British residents in Bermuda have been allowed to apply for a one-year extension on their British passports, in response to reports of a backlog at Her Majesty’s Passport Office in the UK.

Government House, which is the local contact point for the extensions, made the announcement yesterday, as UK authorities are dealing with the highest demand for the travel documents in 12 years.

Starting today, British passport holders can apply under criteria posted at the Gov. UK website. The extension does not cover British Overseas Territories passports.

Applicants should check with the border authorities of their destination countries, however: the UK and Canada are accepting documents with a valid extension endorsement — but “a further announcement will follow shortly in respect of travellers to the US”, a Government House spokeswoman said.