Thursday 04 April 2013
The Guernsey Passport Office is advising Islanders to apply for their passports early.
Phil Taylor, Assistant Chief Officer, Immigration and Nationality said:
"As the holiday season approaches a valid passport will soon become an essential part of the preparation for Islanders looking to holiday outside of the United Kingdom. Throughout the year the Guernsey Passport Office deals with people who have forgotten to ensure that their passport is valid before they travel. This obviously causes unwanted anxiety and can be avoided by planning ahead".
Mr Taylor said:
"We would encourage Islanders to check their passports well in advance of any travel and not leave it until the last minute and risk missing out on their holiday. Applying early will ensure that customers receive their passports in good time ahead of their holiday. Islanders planning to travel during the summer should check their passports now".
At present the waiting time for a new passport is approximately four weeks but this may well increase further as the numbers rushing to renew a passport at the last minute increases. The usual impact of this is that as school holidays approach the wait for a new passport can take up to six weeks.
Mr Taylor said:
"Whilst the Guernsey Passport Office does everything it can to try and ensure that passports are issued in time to meet travel plans, this can be increasingly difficult when applications are submitted at short notice during the busy summer season".
When applying for a replacement passport up to 9 months of time that has not expired is credited to the new passport so there is no cost or penalty for renewing a passport early.
The cost of passports is currently £72.50 for an adult and £46 for a child.
ENDS
Contact Details
Phil Taylor, Assistant Chief Officer - Head of Immigration and Nationality
Telephone: 01481 741420
email: phil.taylor@gba.gov.gg
