Your passport is an essential document that lets you prove your identity and country of citizenship when you are travelling outside your country and lets you regain entry in your country of citizenship. This expires and must be renewed regularly.
Planning a trip overseas is exciting. After getting your itinerary ready, preparing your Indian visa, and packing your bags, the adventure of a lifetime that you have been dreaming of can easily get ruined when your passport is already out of date. To avoid such bothersome situations, use this as your guide to having your passport renewed in no time.
When Is the Best Time to Renew My Passport?
Check the validity of your passport before booking an overseas trip. A good rule of thumb is to renew your passport if it has less than six months’ validity from the date of your return to your country of origin. Consider your travel destination if the validity is under six months. You can travel right up until your passport expires until the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020.
On the other hand, you must sort out a new passport application right away if your travel destination is far from your country of origin. Check the entry requirements for the place you are visiting. You can also apply to renew your passport at any time.
What Colour Passport Will I Get When I Renew?
According to the Home Office, all passports renewed from July to December in 2020 will be blue. Keep in mind that all passports will be valid until they expire, including those that are burgundy or have the European Union wording.
What Are My Options When Applying for a New Passport?
1. Standard application service
If you are not in a rush, it is advisable to apply for a standard 10-year passport application online. Make sure to submit the forms and paperwork correctly to avoid delays. It costs £75.50 for an adult and £49 for a child.
Applying for a first passport usually takes longer. In general, straightforward applications and renewals should take around at least three weeks to process. You may also be required to attend an interview if a piece of specific information needs to be verified.
2. Rush application service
You can avail the one-week comprehensive passport application service if you are in a rush. It costs £142 for an adult and £122 for kids.
3. The premium application service
The premium service is ideal for a one-day emergency application. The entire process usually takes around at least four hours once approved. All you have to do is to pay £177 and submit your documents in person at one of the passport offices around the country.
What If My Passport Doesn’t Arrive in Time?
In case your passport hasn’t arrived at least one week before your departure date, you can seek advice and explore your options from the office to which you submitted your application. Remember that you can’t claim for flight if you still don’t have your passport by your departure date, so ensure that your passport is up-to-date before your travel. Prepare all necessary documents early, including your India visa, tickets, and more.
Conclusion
Enjoy a convenient and stress-free overseas trip by renewing your passport ahead of time. Follow the steps mentioned above to save yourself from the hassle and unnecessary expenses.
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