New Passport Upgrade Service!

You can only apply if you have 14 days to go until travel, otherwise they won’t get your email Belfastupgradeteam@hmpo.gov.uk

You need to include Full name DOB Contact number Email Reference number Date of travel Proof of flight in the next 2 weeks. Subject to include that’s it’s urgent upgrade.

Hello, Thanks for the forum and latest news from you all. I sent two applications on 17th February. I received one passport in the post 15th March with a 2 day delay for photo rejection. I am still waiting for the second which had a status change on the 18th March to processing.. Apparently the 10 weeks will now start from this date! I've been told today about the new upgrade service and sent an email.. Very worried that I may not get a call for a week as I am travelling in two weeks! I have booked a 1 week fast track in Newport on Thursday but I don't have a duplicate birth certificate, as my son was only born 4 months ago I can't get a replacement as priority through the central system. The advisor did say that they may be able pull the birth certificate from the original application as it does say documents recieved. £49 for child first £122 for fast track appointment £8 for photos £38 for a priority replacement (haven't paid but awaiting the opportunity) Customer helpline wait is around 30-40 mins but can't tell you much however they are friendly, impartial and sympthatetic. I used liverpoolupgradeteam@hmpo.gov.uk

@Andrew0510 How did you get a fast track appointment? We have not been offered this and are under a week to go

Fingers crossed have you still not heard anything! Was hoping you did today for you and for all of us other there waiting.

@aimeejoy89 Have you had any luck today with someone getting back to you? I'm hoping they have and you make your flight this evening!

Did you manage to get your upgrade?

I haven't had a call from the upgrade but did get a telling off from and automated message for sending another email with more details on. I'm going to travel newport office tomorrow for a new fast track appointment that I booked a few weeks in anticipation of this happening. Fingers crossed they can use the birth certificate from the original application! Might be a wasted 6 hour round trip!

@Andrew0510 I'm pretty sure you cant have 2 applications running at the same time? if you haven't cancelled the original application in writing they will probably refuse your appointment?

I was told they frown upon it but not dissuaded by the hmpo advisor. I'll let you know how I get on.

@Andrew0510 Good luck! I’ve got my fingers crossed for you!

Hi All, anyone getting any luck with upgrade team? sent my email to Upgrade team as advised by HMPO two days ago with all the proof they needed but have not heard anything so far :-(

Another successful upgrade story, and I had properly lost faith. I am due to fly tomorrow morning at 7am and was advised I could apply for the upgrade only last Thursday - but advised with two working days wait for a response and the bank holiday I might not make it. I had given up all hope yesterday but received a call at midday from the upgrade team in Peterborough saying it could be done - I just had to collect from the London passport office today as there wasn't enough time for it to be sent through the post. After a bit of a wait (the passport had only been printed 30 minutes before I arrived so hadn't made it's way down to collections yet) I departed with my passport in hand. Still in shock to be honest! Keep the faith everyone. Passport printed 12:22pm on 21 April 2022 Application approved 9:48am on 21 April 2022 Application being processed 3:50pm on 11 April 2022 Documents received 12:13pm on 14 March 2022 Application received 1:18pm on 2 March 2022 Application submitted 1:18pm on 2 March 2022

Great to hear that. I applied for my daughters first passport and all the updates are about 1 week after yours. Our flight is 26th and had email Peterborough 3 times since last Tuesday for the upgrade. Still heard nothing. I will wait till end of the weekend to see if anything happens. Good to know that they let you collect from London office as well. I hope we can collect the supporting documents at the same time cause we need my husband’s passport back before the flight!!!

I was told on the phone that this service is guaranteed. So I'm putting together what other people have received and assuming that the timeframe given 2 weeks prior to your travel date gives them enough time to process the upgrade, even if that means someone has to wait 48,72 hours to hear back from them. They will process your upgrade request and then either give you the option to collect in person(which considering the ordeal i would go in person) or to post via the couriers. Im waiting for the 2nd May to apply for my upgrade

who told you this is guaranteed??? I was told all the time that this is not guaranteed!!! I guess once they call you and take your payment then yes it's guaranteed that you will have the passport very soon (most I saw it's ready the next day) But not guaranteed they will contact you. I've been waiting since last Tuesday and still heard nothing from them

See thats the blimey issue with this HMPO! mixed messages every time you call. But I've called them a few times and have asked the same question and they've said its guaranteed as long as you can provide all evidences etc. When are you travelling? Did u email them exactly 2 weeks before ur travelling?

Hoping I do not have to go down this route but at least it seems to work for most people. The stress is unreal though.

Yes our flight is 26th Apr and I email on 12th and again on the 19th. Still nothing. Called today and the agent said it's not guaranteed and nothing they can do as they don't work in the upgrade team. I emailed again today with my flight date in the subject and praying for the call will come tomorrow

@coralp I also fly the 26th and I’ve emailed so many times with the date in the subject yet still nothing. Fingers crossed for tomorrow… really is our last chance. Does anyone know if passport offices are open for collection on weekends?

I think I saw some successfully done the upgrade saying they were offered to collect on Saturday. Fingers and toes and everything crossed for us!!!

It is so good to see that there are some successful upgrade stories. I had to cancel my passport and order a new one, I started this all on 16th March. Got the lost reference number, called them to update this, my processing page hasn't moved. Got a call to contact the london upgrade team on tuesday, I did this, and haven't yet been contacted. I am holding out hope that I get a call in time to travel on 1st May!!! Has anyone just turned up to the Victoria London office? That's what I might do today.

I finally got the call this morning and my daughter's passport and the supporting documents should arrive next Tuesday. Had to move our flight from 26th April to the end of the week though but at last this long stressful time finished!!! Hope you all get the call in time !!

Brilliant news, have a fab holiday. Which passport office was it?

Are you able to use the upgrade service for a first time adult passport?