The UK Government has issued a vital passport warning to Brits as certain issues with the document could prevent you from travelling. Five specific problems could not only mean you are unable to travel but they could cost you upwards of £100 to get sorted.

On its website, the Government explains how damaged passports can be rejected by officials.

“If your passport is damaged you must replace it,” it says. 

“You may not be able to travel with it.” To replace your passport online it costs £88.50, or £100 if done via a paper form.

The Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:

• You cannot read any of your details
• Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
• There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
• The cover is coming away
• There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage).

To order a replacement passport online you will need a digital photo and a credit or debit card. If you’re replacing a lost or stolen passport you’ll also need to ask someone to confirm your identity online.

But if your passport has been lost or stolen, first you must cancel it before applying for a replacement. 

You can get a paper application form for a replacement passport by either going to the Post Office or calling the Passport Adviceline. You’ll need two new and identical printed photos of yourself.

You will also need to get your application form and one of your photos signed by someone else to prove your identity.

How long will my replacement passport take to arrive?

You’ll usually get your passport within three weeks. The Government website says: “It may take longer than three weeks if we need more information, or we need to interview you. 

“We’ll tell you this within three weeks. There are different turnaround times if you’re applying from another country.”

If you need your new passport sooner than three weeks there are two ways to apply for it urgently. 

With the one day premium option the earliest you can get an appointment is two days after you apply. You’ll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment. 

Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office four hours after your appointment. It costs £207.50 (or £219.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport).

For the one week fast track option the earliest you can get an appointment is the next day after you apply. Your new passport will be delivered to you by courier one week after your appointment.

It costs £166.50 for an adult passport (or £178.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). Or £135.50 for a child passport (or £147.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport).