means that your immediate family member is outside of the U.S., and they have died, is dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury that requires you to travel there within 72 hours. You have to provide proof of this Life-or-Death emergency.

  • You have to call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment. You are not guaranteed an appointment.

Urgent Travel: Five business days

  • This is only available to you if your reason for urgent international travel is a matter other than “Life-or-Death,” and you need a passport with 5 business days. You have to provide proof of travel.

  • You have to call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment. You are not guaranteed an appointment.

Expedited: Five to seven weeks

  • This is available to anyone who wants to pay an extra fee to get their passport faster, but don’t need it urgently. It costs $60 for expedited processing. You can also pay an additional $18.32 for 1-2 day delivery.

Routine: Eight to 11 weeks

  • This is the standard wait time for getting a passport if you apply for one.

If you’re 16 years or older when you got your passport it lasts for 10 years. If you’re under 16 when you got your passport it lasts for five years.

There are two separate fees for getting your passport. The application fee and acceptance fee, which are paid for separately. The application fee is made payable to the “U.S. Department of State.” The acceptance fee is made payable to the Passport Acceptance Facility that you use. Check with the facility to see who you should make payment payable to for the acceptance fee.

If you’re over 16 and getting your passport for the first time:

  • Passport Book: Application fee is $130. Acceptance fee is $35.

  • Passport Card: Application fee is $30. Acceptance fee is $35.

  • Passport Book & Card: Application fee is $160. Acceptance fee is $35.

If you’re under 16 and getting your passport for the first time:

  • Passport Book: Application fee is $100. Acceptance fee is $35.

  • Passport Card: Application fee is $15. Acceptance fee is $35.

  • Passport Book & Card: Application fee is $115. Acceptance fee is $35.

If you’re renewing your passport:

  • Passport Book: Renewal fee is $130.

  • Passport Card: Renewal fee is $30.

  • Passport Book & Card: Renewal fee is $160.

If you need an urgent passport within two weeks of travel, you have to make an appointment to apply at the Philadelphia Passport Agency. Call 877-487-2778 to make an appointment. Your reasons for needing a passport urgently has to be a matter of “Life-or-Death” or you have urgent international travel in the next 5 business days.

You can also pay an additional $60 for expedited processing to get your passport within five to seven weeks.

You have to reapply to get one. Follow the same process of getting your passport for the first time. You’ll have to go in-person to a Passport Acceptance Facility, complete form DS-11 for a passport application, and provide the necessary documents and fees.

You need to complete a new application, a renewal, or a name change form depending on your circumstances.

If you got your passport less than a year ago, you can complete a name change form. Fill out form DS-5504. Provide your most recent passport, your original or certified name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and an updated passport photo. You can mail these documents in through USPS or bring them to a Passport Acceptance Facility.

If you got your passport more than a year ago, you can renew your passport. Fill out form DS-82. Provide your most recent passport, your original or certified name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and an updated passport photo. You also need to bring renewal fees.

If you’re already using your changed name, but can’t get a certified name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), you need to apply for a new passport. Follow the instructions above for getting your passport for the first time (See How to get a passport).

You can get your passport photo taken or you can take the photo yourself. Often times, the easiest way to get passport photo is to apply for a passport at a Passport Acceptance Facility that offers passport photo services, like the United States Postal Service. You can also look for passport photo services at your local pharmacy, photo business, and other places that offer photo services.

You can take your own passport photo. You have to make sure that your photo adheres to U.S. Department of State guidelines:

  • The photo has to be in color. Black and white photos are not accepted.

  • The photo has to have been taken within the past six months.

  • The photo has to be two inches by two inches (no exceptions).

  • The photo has to be a front view of your face with a plain white or off-white background. You have to have a neutral expression — no smiles. You also can’t have face or head coverings unless for religious or medical purposes and with a signed statement.

  • The photo has to be taken by someone else. No selfies.

Yes. However, according to the U.S. Department of State, federal or state law enforcement agencies can request that a passport application be denied. Those agencies can also request for a passport to be revoked.

So, yes, felons can apply and get a passport. But law enforcement agencies can deny that application.

Also worth noting: Passports do not grant access to freely leave the country or enter another country. A passport is simply an international form of ID that can be used to travel outside of the U.S. Many countries, including the U.S., do not allow people to enter the country who have been convicted of a felony or violent crime.



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Passport delays: Canadians cancel, reschedule trips

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Many Canadians are reporting lengthy delays and wait times at passport offices as the federal government works to process almost a million more applications over the past year.


After issuing only 363,000 passports between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, Employment and Social Development Canada, which oversees Service Canada, says this rose to nearly 1.3 million over the following year.


The government said Service Canada is also dealing with tens of thousands more calls, with more than 200,000 received daily up from about 5,000 prior to the pandemic.


CTVNews.ca asked Canadians to share how the processing delays have impacted them and their travel plans. The responses were emailed to CTVNews.ca and have not all been independently verified.


Among the responses from people across the country, many reported that they had to cancel or reschedule their vacations amid the long wait times.


As of Friday, many of those who reached out to CTVNews.ca have yet to receive their passports, despite some applying back in February.


Jonathan Ratcliff of Bella Coola, B.C. says he had to cancel his trip to Europe with friends due to the delays. The 18-year-old says his friends left without him for the trip earlier this month.


“I live 450 kilometres away from the nearest Service Canada Office and have had several failed attempts to contact the passport office on the status of my passport application. All I can do is wait and hope it comes in soon,” he said.


As of Thursday, Ratcliff said he had still not received his passport, “well over two months” since he applied for it.


“I’m worried it might take another month, or maybe even two, to come in. If that is the case, I’ll end up having to completely cancel any plans to meet up with friends,” he said.


Josh Monden says he and his wife were planning to travel to Cuba or Mexico at the end of April, but had to cancel their plans due to the passport processing delays.


Monden said they had an appointment at their local passport office in Peterborough, Ont. and submitted the paperwork along with current passports for renewal. He says the clerk checked over all their information, took payment and submitted the applications.


Monden says it has been 45 business days, as of Thursday, since then and they still have not received their passports.


As their trip was nearing, Monden says they went back to the Service Canada to follow up in-person, but were told to call the toll-free phone number on their receipt.


“Went ahead with calling, waited hours to get through, the call was dropped randomly at times and we had to try again. After finally speaking to someone, all they could tell us was that it’s under review. No further explanation could be given,” he said.


“They said we could pay an extra $110 fee to expedite the process, but there’s no guarantee with that.”


Monden said they will not rebook their trip until the passports arrive, but hopes they do before their Sunwing travel credit expires come January 2023.


GROWING FRUSTRATION OVER DELAYS


Cher Rowe said she already had to cancel a trip to San Francisco for her grandmother’s 80th birthday earlier this year due to the passport delays, and may now have to cancel her upcoming honeymoon.


While her current passport was valid and not set to expire, Rowe wanted to have the documents amended to show her newly married name. She said she didn’t think it would take long for a simple name change request.


“I ha[d] to apply for a renewal which is a full new application just for a name change and, as I couldn’t take time off of work to travel to a service centre, I had to mail in my application along with my current passport and my original birth certificate,” Rowe explained.


She says she currently has “no idea” where any of her documentation is, if it’s been received or if it’s being processed.


Rowe said she switched shifts at her job last Friday to drive 120 kilometres to her closest Service Canada to see if she could get an update in-person. She was turned away and told to call the toll-free number for the national centre.


“The number that they provide is essentially useless – you are met with an automated message saying that the lines are busy. I’m up to 50 calls today alone and will continue trying daily until I get through,” Rowe said.


“I am essentially completely out of options.”


Rowe is supposed to leave for her honeymoon in three weeks, but has yet to receive her new passport. She said she should be excited for this trip, but instead is “extremely stressed.”


Calgary, Alta. resident Wone Yip says he applied for a passport renewal during the first week of March. Yip said his kids were treating him to the Paul McCartney concert in Seattle on May 3.


“My bank statement indicated the fees were processed, so I was hopeful I would get my passport in time,” he explained.


Yip said he called Service Canada “over 200” times up until the day before his flight with no luck and had to cancel the tip. As of last weekend, he still hadn’t received his new passport.


Christine Miner says she and her husband had plans to go to Spain to visit their son this past April. However, their passports did not arrive in time for the trip.


Miner said they applied for our passports on Feb. 21 and they arrived May 4.


“That was way more than the 25 business days for processing,” she said, adding that they’ve rescheduled their trip for June.


Ilnur Haustein says he has spent numerous days on hold with Service Canada and in-person at his local passport office, trying to get answers as to why he has not yet received his new passport after submitting the application back in early March.


Haustein, who lives in Burnaby, B.C., had a flight booked to Kazakhstan on May 7 to visit is mom, who he hasn’t seen in four years, the last two of which were due to pandemic restrictions. He says he had to cancel the trip due to the “government’s unpreparedness.”


“The problem here is not that the passport issuance is being delayed nationwide, but the how the office handles us… They are not transparent, they don’t tell the truth, give false hope, and then… they make it as it’s our fault,” he said.


EXPERT ADVICE ON PASSPORT DELAYS


As eager Canadians look to travel following two years of pandemic restrictions, one expert says long wait times for renewed passports will be the “new normal” for those taking vacations this summer.


Because Canadians were advised to avoid all non-essential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin Firestone, president of Toronto-based travel insurance brokerage Travel Secure, says people were not looking at their passports as often as they had been previously and unknowingly let the documentation expire.


Given the long wait times, Firestone said it is best not to book a trip until you have your renewed passport in hand.


“Even paying doesn’t guarantee you getting an appointment and getting that passport in two days. So that’s added to the list of the new normal we’ll call it,” he previously told CTV’s Your Morning.


If a flight is delayed or cancelled and the reason is within the airline’s control and not safety-related, travellers are entitled to “a specific standard of treatment, compensation, and rebooking or a refund” under Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations.


However, if Canadians book an international trip and don’t have their passport by the time of departure, Firestone says they’ll be on the hook for changing their flight.


“There is no insurance in the world that’s going to pay for a cancellation of a trip because you don’t have a passport… so you have to be just prudent and get yourself organized before you travel this year,” he said.


With a file from CTV National News’ Annie Bergeron-Oliver and CTVNews.ca’s Michael Lee



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Foreign Office changes advice on passport rules for EU travel

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The Foreign Office has finally changed its advice on passport validity for travel to the EU after dozens of airline passengers were wrongly told they couldn’t fly.

Officials have changed the wording of travel advice to bring it into line with the European Commission.

It comes after The Independent reported the plight of passengers wrongly turned away at check-in by airlines because of the discrepancy.

The advice for Spain has been changed to tell UK travellers their passport must be:

  • Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the “date of issue”)
  • Valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave (check the “expiry date”)

Advice on France, Italy and other EU and wider Schengen destinations is expected to be updated shortly.

Previously the FCDO travel advice for countries in the European Union and Schengen Area included the misleading statement: “For some Schengen countries your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the three months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.”

The Independent made its own enquiries and received official confirmation correspondence from the European Commission last November.

On 10 November 2021, the correspondence was passed on to the Foreign Office with a request “to ensure that all communications from the UK government recognise the correct European Union position”.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “FCDO travel advice is kept under constant review to ensure British travellers are aware of the risks and have accurate information to help plan their trip.

“We welcome that the European Commission is now updating its guidance in regards to their rules affecting some UK passports”

The ambivalence in the UK government position has caused widespread confusion and distress.

It has also put extra pressure on HM Passport Office, with many travellers seeking early renewal of passports that were perfectly valid for travel to Europe.

Airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair previously used the Foreign Office travel advice as grounds for denying boarding to passengers who were perfectly entitled to travel. All the major airlines are now aligned with the European Commission rules; Ryanair was the last to fall into line.



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New passport waiting time increases in Liverpool city centre office | Travel News | Travel

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Although tourists have appointments booked at government buildings, delays have often meant they haven’t been seen for hours after the scheduled times. It is estimated around five million people in the UK delayed applying for a new passport during the coronavirus pandemic – and the huge backlog means people are struggling to get a passport in time for their travels.

And there are only seven Passport Customer Service Centres dotted around the UK, one of which is based in Liverpool.

Some people have travelled hundreds of miles to queue for miles there, including Ellie Smith who is due to travel to Greece in two weeks’ time.

The student, who has been waiting nearly three months for her passport to be processed, told Liverpool Echo: “I’ve been so stressed I haven’t been sleeping. I can’t concentrate at work or at uni.”

Chloe Dyer, who travelled from South Yorkshire, is also meant to be flying to Greece. She said: “We’ve had a hard time as a family recently and I’m worried we won’t get our holiday. It’s my kids I feel for.

“I think people upstairs won’t come down to speak to us because they don’t want to face what is waiting for them down here.”

The mum said if she couldn’t get a passport she’d lose all the money she’d spent on the holiday.

The other centres – in Belfast, Durham, Glasgow, London, Newport and Peterborough – are also very busy due to the backlog, and because of rule changes imposed after Brexit. They mean people’s passports must be less than 10 years old to travel to certain countries in the EU. They also need three months left on their passport from the date of travel.

The fast-track service to get a new passport costs £142 for an adult so, with fuel costs, people are spending hundreds to be able to travel.

Lydia Hodgson, 24 and from Liverpool, said her passport had been mistakenly reported as lost or stolen. She had travelled from Manchester to Paris to Luton within 24 hours and had spent around £2,000 to do so.

She’d also been queuing in Liverpool for hours. She said: “I’d basically go anywhere to get an appointment at this point! I’d travel to Glasgow in a heartbeat if an appointment became available.”

Pauline Rens, from Ormskirk, Lancashire, also said she’d be willing to go to Glasgow. The 65-year-old woman is meant to be going on a cruise to the canaries this week.

She had been waiting to get a passport for her son, who hadn’t realised his passport was out of date, since the office opened at 9am.

She said: “It’s so annoying. People just won’t come down to speak to us.”

And Jodie, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, had travelled nearly three hours after being told to go to the passport office. She said:

“It’s just a nightmare. I’ve been constantly on the phone for weeks and I still haven’t got an appointment.

“People haven’t been getting back to me and as soon as an appointment pops up, it goes straight away.”

A spokesman for HM Passport Office said: “In preparation for the demand for international travel returning, since April 2021 we have published clear guidance that our customers should allow up to ten weeks to get their passport.

“In busier periods, call waiting times will take longer.

“However, we continue to work with our supplier to further recruit and support the effort to return response times closer to normal levels.”





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The three things you need to check on your passport NOW to avoid missing your holiday

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BRITISH tourists face having their holidays ruined if they don’t check their passports before travelling due to new rules in place.

For many, this will be the first summer holiday since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brits could face holiday chaos this summer if these passport checks aren't carried out

2

Brits could face holiday chaos this summer if these passport checks aren’t carried outCredit: Alamy

To avoid missing your holiday, there are three things you should check before you head on your holiday when it comes to your passport.

Expiry date

The first thing all passengers should check is the expiry date on their passport.

Some countries require you to have at least three months left on your passport by the date you intend to return home.

Since the UK left the EU, Brits now need to have at least three months left on their passport to be able to travel to Europe.

Save yourself any last minute stress by checking the travel requirements for your destination either with the airline you’re travelling with, or the UK government website.

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Start date

The start date – or ‘date of issue’ – is the next thing to be checked on your passport to avoid any last-minute chaos.

This is because new rules no longer allow Brits to have passports that have more than 10 years left on them.

Previously, UK passport holders could roll over up to nine months from their previous documents – these are no longer valid, meaning the expiry date may not be the real expiry date.

Instead, you should make sure the start date is 10 years or less when you are travelling.

For example, if you are visiting Spain in May 2022, your passport start date will needs to be no older than August 2012.

Any damage

While well-travelled people might take pride in a slightly worn passport, if it’s in too bad of a condition then you could be refused travel.

A number of travellers have been turned away from their flights due to their passports have some damage to them.

The Government website warns: “You must replace your passport if it has more than reasonable wear and tear because you may not be allowed to travel with it.”

This can be anything from a bit of water damage or slightly torn page, to missing pages or large rips.

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If you need to renew your passport, it can be done online, costing £75.50, or via a paper application form available at the Post Office for £85.

Here’s a handy guide on how to get a new passport in just two days and other vital tips to avoid holiday hell this summer.

Passport rules - and their colour - have changed since the UK left the European Union

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Passport rules – and their colour – have changed since the UK left the European UnionCredit: Alamy





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Simon Calder shares his passport tips when travelling to Turkey this summer | Travel News | Travel

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“That hasn’t happened with the new blue, British passport. 

“But we used to get 10 years and nine months when we were in the EU – that wasn’t a problem at all.” 

Passport holders should also have a “full black page for entry and exit stamps” in their passport when travelling to Turkey, gov.uk explains. 

As for visas, British citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.





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How to get a brand new passport in just TWO DAYS

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SUMMER holidays could be at risk, with the Passport Office struggling to keep up with a surge in demand.

Ministers this week warned people to get their passport applications sorted as soon as possible.

With no travel restrictions in place for those returning to the UK, the summer holidays will see many families take their first trip abroad in two years - here's how you can ensure your holiday goes smoothly

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With no travel restrictions in place for those returning to the UK, the summer holidays will see many families take their first trip abroad in two years – here’s how you can ensure your holiday goes smoothlyCredit: Shutterstock

It follows chaos at Easter as airlines axed thousands of flights, leaving travellers facing long delays.

With no travel restrictions in place for those returning to the UK, the summer holidays will see many families take their first trip abroad in two years.

So, how can you ensure your summer break stays safe? And what should you do if it all goes wrong?

We answer all of your travel questions.

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What’s going on with passport applications?:

A staggering five million people have delayed renewing their passports because of the pandemic, according to government figures

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A staggering five million people have delayed renewing their passports because of the pandemic, according to government figuresCredit: Alamy

New EU travel rules have come into play since Brexit, which mean all travellers must have at least three months left on their passports at the end of their trip, plus all passports need to have been issued within the past ten years.

On top of this, a staggering five million people have delayed renewing their passports because of the pandemic, according to government figures.

This, alongside post-Brexit rules, has led to chaotic delays at the Passport Office, with a huge influx of holidaymakers suddenly renewing.

If you’re unsure when your passport expires, check it now.

How long is the wait?

For new passports it is ten weeks, but if yours needs renewing, do it now.

There are fears among MPs that this ten-week target isn’t being met, so the sooner you apply for a new one, the less you’ll be at risk.

The easiest way to apply is online at gov.uk. It will cost £75.50 for an adult and £49 for a child.

Can I get one quicker?

If you’re in a sticky situation and can’t wait ten weeks, the only way around it is to pay more.

You’ll need to book an appointment at your nearest passport office — there are only seven in the UK: London, Newport, Peter­bor­ough, Durham, Belfast, Glasgow and Liverpool.

Depending on how quickly you need it, you can use the One Week Fast Track service which will set you back £142 for an adult and £122 for a child, or the Online Premium service, which can get you a new passport in two days, but costs a whopping £177.

Leaving it late is risky though, and emergency applications can’t always be relied upon as recent reports claim there are very few appointments available.

I heard flights are being cancelled?

British Airways cut more than 1,000 flights to Europe and beyond in recent weeks and these cancellations are now expected to last until the end of June

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British Airways cut more than 1,000 flights to Europe and beyond in recent weeks and these cancellations are now expected to last until the end of JuneCredit: PA

The UKs two biggest airlines have axed thousands of flights since all Covid restrictions were lifted over the last month.

British Airways cut more than 1,000 flights to Europe and beyond in recent weeks and these cancellations are now expected to last until the end of June.

Budget carrier, easyJet, has cut about five per cent of flights on some days, including some with only a few hours’ notice.

What if mine is axed?

Don’t panic, you have a few options. Anyone whose flight gets cancelled is legally entitled to either a refund, a seat on a different flight or the chance to change their departure date.

On top of that, you might even be able to apply for compensation of up to £350, but only if you’ve been given less than 14 days’ notice.

Should I expect delays at the airport?

Many major airports across the UK, especially Manches­ter, have been experiencing huge delay

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Many major airports across the UK, especially Manches­ter, have been experiencing huge delayCredit: David Dyson – Commissioned by The Sun

Yes, many major airports across the UK, especially Manches­ter, have been experiencing huge delays.

Sadly there is no way to dodge the queues, but arriving early will help ensure you get through baggage drop and security on time.

Manchester airport is advising passengers to arrive at least three hours ahead of their flight departure time.

If you live close to the airport, you might want to consider dropping your bags off the day before you fly – this service is offered by many major tour operators, including Tui.

I want to book a holiday, what’s the best way to do it?

If you are yet to book, the safest way to jet off is with an Atol-protected package.

Any operator selling you a flight and one other element, such as a hotel, villa or even car hire MUST provide you with an Atol — you can check if it’s offered by searching for the Atol logo on the website.

This ensures your money is safe and that you are not stranded abroad if the company you booked with goes bust.

Booking your flights and hotel separately will not give you the same protection as a package does.

What about Covid rules?

Covid travel rules were scrapped on March 18 for anyone travelling to the UK

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Covid travel rules were scrapped on March 18 for anyone travelling to the UKCredit: Getty

All Covid travel rules were scrapped on March 18 for anyone travelling to the UK.

This means you don’t need to worry about tests, forms or quaran­tine when returning from holiday, but you may still need to take a test for the destination you’re visiting.

What about other countries?

Heath­row says more than 50 per cent of destinations it serves still require some form of Covid-related admin, whether it’s a negative test, proof of vaccination or passenger locator form.

Check the rules for where you are going to ensure you have everything you need.

The best place to find the most up-to-date rules is on the Foreign Office website at gov.uk.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. It is a must for all holiday­makers, even if you’re staying in the UK.

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Go for a policy that offers Covid cover — we’re not out of the woods yet and things could still go wrong.

Bagging insurance with a decent provider is the best way to protect your cash.





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Why A Passport Health Policy Might Be Right For You

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When people retire, the “bucket list” usually kicks in and the travel bug starts biting. They hit the road, plane, or boat thinking their new Medicare plan acts just like their group policy. This is typically not the case. The best bet is to know before you go. Are you covered when traveling? 

Most people are moving from group health insurance policies to either Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs) or Preferred Provider Organization (PPOs) plans. The HMO plans are usually hospital-based with a lower cost associated with them. They require a primary care physician and referrals for specialists. The PPO, on the other side of the scale, has in-network and out-of-network coverage and does not require a primary care doctor or referrals. For this, PPOs can also carry a higher price tag.

1. HMO Vs. PPO

Both plan structures are typically offered at the group level. Most policies from larger companies (200+) with group policies are usually PPOs. They allow you to go to any doctor, anywhere, and still have a level of coverage. Using in-network doctors with a PPO will acquire extra savings and you will usually pay more for using doctors out-of-network. The HMO is full coverage in your local hospital system only as the doctors and hospitals have contracted directly with the local plans. Both plans will have coverage for emergency services in the United States, but the PPO will far outshine the coverage of the HMO if you decided you would like to continue your physical therapy on your beach vacation to Hawaii.

2. How Does All This Work With Medicare?

The good news is that it is not as complicated as you may think. Medicare plans break into two categories. You have your Medigap policies and your Medicare Advantage plans. If you have Medicare, you will have already gone over these with your agent. Medicare Advantage plans have both HMOs and PPOs available with a variety of carriers across the 50 states. These plans will look and feel more like the group policy you may be used to and carry the same in-network, out-of-network, and referral rules stated above.

3. I’m On A Boat

Some people don’t realize where they are and what they are riding in may affect their level of coverage. Medicare may pay for coverage while you are on a ship if:

  • The boat is in U.S. territorial waters 
  • The ship is no more than 6 hours away from a U.S. port
  • The doctor seen must be allowed to perform medicine on a cruise ship

If these criteria are not met, you may not have coverage.

4. Advantage Plans

The advantage plans have emergency coverage in all 50 states and abroad. So, advantage plans will cover you while you’re traveling out of the country. In a lot of advantage plans, providers offer something called Synergy. Synergy is when a provider offers all plan benefits, just like you were home, in other states if the plan or provider is available in the state. Make sure to check with your plan provider to see if you have these options when traveling. 

5. Medigap Or Supplements

The other option when moving to Medicare is a supplement, commonly called Medigap. Supplements work with Original Medicare, parts A & B to cover the Medicare gaps. These plans have a higher monthly premium but typically lower costs when seeking treatment. Supplements can be used anywhere in the country without referrals from any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. This is great for interstate travel; however, most supplements have no coverage when traveling abroad. Be sure to check your supplement’s “Explanation of Benefits” to see if you have coverage. Medigap plans C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M, and N pay 80 percent of your emergency coverage up to the lifetime limit of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. As you may know, $50,000 doesn’t go as far as it used to. You may want to make sure that you are covered with a traveler’s health insurance policy.

6. What About My Meds?

Well, your prescription may not even be available in different countries because of laws, restrictions, or even supply. As an example, if you end up down under in Australia, opiate-based prescriptions are illegal and cannot be filled. Make sure all of your medicines are in their original packaging and you have a list of prescribing doctors and their phone numbers. Also, bring enough for your trip and then some. If you have 30-day restrictions and you are going to be overseas longer, then make sure to contact your provider for an exception. Travel health insurance may provide prescription assistance. Just double-check your policy with an agent. 

7. Who Needs Travel Insurance?

If you have a Medigap supplement or an Advantage plan and you want to get out and around overseas, it is a very good idea to get travel health insurance. Travel health insurance policies cover you for accidents and illness while you are out of the U.S. The great part is that they are only usually about $50 to $100 for even a month of coverage depending on the amount of coverage you will need. You can look at options such as websites like IMG Global to get free estimates (without 100 people calling you). Your plan may cover you for those emergency visits but they lack in the day-to-day. If you end up with a fever in Barbados, you don’t want to have to use your emergency benefits. Travel health insurance will allow you simple doctor visits while abroad. 

Pro Tip: When purchasing a policy, make sure you check the pre-existing condition verbiage. Some policies have very little or even zero coverage for pre-existing conditions. If you have a pre-existing condition, make sure to tell your agent as they may be able to find a plan with additional coverage. 

Even though your plan may have foreign health coverage, it is always best to be as protected as possible with as much coverage as can be afforded. Keep in mind that U.S. hospitals are required by law to submit claims to Medicare, but foreign hospitals and doctors are not required to submit these claims. You may have to pay 100 percent of your bills while you are out of the country, so make sure you hold on to any bills or invoices you may get. Without these, you may not be reimbursed for your treatment. The addition of travel health insurance to any adventure could add a lot of peace of mind and potential savings to your trip. It’s always a good idea to be safe rather than sorry.

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