I am a bit, but the passport office has got me all nnnnyyyyyaaarghhhh!

[Weegiemum]

I am stupid - I didn't realise that the kids passports were out of date (thought we had another year).

So in order for us to go on holiday in 10 days, to France, I have to shell out £86 instead of £41 per passport.

I know I should have realised, but I cant understand why a quick interview and the same printing press as everyone else uses should cost more than twice as much!!!

Money making ploy I think, but there is nothing I can do, so I paid up, otherwise far more holiday is runied.

do you definately need a passport for France now that we are all in the European Union (am assuming you are a british citizen)?

You do. They don't always ask, but they can. Not as if kids have any other form of ID! All the anti-terrorism stuff, and also child abduction stuff. I checked - they deffo need them!

Are they completely out of date or do you have some time left on them ? Alot of countries want at 6 months on them but France is Ok . I think you can use them in France until they run out .

The cost - well it is a busy time of year for them and they will have to work a bit harder to get your passports out in time for your journey and you wont forget again !

partly (well mostly) money making, partly prudent planning. if it they didn't make it overwhelmingly cost-prohibitive to get a quick passport this is what everyone would do.
then those who planned properly and applied in time would end up having to wait longer as all the late comers would cause a back log thus punishing those who have followed the rules.

it's annoying but i bet it will accomplish it's goal and you won't forget next time.

Adults can get away with driving licence etc in an emergency but not kids ... apparantly!

I lost my dcs £86 passport and had to get another at £86!!!

I know. IABU. But it is a bit less money for the holidays. I feel a bit really. I just counted the years wrong since we first appllied.