Passport Processing Time

[bex12345]

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?!

0845601 number I rang at 8.30 they say lines open at 9 but there open from 8.30

Yea they waiving it if u not received your passport and u fly within 7 days

Yes I read that too but they haven't confirmed if booked holidays are included in that have they? They dodged the question when asked according to the news sites?

Sorry just seen message on passport site. I don't get it though - we are flying in 8 days so does that mean were likely to get it anyway so don't need to pay? The next seven day statement is wierd as what about the next 8,9,10 day people?!

The government dont care or even understand what we're going through. It's causing more trouble upgrading everyone as the backlog is getting bigger and were waiting longer. Overseas applicants like me are bottom of the pile. Theresa May you need to understand what's happening here. Ci can't get a 1 yr extension as my passport is a few years out of date.... Get your staff doing the job more effectively. Monday morning 9 o'clock can't come quick enough

Your're spot-on IRISHTOWN,
Too much passing the blame in the MSM, no actual constructive help.
I have no idea what the real picture is but I'm fearing the worse - I can't just sit back and think it'll be ok, especially after reading all the posts on here. We can't be the only ppl in the UK affected and griping about it??!
I just wish that the media and MP's would come clean so that we can make practical decisions based on fact but I know that's not going to happen.
Losing sleep and not eating is not a sensible way to get that beach body!

From what I understand, fees are being waived if you passed the "standard" waiting period which is 3 weeks I think for most passports except first adult passports which is 6 weeks.
Good luck all.

Ha ha thats the only good thing happening here. My beach body us coming on a treat.

Ive emailed my MP again but this time ive upped the pleading etc im desperate and cannot just wait around for them to pull their finger out overseas applicants are just made to wait I cant even get the 1 yr extension as mine and husbands are a while out of date. When I asked about this on Saturday he said he didn't know how this was going to work and laughed when I was asking numerous questions god help the person who answers that phone tomorrow

Hecticmummy overseas applications are under different rules/timescales so ive no idea when I could expect them I must say the manager I spoke to was very good and asked me to ring back Monday god only knows what he can do. I do not fancy a trip to Belfast and pay again plus another 300 and odd pounds to upgrade ive already paid too much and 2600 euro for the holiday im not going to sleep tonight again

Thanks Lifestooshorttosleep I'll try to call every possible number that have worked on people today!

Have just connected 0300!!! A very nice and polite lady picked up almost at once. States updates: need 2 more weeks to proceed, might arrive overseas my home by mid-July. Suggested me call again on 1 July to update.

They received my form on 1 May.

Hi all... My three children's passport has been in durham for 7weeks now, we fly on the 18th June. Just like everyone else I have been calling that advice line for what I don't know as it seems we know more than them. However for them it must be the worst job in the world as they are a call centre and have NO authority what so ever. They are simply reading off the screen. Started to call them after 3 weeks of my applications being there, so many escalations, requested call backs from durham (((nothing))) manager to manger urgent emails. And something called a pal email which apparently is the highest form of urgent email. Walleva? Still nothing! So for the last 7 weeks they have been stuck in examination.Thursday gone I was told by the 'progress team' that My kids won't make my holiday as they have only sent reference request to counter signature via post and she won't receive it until another few days. The lady informing me of this sounded happy to give me that news a very smug tone!! This was when I decided yo email my mp and gladly she responded in an hour, the weekend was here but she assured me that they are working around the clock and on the weekends. Miraculously I got a call on Sunday and yes I mean Sunday. They also called my counter signature to exchange fax numbers in order to receive the request. They have called her again this morning Monday at 8 to ask her what time she will do it. I am so stressed not even looking that forward to my holiday as there has been no excitement build up with the kids. Even though my passports are not in my hand I know I will be going on my holiday, so my advice to you guys is don't bother to call the stupid advice line because they can't tell you much from what they did yesterday. Also I believe with the call backs they are prioritising the date you fly. Although this don't help because the anxiety if not knowing can kill you. But then there's no pint calling back someone who is flying in a months time over someone flying in a few days. Get on to your mp most definitely.. They have all internal numbers.. And their emails are dealt with straight away providing its urgent or someone is departing soon. My mp stated that there was another person who took priority over me because they were due to fly sat 14 June. We will be fine.. And I haven't read much from people who have actually lost their holidays. Stay optimistic but still keep on to them

Hi - just after some advice. I sent my child's renewal on wednesday last week via check and send. Have just received a text telling me its been received.

Now we fly on the 12th July - do you think I need to call and ask for an upgrade/fast track? The text said it should be back to me within 3 weeks which would be fine.

I'm in the UK and my local office is Newport. If you think I do need to phone, which number is best?

many thanks if anyone can help.

I sent my 15 year old son's passport off for renewal on 2 June via post office check and send. Given all the problems I've been a bit concerned that two weeks after sending it off I haven't had a text to confirm receipt of the application.

I've just called the helpline number. (5 minutes on hold.) They were able to confirm his passport was received on 5 June and examined on 6 June. Phew. They say that I need to allow 3-6 weeks for processing. (It's a standard child renewal so really this should be 3 weeks I think.) Apparently I can expect it back around 18 July (6 weeks and 4 days.)

I asked if they could tell me which passport office it has gone to. The envelope that the application form came in had the Durham address on the front but as I used the post office check and send service I just handed the application over and kept the envelope. Apparently it's gone to the Belfast office, which is odd as I live in the South East, and will be a real pain if I need to go and fetch the passport.

Hi Bex,

I am in about the same place as you - sent off 29th May and need for 1st July so that's about 4 weeks between sending and needing them. Which office did it go to? It seems like they are fast tracking applications to those who fly within 7 days and have not received theirs yet. It seems that the upgrade team only return calls closer to the time. There doesn't seem to be a consistent approach though. I am going to go down to my passport office in Belfast next Monday (3 week mark) and see what they can do.

I will post if it arrives before then, (it was an adult renewal)

Good luck!

Sorry I meant to respond to MrsCampbellBlack in last msg - oops

Dunno whether I'm just being paranoid or not, but i've been on the phone to the Liverpool office (0845601) number, for 2 hours now and it just keeps ringing but no one's picked up! Wondering if there's any hope at all :(

UPDATE: BELFAST office.

Phoned them directly - answered in 4 rings, lovely lady. They are currently working on applications "received" 28th May. She said it takes about 2 working days to print (but currently about 24hrs) and 2 days to deliver.

Rima94 - which number are you using? Try these if you haven't already: 0845 128 9988, 0845 601 5107, 0845 601 2058.

Hi everyone, just found this thread. I posted my son's renewal via check and send with the post office on Thurs 29th May, so it'll be three weeks on Thursday. I haven't had a text and have no idea which office it's gone to. How long should I wait before chasing it? We travel on 23rd July so have about a month before we go.

hairbrush123 - I've been one the phone to the 08456012058 now for 2 hours, which one did you find got you through to them the fastest?

I haven't tried any of them. Sorry. These are what I've found on forums. Give the other 2 a try - I don't think the 58 number works

Some clarification on upgrades...

I phoned Durham office and gave my travel dates so was referred to the upgrade team and put in the queue. You basically just wait for the call. I got mine 6 days before i needed to travel and if they can't guarantee it tove wwith you by travel date they do upgrade for free so its not just for emergencies. My passport is guaranteed to be with me the day before I fly (being printed today).

jigglypuff mum:hope that you have got positive news- thank you for your post - trying not to worry. I have just had a call back from a very helpful man called David in Durham and he has told me that they are definitely prioritising according to flight departure date. I am waiting for the Upgrade team to contact me now so i can pay for my upgrade. I have just over 2 weeks to go before I travel so not as much of a panic as some!!

I'm trying the 5107 one because I received a letter with that number on it, I'm hoping someone picks up!