With HM Passport Office employees now on strike across the UK, many will be concerned about how long it will take to renew their passports ahead of the summer months.

Strikes will affect how long it will take to get a new passport putting those close to expiry at risk of losing out on holidays.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union are taking part in five weeks of strike action with the union telling the government to put money on the table.

With all that said, here is everything you need to know about the passport strikes, including how they will affect your renewal.

When is HM Passport Office striking in 2023?

Workers at HM Passport Office are on strike from today (April 3) and will take part in industrial action for five weeks.

PCS members will then take part in an all-out strike on April 28.

To find the exact dates your local passport office is striking, please visit the PCS website.

Why is the Passport Office on strike in 2023?

Members are striking at eight processing centres from April 3 because of a dispute with the Government over jobs, pay, pensions and conditions.

PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka has recently accused ministers of treating members differently after negotiations with health workers and teachers led to improved pay offers.

How do I renew my passport?

You can renew your passport either online or via post. To begin you can use the standard service on the Passport Service website where you will be asked for personal information and for a digital photograph.

How much does it cost to renew a UK passport?

Renewing your passport online comes at a cost of £82.50 for adults while those doing so by post can expect to pay around £93.

Bournemouth Echo: (PA) PCS members will strike throughout most of April (PA) PCS members will strike throughout most of April (Image: PA)

How long will it take to renew my passport amid strike action?

Usually, you should allow for up to 10 weeks from when they receive your old passport, supporting documents, identity confirmation and any other details. 

Despite PCS members striking throughout much of April, the UK Government has insisted that this guidance is still in place.

This advice has been in place since April of 2021, with previous guidance telling people to allow for three to six weeks.

According to the BBC, Suella Braverman said: "Customers should continue to allow 10 weeks, and I urge people to apply in good time, not at the last minute, to avoid delays".

When do I need to renew my passport?

You should renew your passport when it has expired (these usually last for 10 years if you got it when you were over the age of 18) or when there is not enough time left on it for you to enter another country.

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay with those with less than six months left on their passport likely to face tighter immigration control measures.

Passport offices in the UK will be on strike from April 3, 2023.