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Passport plea on busiest holiday booking day
Today (Monday) 7 is set to become ‘Holiday Day’ – the most popular day of the year to book a summer holiday.
Up to 500,000 people are expected to book their summer holidays on H-Day, according to the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) and ABTA.
The first full week back at work marks the time when the reality of being in the office hits home and Brits find escape through booking their holiday, according to the two organisations.
But as well as booking the flights and planning the schedule, it is vital that holidaymakers ensure they have a valid passport, IPS said.
“While those with renewing passports can still use the one week fast track service, vital anti-fraud checks mean adults applying for their first ever passport need to allow six weeks, as the application will include a face-to-face interview in one of the new passport interview offices around the country,” a statement said.
“This change is an important part of the fight against identity fraud, illegal immigration, terrorism and serious and organised crime.”
Home Office minister Meg Hiller said: “With Christmas festivities at an end, it’s the natural time to start looking ahead and planning your summer break.
“As part of that process we are encouraging holiday makers to check their passport is up-to-date as it now can take up to six weeks for first-time adult customers to get a new passport.
“Interviews for first-time adult customers will build on other anti-fraud measures we have introduced such as enhanced background checks and more secure passports with your photo contained on a chip. Together these will help fight passport fraud and forgery and ensure the British passport stays one of the most secure and respected in the world.”
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Booking a holiday is a great way of beating the post-Christmas blues which is why we find January to be such a busy time for our travel agents. But before booking, customers should ensure their passport is valid.”
by Phil Davies
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