Anyone planning a holiday abroad next year is being urged to check their passport is valid and apply early for a new one if not.

Jersey Customs and Immigration Service says it is expecting a surge in applications for renewals.

Numbers have been down by 7000 since the start of the pandemic - while there were restrictions and uncertainty around travel.

JCIS says if these applications are made in 2022 it will represent a 50% rise in its normal workload.

“We believe that the decline in applications for passports over the last two years has been due to Covid restrictions; travel opportunities were limited and it wasn’t a high priority for people.

“During our peak period of March – August, application numbers usually double as Islanders prepare for their summer holidays. If the missing applications from 2021 and 2022 are submitted in this period it will represent a further significant increase. Average wait times this summer for standard issue passports were eight weeks. This could significantly increase in 2022 if people delay renewing their passports until March."  - Andy Allan, Senior Manager for Immigration and Nationality.

Islanders are being encouraged to avoid the rush expected next Spring - as long waiting times could disrupt planned getaways.

It is recommended passports are valid for at least six months from the date of travel.