City travellers told of fast passport service

Travellers who need to renew their passport have been advised they get a new document in ten days if they apply now and beat the new year rush.

The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) said from now until Christmas is low season for applications, meaning anyone needing a straightforward renewal can expect a rapid service. Sarah Rapson, chief executive of the Identity and Passport Service, said: “If your passport expires before July 18 next year then you can renew now, avoid the rush and stress, and carry over all your unexpired time.

“Apart from avoiding last minute worries, it simply makes good financial sense.”