The Post Office is urging people to check their passport details ahead of the start of the summer holiday season to make sure they can travel without any problems.
Official Government guidance is that it takes three weeks for a standard passport renewal, but the Post Office said this could take longer if applying for the first time.
The Post Office said its research suggested that more than a third of UK people are unaware of their passport expiry date without having to check and one in four have forgotten to renew their passports before it expired at least once.
The Post Office said it wanted to raise awareness to avoid any potential complications for holidaymakers.
Elinor Hull, identity services director at the Post Office, said: “Customers are advised by His Majesty’s Passport Office not to book travel until they have a valid passport.
“As our research shows that many customers do not do this, and with the summer holidays fast approaching, it’s crucial for travellers to ensure their passports are up-to-date to avoid any unexpected surprises at the check-in desk.
“Six weeks before the peak summer travel period, we want to remind people across the country to take a proactive approach in safeguarding their travel plans, to ensure holidaymakers have peace of mind, and a renewed passport, in time for their holidays.”
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