Hundreds of thousands of British citizens may face delays in obtaining a new passport as a result of a strike at the Passport Office. In England, Scotland, and Wales, the industrial action will last five weeks, from 3 April to 5 May, while workers in Belfast will go on strike from 7 April to 5 May.
A quarter of the Passport Office’s 4,000 employees are expected to participate in the strike over jobs, pay, and working conditions. This is likely to have a significant effect on those requiring a new passport or passport renewal.
The government has encouraged individuals to apply for a passport ten weeks prior to travel, but has cautioned that applications should not be made at the last minute due to the potential for strike-related delays. Online renewal of an adult passport costs £82.50, while postal renewal costs £93 and a child passport costs £53.50. Applicants must submit two new, identical photos that meet the stringent requirements for a passport photo.
Those who cannot wait for their passport to be processed can pay extra for the Fast Track service, which costs £155 for an adult passport and £126 for a child passport and takes one week to process. The Online Premium service, which costs £193.50 and promises delivery within two days, is also available.
According to the Home Office, over 99.5% of standard UK applications were processed within ten weeks in January and February of this year. In 2022, however, hundreds of thousands of individuals waited more than ten weeks to receive their passports due to an influx of applications following the removal of coronavirus travel restrictions.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman responded to the planned strikes by stating, “We are disappointed with the union’s decision to strike after engaging in constructive negotiations to find a resolution. With comprehensive contingency plans in place, we are working to mitigate the impact of strike action while continuing to provide essential services to the public.
British citizens are warned that a five-week strike by Passport Office employees may cause delays in obtaining a passport. The strike began on 3 April in England, Scotland, and Wales, and on 7 April in Belfast. It is estimated that more than a quarter of Passport Office staff are participating in the strike over jobs, pay, and working conditions.
Tourists are advised to apply for their passports 10 weeks prior to departure, as was previously advised by the government. However, they can pay extra for a Fast Track service that promises to deliver a passport within one week for £155 for adults and £126 for children. The Online Premium service also guarantees delivery within two days for £193.50.
The Home Office reported that “97% of all UK applications were completed within three weeks” in February 2023. However, applicants should still allow up to 10 weeks for their passport renewal or application to be processed due to the strike action.
Call the Passport Adviceline if you need your passport urgently for medical treatment or because a friend or family member is gravely ill or has died. The government also recommends having photos taken at a booth or photo shop, as these are more likely to meet passport photo standards.
The Home Office has expressed disappointment at the union’s decision to proceed with the strike, but has stated that contingency plans are in place to continue providing services to the general public.
