MSE News: Passport backlog: What are your rights?

horseygal

i did three passport renewals on 14 may online. i then sent suporting documents the next day. i got my passport on 9 june nad am still waiting for two childrens renewals passports. despite numerous emails /phonecalls promises off fastrack we still have no passports for my sons. its a complete shambles they do not know the correct information when you phone up. i was told on wednesday that they have not received letter from person verifying applications. She received their letter on saturday and sent it back same day. She has now sent another recorded delivery. i have rang them today nobody knows if letter has been received. i have to wait 24/48 hrs for a callback. its really a poor service i think.We were supposed to travel yesterday but could not

katiejones

Eldest son sent his off on 29th May - renewal from child to adult. But with name change (deedpoll). Recieved his new passport today. No problems, no complaints.

raindropsy

Just to let people know who are waiting biting their nails. I sent ours on 29.5, they received it next day , money banked on 2.6 passport received exactly 20 days after after I sent them. This was child going onto new adult passport and a child's one- I think it is brilliant service although stressful due to the noise on the news. I think they are speeding up because of the noise, we are by Newport.
Unfortunately my passport got stuck due to me making a mistake on the cheque :-(. But now paid over the phone so I hope it arrives before 8.7, I was told to ring 7 before travel and I will be upgraded, but hope it arrives before that. Does anyone know if in my case , Will I be put back in the queue and wait for another 3 weeks?
Well I just have to believe that it will work out.

smudge56

If you have requested an upgrade it will be put in a queue in travel date order

Puffin74

I sent my son's and husbands passports off at the beginning of April as we've booked a holiday abroad in July - I was really nervous about how long it would take but ours came back within 3 weeks. We must be one of the lucky ones!

Be_Nice

We have just today made travel arrangements for October.

I will need to make first applications for both of my children. Has there been any progress made with the backlogs and is it safe to send the passports for the regular fee, or do I need to upgrade to ensure I have them back? Could really do without paying the additional fees if its not necessary.

balletshoes

Be_Nice wrote: »

We have just today made travel arrangements for October.

I will need to make first applications for both of my children. Has there been any progress made with the backlogs and is it safe to send the passports for the regular fee, or do I need to upgrade to ensure I have them back? Could really do without paying the additional fees if its not necessary.

how many weeks is it between now and your holiday?

Be_Nice

balletshoes wrote: »

how many weeks is it between now and your holiday?

16 weeks I am hoping that will be enough and the summer rush will be dealt with.

balletshoes

Be_Nice wrote: »

16 weeks I am hoping that will be enough and the summer rush will be dealt with.

yes i agree - you should be fine to put in the applications soon, and get them back in plenty of time.

jaylee3

I have got not one single scrap of sympathy for ANYone regarding this. ANYbody who booked their holiday BEFORE getting their passport deserves all they get IMO. It's a well documented fact that you should always wait for your passport to arrive before making holiday plans. It says it in big letters on the passport application!

I don't think the passport office should owe anybody ANYthing. Yes, they have a backlog. Sh-t happens. if you lost your holiday because of it; bad luck. Lesson learned. Get your passport FIRST next time.

May sound harsh, but I just have no time for stupidity.

There was this bloke on the news a week or so ago with a chubby red-eyed little daughter on his lap for effect and he was whining 'we go on holiday tomorrow and Shannon's passport is not here yet, so we can't go.' It was about 15th June: he sent for 'Shannon's' passport on 25th MAY!

You gotta be some special kinda stupid to send for a passport THREE WEEKS before your very expensive family holiday overseas.

Like I said: I have not a jot of sympathy.