Passport office shutdown

[SilverGlitterBaubles]

I applied to renew my passport in January 6 months before my current passport expires. It seems the passport office has shutdown completely on level 5 so now getting a bit nervous of the backlog and chaos that will follow when they eventually open up. I just hate being without a passport and worry that I cannot get back home from the UK in an emergency or when hopefully restrictions are eased. It seems nuts that this is not functioning at least in a minimal level. Anyone have any experience or insights into this? Not sure if the embassy in the UK issue passports but that's a plan B I guess.

[LadyEloise]

I absolutely agree SilverGlitterBaubles.
I wonder what's happening in other countries ?

[SeanChailleach]

I tried to renew DH and DD British passports last June, hit a wall. Still same. A few years ago we had a family emergency and SIL had to get a British passport issued immediately. It took a lot of telling the situation over and over but got one in five days. (Which on reflection could have been too late.)
However, that was to travel to France, a country you require a passport for. Technically within the Common Travel Area passports aren't required so I don't know what would happen if you brought your expired passport and maybe some other ID.

[Pastanred]

I renewed both dds in November when Liverpool was onkyvregion in tier 3 and both back in five days

Have you rang them as seems unusual
Now when cases are so low?

[AnnieJ1985]

I applied about 8 weeks ago for a new passport book and the passport card. I was very surprised to get the book within a week. The card never showed up; I was a bit concerned it had gone missing in the post and should be cancelled, so I asked on their live chat. Apparently they are not processing any orders as such in Level 5 but will run a few random applications through the system each week to keep the printing machines ticking over. So it was just a fluke that I got my book when I did, and the card will be issued when restrictions are lifted back to Level 4.

[3timeslucky]

I applied a month ago for a renewal and nothing. Even though I have family abroad and I have no intention of travelling I really resent not being able to get a passport. I know it is slightly irrational but it is really pissing me off.

[Radyward]

I think its a human right abuse to prevent the issuance of passports.

[SilverGlitterBaubles]

@Radyward I agree, regardless of travel restrictions passports are also required for identification and other reasons. For those of us living abroad being without a valid passport is quite an unnerving situation.