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Passports & family

Left your passport renewal too late before a holiday?

Travelling soon and your passport won’t arrive in time? The Post Office and GOV.UK fast-track and premium services can help. Here’s what to do — and fast.

Last updated 10 July 2026

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Realised your passport won’t make it before you fly? There are official fast options — the key is to act immediately, because appointment slots go quickly.

Do this now

  1. 1
    Check your travel date vs. any appointmentWork out how many days you actually have — that decides which service you need.
  2. 2
    Book an urgent appointmentUse the GOV.UK urgent service: the 1-week Fast Track or the Premium online-appointment service. Both cost more and need booking ahead.
  3. 3
    Check your destination’s validity rulesMany countries need several months’ validity left — “not expired” isn’t always enough.
Watch out. Slots for urgent services are limited and go fastest in spring and summer. Book the moment you realise there’s a problem — waiting a day can cost you the only workable appointment.

For next time

Tip. An adult passport lasts 10 years and a child’s 5. Set a reminder around 6 months before expiry — that covers standard processing plus the spare validity many destinations require. See how long a passport renewal takes.

In short

If a standard renewal won’t arrive in time, book a GOV.UK urgent appointment (Fast Track or Premium) straight away — slots are limited. Check your destination’s validity rules too, and don’t book non-refundable travel on the assumption it’ll arrive. Next time, set a reminder 6 months out.

Frequently asked questions

What are the fast passport options?

GOV.UK offers urgent services for an extra fee: a 1-week Fast Track service and a Premium service with an online appointment for a faster turnaround. Both need an appointment you book in advance, and slots are limited — book as early as you can.

Can I still travel if my passport is valid but expires soon?

Maybe not — many countries require several months of validity remaining on the day you travel, and some don’t accept extra months carried over from a previous adult passport. Check your destination’s entry rules before you rely on an in-date passport.

What if I can’t get an urgent appointment in time?

Book the earliest urgent appointment you can and, if it still won’t work for your dates, you may have to consider changing travel plans. Don’t book non-refundable travel on the assumption a passport will arrive — GOV.UK advises against it.

Related guides

Sources & last checked

Last checked against official sources: 10 July 2026.