Useful to know if you're planning a holiday.
Those hoping to get a speedy turnout on their passport applications over the next few weeks could be left bitterly disappointed as passport office staff have begun a five week walk out.
The strikes are set to last for five weeks with travellers warning to send in passport renewals and new passport applications within plenty of time ahead of going away. In a statement on Twitter a spokesperson for the Passport Office said: "Industrial action will impact staff at HM Passport Office. Please continue to allow up to 10 weeks for all standard passport applications when applying from the UK. We advise all customers not to book travel without a passport that meets their travel needs."
He told Sky News: "In my opinion there will be huge delays in the already 10 weeks that people are supposed to apply for passports, and there will be huge disruption on the fast-track service that people can use when they want to get a passport quicker.