Using 1 week fast track passport service while already got a Post Office paper application ongoing

bailey_uk

Hi folks, we submitted out 2 child passport applications on the 22nd March for travel 28th May.

We received a text saying they were received the application on the 30th March.

This only leaves a gap of 8 weeks so rather worried.

My question is, if I was to ever get a 1 week fast track service, (website keeps saying Error, system too busy), wouId we have to pay the original fee of £58.50 as well as the fast track fee of £122?

We are waiting for two passports so not only will this work out expensive, potentially hard to get the two FT appointments needed!

Pollycat

bailey_uk said:

Hi folks, we submitted out 2 child passport applications on the 22nd March for travel 28th May.

We received a text saying they were received the application on the 30th March.

This only leaves a gap of 8 weeks so rather worried.

My question is, if I was to ever get a 1 week fast track service, (website keeps saying Error, system too busy), wouId we have to pay the original fee of £58.50 as well as the fast track fee of £122?

We are waiting for two passports so not only will this work out expensive, potentially hard to get the two FT appointments needed!

It would be a waste of money:

If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it, do not pay for an urgent passport - you will not get your passport sooner or get a refund. You can track your passport application.

Get a passport urgently: How to apply - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

bailey_uk

Pollycat said:

It would be a waste of money:

If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it, do not pay for an urgent passport - you will not get your passport sooner or get a refund. You can track your passport application.

Get a passport urgently: How to apply - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Ah I didnt see that part...

So there is nothing we can do?

bailey_uk

Tried ringing but they say it's too busy 

smudge56

Firstly you won’t be able to get a fast track appointment as they are booked up for the next three weeks.  Secondly as you have already submitted an application you will not be able to proceed with your fast track application. You will only be able to upgrade.
you can only upgrade if you are travelling within 7 days. If you decide to upgrade you will not get a callback until two days before your travel date.
your applications have been received and scanned on.  They are now just waiting to be examined. It’s likely that they will be out before your holiday.

bailey_uk

Thanks, and just to cofirm, to upgrade it is by ringing the number?

Not had any luck getting through at any point yet, but will try earlier in the day maybe 

Pollycat

bailey_uk said:

Hi folks, we submitted out 2 child passport applications on the 22nd March for travel 28th May.

We received a text saying they were received the application on the 30th March.

This only leaves a gap of 8 weeks so rather worried.

My question is, if I was to ever get a 1 week fast track service, (website keeps saying Error, system too busy), wouId we have to pay the original fee of £58.50 as well as the fast track fee of £122?

We are waiting for two passports so not only will this work out expensive, potentially hard to get the two FT appointments needed!

According to this post you can only upgrade if you are travelling within 7 days:

smudge56 said:

Firstly you won’t be able to get a fast track appointment as they are booked up for the next three weeks.  Secondly as you have already submitted an application you will not be able to proceed with your fast track application. You will only be able to upgrade.
you can only upgrade if you are travelling within 7 days. If you decide to upgrade you will not get a callback until two days before your travel date.
your applications have been received and scanned on.  They are now just waiting to be examined. It’s likely that they will be out before your holiday.

so why are you trying to ring now?

I can't see on gov.uk where it mentions upgrading an application but maybe I've missed it.

onashoestring

Pollycat said:

I can't see on gov.uk where it mentions upgrading an application but maybe I've missed it.

I can’t see it on gov.U.K. website either but several posters (@smudge56 @Rony ) have mentioned it in posts on this forum.

My understanding from reading their threads is that once your standard application has exceeded the 10 week wait and if your  travel is imminent you can request your application is “upgraded” to a fast- track service  quoting your PEX reference number . 

However what is not clear is how you contact Passport Office to inform them of your imminent travel as no one can seem to get through on the phone lines - @Rony mentioned there is a “special” e-mail address ? 

Rony

onashoestring said:

Pollycat said:

I can't see on gov.uk where it mentions upgrading an application but maybe I've missed it.

I can’t see it on gov.U.K. website either but several posters (@smudge56 @Rony ) have mentioned it in posts on this forum.

My understanding from reading their threads is that once your standard application has exceeded the 10 week wait and if your  travel is imminent you can request your application is “upgraded” to a fast- track service  quoting your PEX reference number . 

However what is not clear is how you contact Passport Office to inform them of your imminent travel as no one can seem to get through on the phone lines - @Rony mentioned there is a “special” e-mail address ? 

Thanks for cc'ing me!

Just so you know I was given this email address after turning up at the passport office and them taking my details. So I am not sure if anyone can just use this email address, but you might as well try if you are desperate.

You need to these details in the email:

Name
PEX passport reference number
Date and time of flight + booking reference
Attach your booking details with the airline as proof
Explanation of your situation

They fast track passport renewals based on time left til flight.

If it doesn't work then I'd recommend making a trip down to the passport office Asap!

Good luck!

Pollycat

Rony said:

onashoestring said:

Pollycat said:

I can't see on gov.uk where it mentions upgrading an application but maybe I've missed it.

I can’t see it on gov.U.K. website either but several posters (@smudge56 @Rony ) have mentioned it in posts on this forum.

My understanding from reading their threads is that once your standard application has exceeded the 10 week wait and if your  travel is imminent you can request your application is “upgraded” to a fast- track service  quoting your PEX reference number . 

However what is not clear is how you contact Passport Office to inform them of your imminent travel as no one can seem to get through on the phone lines - @Rony mentioned there is a “special” e-mail address ? 

Thanks for cc'ing me!

Just so you know I was given this email address after turning up at the passport office and them taking my details. So I am not sure if anyone can just use this email address, but you might as well try if you are desperate.

You need to these details in the email:

Name
PEX passport reference number
Date and time of flight + booking reference
Attach your booking details with the airline as proof
Explanation of your situation

They fast track passport renewals based on time left til flight.

If it doesn't work then I'd recommend making a trip down to the passport office Asap!

Good luck!

But weren't you travelling within 7 days?

smudge56 said:

Firstly you won’t be able to get a fast track appointment as they are booked up for the next three weeks.  Secondly as you have already submitted an application you will not be able to proceed with your fast track application. You will only be able to upgrade.
you can only upgrade if you are travelling within 7 days. If you decide to upgrade you will not get a callback until two days before your travel date.
your applications have been received and scanned on.  They are now just waiting to be examined. It’s likely that they will be out before your holiday.

The OP is departing on 28th May.

onashoestring

Rony said:

Just so you know I was given this email address after turning up at the passport office and them taking my details. So I am not sure if anyone can just use this email address, but you might as well try if you are desperate.

You need to these details in the email:

Name
PEX passport reference number
Date and time of flight + booking reference
Attach your booking details with the airline as proof
Explanation of your situation

They fast track passport renewals based on time left til flight.

If it doesn't work then I'd recommend making a trip down to the passport office Asap!

Good luck!

Thank you for this useful information @Rony I am sure it will help some who applied months ago and of the who still haven’t received their passports and have imminent travel. 
A reassurance for the OP that if their passport still hasn’t arrived 7 days before they are due to travel they can use this escalation route .