The Passport Office has entered its busiest time of the year and is urging local residents to check where their passport is, and the existing validity, before booking any travel outside of the UK.
The reminder from the Isle of Man Passport Office comes at an exceptionally busy time when many customers are making standard passport applications just days before they intend to travel and are having to upgrade to the 5-day express service in order to receive their passports in time.
Processing express service applications takes priority and the increase has an impact on processing of standard applications. The demand for the 5-day express service has meant that standard passport applications are currently taking up to 35 working days to deliver.
Andrea Tabb, Passport and Nationality Officer, is urging local residents to plan ahead and avoid leaving applications until the last moment and causing themselves unnecessary upset.
She explained: “People can apply to renew their current passport at any time. Up to nine months remaining on the old passport will be added to the expiry date of the new passport. If you have lost your passport, think that it has been stolen or your passport is damaged in any way, it is vital you report this to us as soon as possible, so that it can be cancelled and you can begin the process of applying for a replacement.”
The Passport Office will not accept any responsibility for travel booked before the applicants have received their new passport. First time applicants are reminded they may be required to attend the Passport Office for an interview. Where an interview is required applicants cannot use the express service.
Further information can be found on www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/passports/ or you can call one of the enquiry and advice lines – Passport +44 1624 693222 or +44 1624 685208, Nationality +44 1624 686863.
People who require assistance whilst abroad should contact the nearest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in the country they are visiting.
