Worst month to renew your passport revealed – with the most applications in one day
JETSETTERS need to take note before they next head to the airport as new data shows the worst time to renew your passport with most applications in one day.
The new findings revealed by the HM Passport Office hold key advice for holidaymakers and anyone needing to renew their passport soon.
Whilst UK passports are valid for ten years, a number of countries require at least three months left on the document before landing on foreign soil.
According to the data, hopeful globe-trotters may want to steer clear of one particular month with March 17 being the peak of application traffic last year.
Whilst the summer holiday season seems to increase the number of people who are making sure their passports are valid, with the five busiest periods being found in January, February and March.
Passport-holders have also been keen to book trips during the winter months, with Christmas and New Year being particularly popular leading to an influx of applications.
With many already suffering from travel anxiety, holidaymakers will want to make sure they apply at the right time of year to ensure a speedy return of their passport.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that a number of people have been caught out in previous years.
Mario Van Poppel from foreign currency provider Manor FX, emphasised the need to remain organised whilst planning travels.
He told Devon Live: “The thought of booking a trip and then realising your passport has run out is a nightmare for most. But it is something that has caught out many people over the years.
“With new rules in place, the importance of getting your passport renewal sorted sooner rather than later has never been more important.
“Unlike getting some last-minute foreign currency, getting a new passport days or even hours ahead of reaching the departure gate is simply not possible.
“While it is not always possible to predict the exact date your renewal will be dealt with, there are patterns in this data that show the first three months of the year are definitely the busiest.”
According to HMPO’s figures March 17 was the peak for passport applications last year whilst February 1, January 31, March 18 and January 30 followed closely behind.
Brexit has also altered the situation for UK nationals as British citizens must now have a passport issued less than a decade before the date of travel.
If heading to a country within the single market, holiday-goers will often find they need at least three months on their passport before it expires too.
Whilst passports issued after 2018 are likely to be valid for exactly the correct time frame, others posted before may be valid for a further nine months due to different regulations.
Despite the Christmas and New Year period being a popular time to travel, it seems December 24, 25 and 26 were the least busy for renewals.
The HMPO website states: “You can technically renew your passport at any time. It is generally advised to renew your passport around nine months before your current passport expires.
“This accounts for possible delays or complications. It also gives you peace of mind regarding the six or three-month travel rule that applies to many countries.”