Passport renewal rush likely

From Friday, most people arriving from the UK will face only seven days’ quarantine, with a test, and it is hoped that all restrictions for people coming into the island will be removed in July.

Guernsey Immigration ordinarily issues between 6,000 and 7,000 passports each year. However during 2020, due to the Covid pandemic stopping travel the team received just 3,500 applications.

‘It is anticipated there is a significant number of passports that may require renewal both locally and in the UK, and as our passports are printed centrally in the UK, it is likely this printing process will take longer than usual,’ a spokesman said.

‘We would therefore recommend passport holders to check and renew their passport at the earliest opportunity.’

All unexpired passports remain valid regardless of whether they include European Union wording.

Passports are now issued for a maximum of 10 years for adults and five for a child.

There is now a requirement for at least six months’ validity on a passport from the date of travel. Any additional months above the 10 years’ initial duration will no longer be a recognised as a valid period in which to travel and will require early renewal.

Adult passports cost £85 or £142 through fast track. Children’s are £58.50 or £122 with a fast track option.

Fast track applications should be completed within eight working days, while standard applications would normally be handled within six weeks.