Fast-track and premium passport services costing Brits a fortune
New research from travel insurer Columbus Direct has found that, overall, Brits spend £169 million on fast-track and premium passport services each year, which represents a £64 million premium compared to normal passport costs.
According to the research, travellers choosing quicker passport renewal services pay at least 42.1 per cent more than they would normally have to.
The research has also revealed that, in the last three years, 1.2 million people have been refused travel out of the UK or into their destination as a result of passport issues, including outdated documentation or insufficient time left on the passport before expiry.
Head of brand at Columbus Direct Rob Thomas has warned travellers to check their passport and their destination countries’ passport and visa requirements: “The advice from the passport office is clear: do not book a trip abroad until you have a valid passport,” he said.
Thomas also highlighted the importance of travel insurance: “Holidaymakers should also take out travel insurance as soon as they have booked a trip to cover themselves in case they need to cancel their holiday due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or jury service,” he said. “Not being able to travel due to passport issues will not be a valid reason for claiming a refund.”