Travel chiefs call on govt to end to ‘devastating’ Passport Office strike

Wratten’s words were echoed by Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said, who said the strikes “will only add” to the delays people have been facing, as most people last year had to wait for more than 10 weeks for their passport.

“Long waits for passports will inevitably put people off travelling at a time when the outbound travel industry is recovering from the hangover of the pandemic,” Lo Bue-Said added.

“Not only will this strike disrupt planned holidays, and the opportunity to make the most of last minute deals, but will also put further obstacles in the place of business travellers and those visiting family abroad.”

A Home Office spokesperson said the government was working "to manage the impact of strike action, whilst ensuring we can continue to deliver vital services to the public, with comprehensive contingency plans in place."

"There are currently no plans to change our guidance which states that it takes up to ten weeks to get a passport," they added.

This mirrored the words of Abta, which said it had been advised "by His Majesty’s Passport Office that they are making preparations to ensure they continue to meet the needs of their customers during this time.”