If you’re looking to do some international travelling, having a valid passport is a must. So, it’s only natural that you’d like to know when you can expect your new travel document to arrive.
In this article, we’ll break down the current passport waiting times depending on the case—whether you’re waiting for your first adult passport, adult passport renewal, or children’s passports. Additionally, you’ll learn if it’s possible to get your passport sooner than it’s stated by His Majesty’s Passport Office.
Make sure your passport photo is fully compliant so that your passport application goes through without a hitch. Take your picture with Passport Photo Online and avoid additional weeks of waiting for your travel document!
Other passport questions? Take a look at some of our articles on British travel documents:
- What Documents Do I Need for a Passport?
- What Do You Do With Old Passports?
- How Can You Get an Emergency Passport?
How long does it take to get a passport?
The application process on your side doesn’t take long. After all, your task is to gather the documents, complete the passport application form, and take a passport photo. Additionally, in most cases, you can apply for your passport online, which will shorten the waiting time altogether.
However, the real passport wait time starts when HM Passport Office receives your document. So, you must also consider the mailing time or the system availability (in the case of online applications).
While the general waiting time is three weeks, according to the official UK government website, you may be eligible for expedited services in some circumstances. Read on to explore your options.
How long does it take to get your first passport?
Adult passports usually take the longest to arrive. After you send your passport documents (or submit them online), it may take 6–12 weeks for HM Passport Office to process your application. During this time, the Passport Office may interview you and your countersignatories for identity proof.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to use a fast-track service for your new passport application.
💡 Did you know? According to monthly surveys completed by passport applicants at Passportwaitingtime, the average waiting time for the first adult passport is 12.74 days.
How long do you have to wait for your renewed passport?
Your UK adult passport renewal process will take a bit less than the first British passport application. Your identity is already proven, and there’s no need for a countersignatory. However, HMPO still advises you to save up to ten weeks for your passport to be renewed.
The good news here is that you can use urgent services for your passport renewal. So, if you don’t have enough time to wait for your passport for almost ten weeks, you can use either fast-track or online premium services. Important: For both options, you must book an appointment at a Passport Office of your choice. Passport appointments last up to 30 minutes.
With the fast-track service, you’ll receive your passport a week from your appointment. And with the online premium service, you’ll get your passport at your appointment.
Read more about the urgent passport renewal process in our comprehensive guide.
💡 Did you know? According to monthly surveys completed by passport applicants at Passportwaitingtime, the average waiting time for adult passport renewal is 8.33 days.
How long does it take to get a child’s passport?
Like renewed passports, children’s passports are processed within ten weeks. Fortunately, in this case, you can also use the fast-track service and get your child’s British passport within one week.
Need to renew your child’s UK passport? Ensure a smooth process by reading our handy guide.
💡 Did you know? According to monthly surveys completed by passport applicants at Passportwaitingtime, the average waiting time for the first child passport is 13.48 days, and for the child passport renewal, it is 9.87 days.
FAQ
What is the current wait time for a UK passport?
According to the official UK government website, the current passport processing time is around 3 weeks. The waiting times, however, depend on the type of passport you’re applying for, and may take between 6–12 weeks.
How long does UK passport renewal take in 2024?
As of 2024, you should allow up to 10 weeks to renew your UK passport.
How long is the fastest way to get a passport?
The fastest way to get your passport is to use an online premium service, provided that you’re renewing your passport. Then, depending on your appointment date, you’ll receive your passport at that time during your appointment.
How long after the passport is approved does it arrive?
Since the passport documents are approved, UK passport applicants should expect their passports to arrive within 6–12 weeks.
UK passport waiting times—summary
Although the official UK passport waiting time varies between three and ten weeks, you can expect to receive your passport much earlier, as proven by the surveys of Passportwaitingtime.co.uk.
However, if you need to get your passport urgently, use one of the expedited passport services. Keep in mind that they’ll involve additional fees.
And to secure your passport photo, choose Passport Photo Online and take a fully compliant passport picture from the comfort of your home!
Roxana is a writer with 3+ years of experience. As a Master in psycholinguistics, she blends her passion for language and communication with insights from diverse cultures, making her content resonate with a broad audience.
