Have you got a trip abroad planned? His Majesty’s Passport Office has issued an urgent warning to anyone going away, especially if you’re travelling this spring.
If you’d like to book a holiday in the next few weeks, the Passport Office warns you to complete one important check.
Passports only allow for travel when they’re valid and not damaged, so to enjoy a holiday this spring, including during the busy Easter period, Brits are being warned to check their passports immediately.
If it’s been a little while since you last checked your expiry date, now is a good time to make sure your passport is valid for travel to your chosen destination.
Do I need travel insurance?
Passport Office issues urgent warning for Brits with a passport
In a post on X, the HM Passport Office warned: “Planning spring or Easter travel? Check your passport now.”
It added that Brits should head to the application page on the website if they need to submit an application for a new passport.
The same page can be used to apply for a new passport, replace it or update it.
The reason you should check your passport is valid before booking travel is that if you need to get a new passport, it will have a different passport number on it meaning any bookings will be incorrect if you’ve used an old passport number.
How long does it take to get a new passport?
You can expect to get your passport back in three weeks but it’s worth thinking about it in plenty of time before your trip to avoid disappointment.
If the Passport Office needs more information or you need to be interviewed, the process can take longer than three weeks, but you will be informed about it.
Planning spring or Easter travel? Check your passport now.
If you need to renew, go to: https://t.co/wmJnvGiBl2 #PlanAhead pic.twitter.com/eTPy6gEhQk— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) March 10, 2026
The process begins when the Passport Office receives your documents.
Urgent passports are available too.
How much does a UK passport cost?
Adult (16 and over)
- Standard 34-page passport - £94.50 online, £107 by paper form
- 54-page frequent traveller passport - £107.50 online, £120 by paper form
Child (under 16)
- Standard 34-page passport - £61.50 online, £74 by paper form
- 54-page frequent traveller passport - £74.50 online, £87 by paper form
Recommended reading:
- 'Don't risk it' government issues travel warning to all Brits who have a passport
- New Foreign Office travel update names countries you should avoid right now
- Is it safe to travel to Australia? UK government's latest travel advice for Brits
Who can get a passport for free?
You can only get a British passport for free if you were born in a certain period.
Anyone born on or before September 2, 1929 can get a passport for free.
They won’t need to pay for a passport whether they choose to apply online or by a paper form.
Are you going on holiday this spring? Let us know where you'll be going in the comments below.
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