Winter getaways at risk over passport delivery delays

Holidaymakers could find their plans for on overseas sunshine break this winter under threat.

The Passport Office’s delivery contractor TNT has been struggling to deliver new and renewed passports on time.

It blamed a surge in applications since travel rules were eased.

People needing a new passport have been warned of likely delays.

TNT has been bombarded with complaints over delays and travellers have even started a petition seeking assurances about delivery times.

"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.," the position states.

It says ‘delivery dates have continuously been pushed back with no end in sight.’

TNT apologised for the ‘inconvenience,’ The Times reported.

"We are taking additional steps to provide timely delivery by adding additional resources to the operations," the company said.