There have been numerous queries recently about passports, and especially so, the timing for renewing so we have been in touch with various sources are are able to confirm the following:

  • Travelling to an EU Country:
    • Adults must have 3 months validity on their passport. It is advisable to get a new passport 6-9 months out.
    • Children must have 6 months validity on their passport. It is advisable to get a new passport 9-12 months out.
  • MOD Passport Renewals.
    • The service provided by the NSE takes the passport to an MOD Desk in the main passport office in Peterborough.
    • This process currently takes between 4 and 6 weeks. The last 4 passport renewals took only 4 weeks. Far quicker than the service provided by the normal passport office desks of up to 10 weeks.
    • Using the NSE ensures more control of the passport and payment is made against the HoL EPC. The subject does not pay for the passport.
  • SP with Children at Boarding School. There have been some concerns about getting children’s passports back from renewal in a timely fashion without affecting their travel requirements. After discussions with the MOD Desk at the passport office the following can be offered.
    • Whilst still using the service offered by the NSE (ie completing all paperwork in the NSE) parents can hand carry an application when returning a child to school and send it on arrival in the UK. The NSE can add additional paperwork to the application to allow the passport, once renewed, to be returned to the child’s school. This should ensure that they have the passport back to allow travel for the next term break. This has been tested and has worked. Parents must plan ahead to use this option.
    • As per point one above. To ensure a passport is renewed at an appropriate time to the family/child’s circumstances that process can now be started up to 12 months from the expiry date.
    • The MOD Team have agreed that in exceptional circumstances they can process a child’s passport using the one day method. This must be instigated through the NSE who will liaise with the MOD Team. They have made it very clear this is the exception not the norm.
  • Finally, the NSE are able to converse with the MOD Desk at the passport office directly (individuals cannot). If anyone finds they are having any difficulty with the process they should engage with the Chf Clk at the earliest opportunity to allow time to engage the MOD team.