Passport reminder to England fans

England supporters intending to travel to the World Cup in Germany are being reminded that now is the time to check whether their passport is still valid.

Renewing a passport can take several weeks, and with just over a month to go before the first game on June 9th, the Identity and Passport Service says people need to apply now or risk being left behind.

Thousands of England fans are expected to travel to Germany this summer. An estimated 80,000 made the trip to Portugal for Euro 2004, while 15,000 travelled to the last World Cup in Japan and Korea.

Research has shown that 17 per cent of people start looking for their passport only one day before a trip, while 15 per cent start looking only a few hours before they travel.

Seven per cent of people have had a last minute panic because they could not find their passport, and three per cent of people have left home for a trip abroad without their passport.

"With the World Cup only around the corner, football supporters will be counting down the days until the competition kicks off. But if you're planning to support the team in Germany, it is best to act now to make sure you can get on the plane," said Home Office minister Andy Burnham.

"This is not an occasion where extra-time will be played. If you do not have a valid passport, you won't be able to travel, and the last thing we want is for fans to miss out on the biggest sporting event of the year."

To find out about renewing your passport call 0870 521 0410 or go to: www.passport.gov.uk XXX