02 November 2021
Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS) is encouraging Islanders with a passport due for renewal to act now, before the busy period in March – August 2022.
The service has received 7000 fewer applications across 2020 and 2021. If these applications occur in 2022 it will represent a 50 per cent increase on a normal year's workload and exceed capacity.
Andy Allan, Senior Manager for Immigration and Nationality said: "We believe that the decline in applications for passports over the last two years has been due to Covid restrictions; travel opportunities were limited and it wasn't a high priority for people.
"During our peak period of March – August, application numbers usually double as Islanders prepare for their summer holidays. If the missing applications from 2021 and 2022 are submitted in this period it will represent a further significant increase. Average wait times this summer for standard issue passports were eight weeks. This could significantly increase in 2022 if people delay renewing their passports until March.
"I would urge Islanders to check their passports now and take advantage of our quieter period in the winter by applying for any new passports that are required. This will minimise any disruption to their travel plans in 2022."
To avoid any disruptions when travelling abroad it is recommended that at least six months validity should be remaining on passports.
The average waiting time for return on a new standard passport is currently up to six weeks.
For more information on how to apply, see here
gov.je