Brits have been warned of five instances in which your passport application could be refused. Not only this but your existing travel document could be taken from you.

A passport is a vital document that certifies a person's identity and nationality. It is necessary for international travel, but can also serve as identification

Typically, applying for a passport is a straightforward process that can be achieved either online or over post. Once you've applied for a passport, it usually takes around three weeks to arrive.

However, certain circumstances can delay or even prevent you from getting a passport. On the Government website, it explains: "You can apply for a British passport if you have British nationality.

"But there are some circumstances where your application can be refused or your existing passport can be retained." However, having British nationality does not guarantee you a passport.

On GOV.UK it warns that you may not get a new passport (or your existing passport may be taken from you) if:

• You're suspected of a serious crime and an arrest warrant has been issued
• A court order stops you having a UK passport or restricts your travel
• You're on bail and bail conditions mean you cannot leave the UK
• You've been brought back to the UK before at the government's expense and have not repaid what you owe
• You've received a European Union or United Nations order which restricts your travel

A passport can also be cancelled or not renewed if it's for a child and there's a court order in place stopping the child from leaving the UK. GOV.UK adds: "Your eligibility and entitlement to a British passport will be considered when you apply.

"Passports belong to the government and can be cancelled or withdrawn at any time." British nationality in terms of a passport application includes if you're a:

• British citizen
• British overseas territories citizen
• British overseas citizen
• British subject
• British national (overseas)
• British protected person

To apply for a passport online it costs £94.50. To apply with a paper form costs £107.

You can apply for a first adult passport if all of the following apply:

• You're a British national
• You're aged 16 or over (or will be in three weeks)
• You've never had a UK passport before

You must also apply if your last UK passport was issued before 1 January 1994. You can use your child passport until it expires, even if you're over 18.

An adult passport is valid for 10 years. You must renew your passport before you can travel if either:

• Your passport has expired
• You do not have enough time left on it

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must cancel it before applying for a replacement.

If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it. HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:

• You cannot read any of your details
• Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
• There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
• The cover is coming away
• There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)

For more information, visit gov.uk/apply-renew-passport.