As the Passport Office prepares to enter one of its busiest times of year, members of the public are being reminded to check the validity of their passports before travelling abroad.
Passport processing is currently taking up to five weeks, so people are advised to ensure their documentation is in order well in advance of any planned journeys.
Anybody who discovers their passport is out of date, and requires a passport by a guaranteed date, can take advantage of five working days or one-day express services which are available at an additional cost, subject to certain conditions being met. Express applications must be made in person.
First time applicants are reminded they may be required to attend the Passport Office for an interview. Where an interview is required applicants cannot use the express services.
The office is open to the public from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9.30am to 4pm on Fridays. Customers using the express services will be able to collect their passports at 4pm, Monday to Thursday, and at 3.30pm on a Friday.
The office, located on the ground floor of Government Offices, Bucks Road, Douglas, handles all passport applications and renewals, as well as issues regarding immigration and nationality.
Senior External Relations Officer Richard Carter is urging local residents to plan ahead and avoid leaving applications and renewals until the last moment.
He explained: ‘People can renew their current passport from nine months before its expiry date without losing those months and days. Any time still “in credit” will be added to the expiry date of their new passport.’
Anyone seeking further information can call one of the Passport and Immigration Office enquiry and advice lines – passport advice 01624 693222 or 01624 685208, nationality enquiries 01624 686283, immigration enquiries 01624 685203.
People who require assistance whilst abroad should contact the nearest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in the country they are visiting.
Passport application forms, immigration forms and additional guidance are available on the Government website at http://www.gov.im/cso/
