People with British passport warned 'act today' or be 'denied holiday'

Brits heading abroad during the summer holidays have been urged to renew passports today. The Post Office is trying to ensure Brits get away on their holiday this year and the government advises allowing up to three weeks for passport renewals.

The Post Office has announced a 'Check Your Passport Day' today (June 13) to minimise the amount of people whose expired passports deny them a holiday. Elinor Hull, Director of Government and Identity Services at Post Office said: "Customers are advised by His Majesty’s Passport Office not to book travel until they have a valid passport.

"As our research shows that many customers do not do this, and with the summer holidays fast approaching, it's crucial for travellers to ensure their passports are up to date to avoid any unexpected surprises at the check-in desk."

READ MORE British Gas giving money off bills and says it will 'email customers in morning'

"By designating June 13 as Check Your Passport Day, six weeks before the peak summer travel period, we want to remind people across the country to take a proactive approach in safeguarding their travel plans, to ensure holidaymakers have peace of mind, and a renewed passport, in time for their holidays," she said.

The Post Office will "complete and submit your application for you digitally" with no paper form filling. "We’ll take your digital photo to correct specifications," it says, with the service "available at 1,100 branches" and "total cost for a standard passport renewal: £104.50 (Including our £16 Check and Send fee)".

It says: "When you’re in branch ask for the Digital Check & Send service. We’ll use your old passport to fill in your application. Please check with your local branch if you need to book an appointment to complete your application there. The photo we take will be compliant with HM Passport Office guidelines and used as part of your application.

"We’ll also send off your old passport to HM Passport Office by Special Delivery. HM Passport Office will send you text messages and emails to update you on the progress of your application."