I guess this isn’t to do with America or road trips but I need one to enter the States. When I last applied for my passport was one of the last remaining blue passport holders and this time around I will be in possession of what might one of the last pink passports. THe United Kingdom is poised to leave the EU next week or in June or who knows when!!

The scary thing for me is that my new passport will expire the same year that I retire!

I just want to praise the HM Passport Office for the speed of turnaround with my recent application.

Sunday – had photo taken in a photo booth with a digital code. Applied on line and by magic my image was in my application. Paid £75.50 for the process.

Monday – Posted back old passport – Application will not proceed without the old passport being in the hands of the HM Passport Office.

Wednesday – Lunchtime had email confirming old passport received. One hour later another email confirmed application had been successful and new passport was being printed.

Wednesday – Late afternoon received another email confirming dispatch of new passport and old passport would be posted separately.

Thursday – Passport arrived to be signed for at home.

They advise that the application can take up to three weeks but three days is remarkable.

If you are a business traveller then things can be problematical because of the not knowing how long the application will take. To have it issued in person costs £150 but should people be penalised because they need their passport and they are inconvenienced anyway in making an appointment and travelling to the passport office.

Now I have to apply for a new ESTA and ETA and then I am all set for new adventures!