Holidaymakers are being urged to check the expiration dates on their passports before booking holidays as wait times for renewals have soared to over 10 weeks.

The overwhelmed HM Passport Office is taking at least 10 weeks to deal with new passport applications which has left some people stuck at home despite applying weeks in advance according to MP Angela Crawley.

Passports must be valid for at least six months for travel to countries like China and Egypt, and for EU travellers’ passports should not expire for at least three months after the planned departure date.

Those travelling for family emergencies or urgent medical travel will still be able to fast track passport applications.

Pre-Brexit burgundy passports are still valid until their expiration date.

Angela Crawley MP is encouraging future holidaymakers to check their passports before booking a holiday and get familiar with the entry requirements of their destination to avoid being stranded at home.

The Lanark and Hamilton East MP said: “I would urge everyone to apply for their passport renewal as early as possible if they have travel planned or are thinking about going away.

“Current waits are in excess of 10 weeks and there is very little that can be done if you apply less than 10 weeks before non-urgent travel such as a holiday.

“Some constituents who have contacted me have been waiting as long as 14 weeks for their application to be processed so, despite being prepared, they are still at risk of missing their holiday.

“Where possible, I would encourage constituents to apply for a passport renewal before booking a holiday to ensure they can travel without worry.”