UK passport application backlog reaches 400,000

Further to our blog on 12 June 2020, the Passport Office is still operating with reduced staff in order to allow for social distancing in the workplace. As a result, a backlog of applications has been building up throughout the Coronavirus period and passport applications are therefore taking longer than usual to process. 

Prior to Coronavirus, passport applications were usually taking between three and six weeks to process, depending on the type of application submitted. The Passport Office are currently unable to confirm how long applications are taking to be processed.

Urgent applications for passports are only being considered on compassionate grounds or for some forms of work travel, for example those travelling on Government business.

Please note that most travel insurance policies only cover lost passports, so it is unlikely you would be able to claim back holiday costs on your travel insurance in the event of a passport not being issued in time for travel.

If you have submitted a passport application and you would like further clarification on the processing of your application, you can contact the Passport Office advice line on 0300 222 0000.

Gherson is actively monitoring this situation and will provide more information as it becomes available.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.