Better safe than sorry

Tuesday 16th April 2019

I suddenly realised last week that you need 6 months clear on your passport and mine expires in September, only 4 months away. I could apply online but it takes up to three weeks. With bank holidays that was too long. I considered risking it as someone said theirs arrived in three days but I couldn't cope with the stress/worry. So I paid my extra £67 for a one week fast track, but that can't be done online, you have to book a 30 minute interview.

So today, I got up early for a drive into Liverpool, allowing enough time to get through rush hour traffic. You wouldn't believe how anxious I was about it, you would have thought I was going for a job interview! At the passport office I was faced with going through security like at an airport. I was checked in, given a ticket and asked to wait to be called into a little cubicle. I had barely sat down in the waiting area when I was called. My application form was taken, a few keys tapped on the computer and then I was told my passport would be with me next Tuesday. I was out of the office in 5 minutes, getting out before my appointment was even due. So why couldn't I have submitted that online? It took 2hrs out of my day and cost me £5 to park. Oh well, at least I know I will have a valid passport, no need to panic.