Those who apply for Bermudian passports can expect a wait of up to 20 weeks in the wake of the recent cyberattack.

While a government statement said that those who need to travel for urgent medical purposes can apply for an emergency passport, those who need to travel urgently for non-medical reasons were advised to apply for a British passport “to avoid delays”.

A press statement said the Department of Immigration has resumed processing passport applications in the wake of the recent cyberattack that crippled government computer systems.

The statement warned that the attack had left the department with a backlog of applications.

“Unfortunately, there were over 450 outstanding passport applications that were in process just before the recent cyberattack, which prevented system access and the complete processing of these applications,” the statement said.

“While the systems were down, passport applications could not be processed.

“Despite being unable to access any systems, the Department of Immigration continued to process emergency medical passport applications, and staff members reviewed new applications for completeness and provided guidance to ensure completeness so they could be submitted once the systems became operational again.”

The statement said the processing of applications is a priority for the department, where two new staff members are expected to join the passport-processing team.

“Regrettably, while progress is under way, the Department of Immigration can advise that until the application backlog returns to normal levels, the processing timeline may take up to 20 weeks,” the statement added.

“Emergency passports are available. However, due to limited physical-book stocks, they are issued only when the applicant must travel overseas for urgent medical reasons.

“Individuals urgently needing a passport for non-medical reasons are advised to apply for a British passport to avoid delays.

“The ministry understands and appreciates these delays impact Bermudians’ ability to plan and book travel and can assure the public that the Department of Immigration remains committed to the task and asks for the public’s patience and understanding as they work to complete the processing of passports as soon as possible.”

• Application guidelines for emergency passport applications are available online atgov.bm/department/immigration