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Original poster

Passport Processing Time

999 replies

bex12345 · 02/04/2014 13:04

Anyone have any idea on processing time of First Passports at the moment? We sent our daughters application via check and send almost 2 weeks ago and no idea on when to expect it back. Hopefully someone can shed some light?!

OP posts:
Jhutchings18 · 13/06/2014 22:22

Hairbrush123 ... Yeah.. Huge relief!! The thought of my daughter and wife losing out on a holiday that we've been looking forward to all year has, literally, made me ill!

In fairness, you're right... Don't think I've seen a post on here, or anywhere else, where someone has had to miss out!!

I bet there are people who have though... There are probably people out there who wouldn't go the lengths we have.. Phoning and e-mailing offices/mp's/etc!!

Jhutchings18 · 13/06/2014 22:32

Gowan... They promised to call me back within 48 hours... 8 days later, nothing!!!

Make sure they put in your notes what date you're flying, if you're willing to pay to upgrade or not and if you're willing to collect it or not!M

I phoned their direct line near enough every day!
On hold for over an hour some days...
The Liverpool line just rings and rings... No answer message!

Hairbrush123 · 13/06/2014 22:34

Me too, Jhutchings! I have been planning this holiday since October! It completely slipped my mind and thank God my friend reminded me! I would have gone to the airport with an expired passport! What a nightmare that would've been.
I've only seen one on the entire forum who didn't make it get their passport on-time! And you're right, the lengths we went through, the sleepless nights we endured and the constant phoning MPs and 0845 numbers! Was totally worth it though as if I didn't - it probably wouldn't have been sitting in my travel bag now!

Out of curiosity, does anyone know when your old passport will come back? I don't need it, but I am just wondering because will it come by courier or standard 2nd Royal Mail post or what?

Hairbrush123 · 13/06/2014 22:36

Sorry I meant because no one would be in to collect it now? So does anyone know when old passport will come back?

Janjanmama · 13/06/2014 22:54

As far as I know they don't send back the old ones.

Irishtown · 13/06/2014 22:57

I thought they sent the old one back with the corner cut off

sapperjig · 13/06/2014 23:01

Mine came back with the new one and the marriage cert all in one, so it looks like that's another inconsistent part of the PO.

BeyondBurma · 13/06/2014 23:03

Yes they do send them back, we got all ours returned with the corners cut off.

Brilliant news Hairbrush and Jhutchings! Huge relief all round Smile

Hairbrush123 · 13/06/2014 23:03

Sapperjig, how long after did it come after receiving your passport?

gowan1990 · 13/06/2014 23:03

Ahh nightmare I spoke to a nice lady from Liverpool said she would call me back by Wednesday going to ring Tuesday the worry is horrendous

Janjanmama · 13/06/2014 23:04

About my overseas application:

I contacted my MP. And he directed dd's case to the Chief Executive's Office of the Passport Agency. Right now they are looking into this matter. My form is received by Liverpool on 1 May. Six weeks already but still pending. This is the third renewal of dd's passport.

Hairbrush123 · 13/06/2014 23:05

Thank you BeyondBurma. Never leaving my passport this late again! This could've been a very expensive lesson taught! It's such a massive weight off my shoulders knowing it's in my travel bag!

Hairbrush123 · 13/06/2014 23:07

BeyondBurma, how long did your old passports take to come after receiving your new passport? Was it sent by courier or standard 2nd class Royal Mail?

Hairbrush123 · 13/06/2014 23:13

Janjan. That sounds awful! And I thought I was waiting long! Just keep phoning and keep reminding them your date of travel! This should help speed up the process! Have you contact your local MP in the area you lived in when you lived here?

BeyondBurma · 13/06/2014 23:19

It is a horrible experience and the weirdest thing is that even though we now have ours I can't stop thinking and worrying about all the people who still haven't. I will never ever allow myself to be so complacent again.

The old passports were sent in the normal mail and actually arrived the day before the new ones which arrived by bloke in dodgy white van courier.

Hairbrush123 · 13/06/2014 23:31

Me too BeyondBurma. I keep checking and seeing if they have any good news! But by the looks of it; most people on these threads get their passport back on time, so hopefully let's hope everyone on this thread gets their passport on time! Never will I leave my passport this late!
And me too... I thought the courier's van would have their logo on it but obviously not! Just a strange white van.

Janjanmama · 13/06/2014 23:36

Hairbrush123, yes I contacted my local MP. I said dd won't be able to start her school if her passport still not arrive.

Actually my situation is not the worst. Some people here have been waiting over 4 months already. That's why I'm so panic. Dd's existing passport is still valid until Dec. but since we plan to have a short trip in Asia in early July, I have to renew to fulfill the 6-months-validity requirement.

sapperjig · 14/06/2014 07:44

Hairbrush - it was all in the same envelope but a many pages back we had been through this in the first week of May (in the days where there were allegedly no problems!) Passport arrived day before we travelled RM special delivery before 0900 with the old passport and certificate with it.

Eghamite · 14/06/2014 07:47

I got two passports back this week. One took 2w5d and the other 3w1d.

This was the new Online service, processed at Peterborough.

sapperjig · 14/06/2014 07:48

Hairbrush - same with me in relation to checking for good news. My story ended ok, but it would not have done if I had not got numbers off this forum and contacted MP.

I keep checking back to give anybody who is just new to it the advice that saw mine turn good.

What I don't get is why people especially now it's in the media continue to send via normal services. I appreciate it's all £, but I would have happily paid the extra £50 odd for a premium service on day one they go through that stress again.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 14/06/2014 09:12

Sapperjig - they are believing the passport office saying that 99% of applications are processed in 4 weeks.

Hairbrush123 · 14/06/2014 09:16

Sapperjig, when are you due to travel? And I know! Thank God for this forum - I would have not made the progress I made without it! This time at the beginning of the week it seemed very unlikely for my passport to come back in time but as soon as I phoned the direct number & contacted my MP - that's when things began to move very fast.
I just keep checking too! I really hope everyone gets it back in time! I think I would've paid for a premium service if I knew it would take this long!

hecticmummy · 14/06/2014 09:48

YAY!!!!! Durham office called me half an hour ago to tell me my son's passport is being printed and it and all other supporting documentation will be delivered on Tuesday morning. I am so happy!!!!! Was building myself up to be only called next week Tuesday / Wednesday, so was so happy to get a call this morning.
Now just have to wait to receive the passport.

Hairbrush123 · 14/06/2014 10:01

Yay Hecticmummy! I'm happy to hear that :) the wait for your passport is such a killer! Couldn't stop thinking about it!

hecticmummy · 14/06/2014 10:12

Thanks Hairbrush123. It has been rather stressful. Next time I will use fast track as this stress is just not worth it. Looks like they are getting through the work load. I was so happy when I got the call, I was crying for joy on the phone!