Travel expert warns Brits could wait 10 weeks to renew passports after backlog

The Passport Office said there was a drop in applications last year but now Brits might be rushing to get their documents sorted.

Usually within a year, the Passport Office processes around 7 million applications, but in 2020 there were only 4 million.

Now following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's roadmap out of lockdown, the website is bracing itself for a huge spike this year.

Brits are being warned of waits of up to 10 weeks for getting their passports.

Abi Tierney, Director General of Passport Office, said: "It is vital those who may need to apply for a new passport do so now.

"If you have delayed renewing your passport or are applying for the first time, please apply now so you can receive it in good time."

She added: "Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that passport applications are processed as quickly as possible.

"The advice will help to ensure that we continue to meet the travel plans during any period of the very highest passport demand."

Brits will be reminded to renew their passports when it's close to expiring by the Passport Office.

It comes after a fresh warning from the Post Office that claimed "Brits don't know how long they need on their passport for EU travel".

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The new study found many were unaware of the new rules for visiting Europe following Brexit.

In fact, as much as 42% of Brits surveyed couldn't correctly identify the rule.

You need at least six months validity on your passport to travel to the EU.

In other travel news, Mr Johnson says he's "hopeful" Brits can jet off for holidays in six weeks time.

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The Global Travel Taskforce is set to discuss whether the May 17 deadline will be met for the resumption of international travel.

In recent months, the tourism industry has suffered due to the coronavirus pandemic and firms hope to bring in some business.

The government has warned people not to book foreign holidays "until the picture is clearer".

Currently, Brits are not allowed to leave the UK unless they have a legally permitted reason to do so.

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