Brits Face Christmas Holiday Nightmare As Passport Delivery Firm Admits Delays
Spain News
Published: 26 November 2021 14:23 CET
British holidaymakers have been warned about possible disruptions to their Christmas travel arrangements after the firm responsible for passport delivery admitted delays.
Many Brits book their winter and Christmas breaks to escape the cold snap in the UK, however, those needing a new passport have been told to expect delays putting their breaks in jeopardy.
Processing times have been impacted due to a large increase in the number of applications following the end of the Covid lockdown and travel restrictions.
It means that many could now have to wait up to 10 weeks before receiving their new travel document.
The company which currently has the contract to deliver new and renewed passports have been hit by delays with angry travellers demanding answers.
Some have gone one step further and set up a petition calling for a probe into the issue.
The petition stated: “In recent months thousands of us have experienced significant delays in getting our passports delivered.
“Many have had to cancel their travel plans as a result and lost out on hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
“Unlike many other couriers, TNT do not seem to provide real time tracking, nor can you provide delivery instructions.
"People have experienced numerous failed delivery attempts, others have had their delivery date continuously pushed back with no end in sight.
“Some have even had their passport or application supporting documents lost by TNT.”
A spokesperson from TNT which was awarded the £77 million three-year contract back in 2019 told The Times that they apologised for the “inconvenience” over the passport delays.
A statement from the firm said, “We are taking additional steps to provide timely delivery by adding additional resources to the operations. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
It comes as Brits face the added issue of new strains of the Coronavirus which could be a further stumbling block when booking holidays this winter.
Source
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/passport-delivery-delay-christmas-holiday-winter-sun-b968156.html
https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/16843325/christmas-holiday-nightmare-passport-delivery-issues/
