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I collected my passport today from Newport.
I had been waiting 15 weeks and my application was stuck at Durham (sounds like many are stuck there). I’m due to travel next Tuesday.
My advice is don’t bother ringing / texting / web chat – I gave that up weeks ago; the system is broken. They can’t tell you anymore than what the online update progress checker can.
Email to get your applications expedited / escalated / upgraded within the time frames given, i.e after 10 weeks, withing 2 weeks of travel and email them daily, and don’t just email the address you know your passport is. I emailed durham and newport (docs were at durham) Newport were the only one that replied. Ignore the warning to not keep emailing them, I emailed daily and after each email without reply I put 2nd request, 3rd request, 4th request etc.
I got MP intervention too, but I’m not sure if this got anywhere to be honest but don’t rule it out – it’s worth a shot.
I managed to get a phone call from Liverpool 8 days prior to travel saying she could approve the passport and if I’d like it posted or collected. Opted for collection this morning at 9am as no way was I going to rely on couriers etc. It was a breeze at the passport office, not much of a queue either when I arrived at 8.15. I felt for the people outside, fingers crossed they all get their wish today.
I was prepared to go to the PO 3/2/1 day before, but I got lucky. Persevere guys.I wish everyone of you good luck in getting your passport.
Do you know what passport office it’s at? If so then you can email the upgrade team too. That’s what I’ve done.
Mine was DurhamUpgradeTeam@hmpo.gov.uk
Not sure how helpful it’ll be personally at the moment.
I’m currently sitting at 12 weeks application; 2 week 1 day until I travel so tomorrow I intend on coming down on them like a tonne of bricks.
Also ring the help desk (I know they are useless) but get them to confirm it’s been escalated? I have been told to do that tomorrow once I’ve sent emails etc.
The whole system is a load of rubbish. Having known someone send of 4 passports 2 weeks ago and have them all renewed and received within a week whilst mine has fallen down the back of someones desk. Disgusting. I’m hoping I’ll get my passport soon, but I think I’m going to push the complaint further because it’s really not fair how they’re treating people.
Hi peeps. In preparation for my inevitable request to be expidited 2 weeks prior to travel which will be 26th july, what evidence do they require? Is a screenshot of flight booking sufficient? Or do they need accommodation proof also? If not screen shot, how do they require the evidence?
Many thanks.
Hi etival. Do you mind explaining what your process has been?
I’ve just had a call back from the progress department and by coincidence, my application had been assigned to an examiner 5 minutes before the call. She did say it could take 7 days to be looked at. 🙄
My friend who I spoke about the other day, submitted his application last Monday. Sent passport off special delivery last Tuesday. Passport office received Wednesday and booked in. Approved Friday and printed. Received his passport today. 6 bloody days. Absolute shambles.
That’s interesting. I bet its for the same reason. Its still not acceptable though.
I’ve also tried contacting a few news establishments too to try and publicise the shambolic operation.
Good luck with yours too. Keep us posted.
Hi.
Mine initially went to Newport but it is now in Durham.
My application started 04 May. When I spoke to them last week on probably about my 15th phone call, the reason they gave for the delay is that around May the digital system was overloaded so mines been transferred to a manual application. Probably what has happened to all of the 10 week waiters.
I haven’t emailed that address so I’ll give that a shot. Thanks.
Yep it is rediculous and they are messing with people’s lives. I can’t believe they are processing new applications before sorting out the queue.
If you Google your local Borough and mp it will provide you with the contact details. That’s what I did.
Its not actually my mp that replied but a senior parliamentary assistant who works at the same office. I’m just glad someone replied. My next step would have been to ring them up.
Fingers crossed for you.
I did the same last week and not heard anything yet.
I also got a response from my mp Friday who apparently spoke to the home office and said its in progress and will speak to them again next week. We’ll see. I have his email address now so will be bombarding him next week.
When are you due to travel?
Not due until 9th August but fed up with the shambles. My friend at work sent his off for a renewel last Tuesday. They received it Wednesday and on Friday he got a message saying his was approved and ready to print. So unfair!!
Etival, when did you get this call after doing what? How many weeks since application and when are you due to fly out of interest? Thanks.
Application submitted 4th May.
Docs received 16th May.
We travel 9th August.A colleague I’m sat next to sent his passport off on Tuesday this week, docs received day after. He’s just had a message saying your passport is ready for printing.
Fuming, I rang them up and queried it. Mines being held up because the “digital system” when I submitted mine was overloaded so was transfered to a manual application.
Doesn’t help my situation. Still angry and stressed!
Just out of interest. We’re due to fly 9th August Tuesday 6.50am. I will request to be expidited when we’re 2 weeks away, but when should I start going to Newport knocking their door.?I’m assuming Saturday as that’s technically 48 hours hmpo time?
Thanks.
