Renewing a UK passport: Renewals, delays and lost or stolen advice

The countdown to your holiday is on, and instead of daydreaming about sandy beaches or bustling city streets, you're stressing over whether your passport will arrive in time.

But Norton Insurance Brokers are going to help you avoid this stress. Learn what you can do if your passport doesn’t make it in time, along with some practical advice on renewal times, the costs of applying for passports and what to do if your passport is stolen or lost, and how their travel insurance can help.

How long does it take to renew a UK passport?

The standard turnaround time for renewing a UK passport is 3 weeks, but it may take longer if the government need more information.

If you're against the clock, there are some special services you can take advantage of which can get your passport to you sooner:

• One week fast track service: This service aims to deliver your passport to you within seven working days. You must attend an appointment in-person at a registered passport office with a completed paper application and two photographs. There are a number of offices around the country. Prices start from £166.50 for a standard adult passport.
• One day premium service: If you're in urgent need, the one day premium service will be your best bet for adult passport renewals. The earliest you'll get an appointment is 2 days after applying. Similarly to the one week fast track service, you'll have to attend an in-person appointment. Prices start from £207.50 for a standard adult passport.

Please note that these services cannot typically speed up an already submitted application that is delayed. This is also strictly for passport renewals.

Norton's advice when you should renew your passport

Don't wait until the last minute, renew your passport well before any planned trips. It's not worth the headache.

We advise checking the issuing date of your passport if you haven't done so for a while. Some international countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months before entering the country to avoid any legal issues - such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It’s recommended you check your destination's requirements in advance of your trip. You can do this on the government website.

What if my passport won't arrive before my holiday?

If you haven't had any update or you're yet to receive your passport before your holiday, there are some things you can do which may help.

1. Contact the Passport Adviceline

If your holiday is fast approaching and there's no sign of your passport, there are some services you can explore to try speed up the process.

First and foremost, by getting in touch with the Passport Adviceline, you can receive support and get an update on your application. They might be able to accelerate the existing application depending on how far it has progressed in the system.

2. Can you change your travel dates?

If you're not confident that your passport will arrive in time, it could be worth considering rescheduling your holiday.

Some booking providers have better rebooking policies than others, many airlines and hotels can be flexible especially when it comes to documentation issues. Just be sure to check when you're able to cancel by - if you're able to.

3. Will travel insurance cover me?

No, travel insurance doesn't cover you if your passport does not arrive in time before your holiday. That's why you should check your passport's expiry date, contact Passport Adviceline or try to change your travel dates. But travel insurance will cover you for lost/stolen passports, which Norton will get onto next.

Lost and stolen passports

Losing your passport or having it stolen can be a stressful experience, especially if you're preparing for a trip or are already abroad.

Firstly, try not to panic. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Report the loss/theft: As soon as you realise your passport is lost or may have been stolen, if you're in the UK, contact the Passport Adviceline and obtain a police report or a reference number as it's needed when applying for a replacement. If you're abroad, report it to the local police and obtain a police report. Reporting the theft helps prevent identity fraud and misuse of your passport.

2. Contact Passport Adviceline or your nearest embassy: Alert the UK Passport Office or the nearest British embassy (if abroad). They can provide you with an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to help you return home. It's important to do this quickly to minimise the disruption to your holiday.

3. Apply for a replacement: Begin the application process for a new passport as soon as possible. Don't forget to mention the nature of the loss — whether lost or stolen — as this can affect the processing and security checks.

4. Claiming on your travel insurance: Keep any reference numbers when you report the loss/theft as these will be needed when claiming on your travel insurance (if eligible).

Will travel insurance cover lost or stolen passports?

Yes, some travel insurance providers will reimburse you if your in-date passport is stolen or accidentally lost abroad.*

There are some specifications depending on the timeframe which your passport is stolen which you need to be aware of. You may want think about speaking to an experienced insurance advisors such as our Personal Client Managers so you know what you're covered for.

*Cover varies depending on the insurer.

How much is it to renew a standard passport in the UK?

As of 11th April 2024, an application for a standard UK passport for an adult is £88.50 whilst for a child (under the age of 16) is £57.50 - when completed online. If you choose to apply by post, it will be at least £11.50 more expensive, and it typically takes longer.

If you're a frequent traveller or you travel for business, you may be able to apply for a second passport for an additional cost.

There are also fast track services available (as mentioned earlier) which come at a premium price:

• One week fast track: Prices start from £166.50 for a standard adult passport and £135.50 for a child (under the age of 16).
• One day premium service: Prices start from £207.50 for a standard adult passport and £135.50 for a child (under the age of 16).

Get a quote for travel insurance

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, enjoy nice holidays or you travel frequently, Norton's Travel Insurance can cover you for wherever you’re travelling to.

Get in touch with their experienced Personal Client Managers by calling 0121 248 9440 or visit their website for more information.