Public encouraged to renew passports & travel documents

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Registrar General at the Civil Registry and Passport Office (CRPO) Mrs Tashi O’ Flaherty-Maduro is advising the public to renew their travel documents promptly to prevent travel interruptions.

Mrs Flaherty-Maduro said in anticipation of the up-coming hurricane season and summer holidays, citizens are encouraged to check the validity of their passports and submit applications well in advance before making definitive plans for travel.

“The CRPO emphasises that applying for a passport involves a centralised process that incorporates printing carried out by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) in the United Kingdom since 2015,” the Registrar General said. She added, “HMPO guidance states that passports can take up to ten (10) weeks to process. As such, by renewing passports early, individuals can ensure smooth and hassle-free travel,” Flaherty-Maduro stated in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release on April 15, 2024.

She further stated, “Let us continue to work together to ensure that all travellers are well-prepared and equipped with valid passports for their upcoming travel plans.”

Processing time varies

Passport processing may vary depending on the individual circumstances such as lost, stolen or first time passports, which can constitute a longer processing time. Subsequently, citizens are also reminded that they can renew their BOTC and/or British passports within nine (9) months of expiration.

For more information, individuals can contact the Civil Registry & Passport Office at 284-468-3036 or infocris@gov.vg.