Passport office issues warning to families travelling on summer holidays

British families arranging summer holidays are being advised to double-check this before travelling, as they could face last-minute disruptions that jeopardise their plans. HM Passport Office has issued a new alert to households submitting passport applications together, warning that a straightforward error when posting documents could delay the procedure.

In guidance published online, the body stated families and couples should submit all supporting paperwork in one envelope when making multiple applications. Authorities emphasised this is especially vital where identical documentation - such as birth or marriage certificates - is required for more than one person. The department said: "Linking the right documents for multiple applications can help avoid delays."

According to the official guidance, applicants should place all paperwork in a sturdy envelope and clearly mark each application reference number on the front, above the address, reports The Mirror.

Families are also informed they can post their documents to any of the addresses supplied, even if individual applicants received different submission instructions.

However, there is one critical condition: if anyone in the group requires their identity verified, documents must not be dispatched until this stage is completed. Applicants will receive an email confirming when the Passport Office is prepared to accept paperwork.

The alert comes as millions of Britons gear up for the peak holiday season, when demand for passports typically rockets.

Official government guidance states that standard UK passport applications usually take up to three weeks, though this can take longer if documents are missing or incorrectly submitted.

The UK Government advises travellers to apply well in advance of any planned trips and to check passport validity rules for their destination, particularly for travel to the EU, where stricter expiry and issue-date requirements apply post-Brexit.

Failing to follow the correct procedure could mean applications are separated or delayed while officials attempt to match documents to the right person.

This, in turn, risks passports failing to arrive on time, potentially resulting in missed flights, cancelled holidays and hefty rebooking charges.

With overseas travel continuing to bounce back strongly, officials are urging families not to leave anything to chance.

The Passport Office said planning ahead and following the correct steps allows travellers to "plan ahead with confidence" - and avoid unnecessary stress just weeks before departure.