1st class signed for (passport inside)

t18z · Post by **t18z** » 15 Jul 2016, 15:57

Hi,

I sent my passport off around 3pm on July 13th, which included visa documents as I'm due to fly on the 15th of August to Moscow. It was posted via 1st class signed for, however still hasn't arrived at the visa centre. Am I right in assuming since it is Saturday tomorrow they will not deliver to the address if it not open? Does that mean nobody will also sign for the document? If so will I be able to call Royal Mail and ask for checks to be done to see what is happening with the package and if they have it in their possession or local sorting office, as if the passport is potentially lost I need 2 weeks roughly to aquire a new one, and then another 1-2 weeks to resend and complete the visa documents and have them processed.

I've been told they can't esculate the issue until I call on Saturday, and even if they do will a support team even be available until the Monday? Is it common for large letters 1st class signed for in London to go missing or become delayed past the 3 day period?

Thanks.

A2B · Post by **A2B** » 15 Jul 2016, 16:10

Someone else may have a clearer answer for you but it's highly likely that your documents have reached their destination but the tracking has not been updated

I'd imagine that the recipient (Embassy ? ) receives many signed for deliveries each day so are unable to sign for each one individually

As i said somebody who deals with these bulk deliveries may be able to give you a better answer

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 15 Jul 2016, 16:27

To be blunt with that urgent a time scale and the importance of the documents you should have opted for the Special Delivery service. The reason why is:

Special Delivery is guaranteed next day service. Recorded has an aim of next day and 90% of the time it is, but it's a 1 - 3 day service.

Special delivery is a fully trackable service, Recorded isn't - its just an acceptance and a signed for tracking service.

Also with Special Delivery there is insurance for any other losses available if you select the correct level of service. With Recorded there is only a basic cover or the value of 6 1st class stamps.

However, that aside on to your questions.

If there is a Saturday Retention in place then no deliveries won't happen tomorrow. But if there isn't and its usually open to the public then there is every chance it will get deliveries from Royal Mail.

If it is an embassy or somewhere that gets lots of passports then its highly likely they have received it already but that the system has not yet been updated. This is a common occurrence when business and addresses get a lot of signed for items on a daily basis. If can mean nothing appears on the system for a few days.

t18z · Post by **t18z** » 15 Jul 2016, 18:17

In hindsight I do wish I sent it via special delivery, however my worry mainly rests on the issue that the passport could've been lost, as opposed to just temporarily delayed. I checked with the visa company (Real Russia Ltd) and they have said the package has not yet arrived. They also send out emails when they've received your passport too.

Would it be suitable to call on Saturday and query whether they are able to check if the package is in one of their facilities but unable to be delivered due to the company being closed on a Saturday? I was told to give them a ring tomorrow via some of their customer service advisors as they may be able to do some additional checks (any idea what these are?) once it has been a 3 day period without delivery. Would this be of any actual use or is simply waiting till Monday the best course of action in deciding whether I should apply for a new passport?

Thanks again for your responses.