A Post Office postmaster has called on people to verify their passports before jetting off on holiday this summer. Richard Fleetwood, who runs the Town Centre Washington Post Office, warned that many families don’t check up on the passport validity rules and other entry criteria for where they are going.
He advised: “My top tip to all travellers is simple – plan ahead. Be sure to check your passport’s expiry date and validity before booking your trip and make sure to always review the travel rules for your destination.
“Staying on top of your passport expiry date can save you a lot of stress and disappointment when the trip does arrive. We would recommend that people check their passport and visit their local Post Office early if they need a new passport.”
It’s crucial to check the regulations for your destination country, as many regions demand your passport is valid for a specified duration when you visit.
For instance, when travelling to any Schengen zone nations, including EU countries, your passport must have been issued within the past 10 years and have at least three months’ validity from your departure date. Schengen nations offer border-free travel to EU citizens. Staff at the Town Centre Washington Post Office process over 70 passport applications monthly on average.
A ‘quick and easy’ process
Customers are sometimes surprised at how quick and easy the process is. Mr Fleetwood shared an experience from his branch: “A couple weeks ago a customer came in asking how to renew his passport as it had expired, and he was going on holiday the next month.
“He was worried he had left it too late and wouldn’t be able to go away with his friends. Our team talked him through the process through our Check & Send service.
“He came back to store with everything he needed later that day, and within 10 minutes we had completed his application, checked and sent it. He came back with his new passport to thank us – he couldn’t believe how quick and easy we made it.”
The Check & Send service is as a system whereby the Post Office fills in and submits your application electronically, with no need for paper documents.
This service is available at 1,100 outlets nationwide. A typical adult passport renewal costs £110.50, incorporating the £16 Check & Send charge.
Alternatively, you can renew your passport digitally via the Government website. Getting your passport renewed or replaced costs £94.50 to do online, while doing the paper application costs £107.
To renew online, you’ll need to have on hand a digital photograph of yourself, payment information from your credit or debit card, and your existing passport details.
