Sun seekers urged to check their passports amid delays

Holidaymakers are being warned to check their passports are in date as soon as possible as sheer demand has led to longer processing times for the essential documents.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has recommended prospective travellers allow six weeks to apply for their new passport.

The department has drafted in 233 temporary clerical workers so far this year — 62 more than last year — to respond to the increased demand as well as redistributing processing work and redeploying staff from other areas of the department as needed.