Renewing UK passport from abroad |
If you are one of the estimated 200 million British expats living abroad, the time will inevitably come when you need to renew your UK passport from abroad.
Renewing your UK passport from abroad can be a daunting process, but with the help of this guide, it needn’t be.
Here is our handy guide and top tips for UK passport renewals from abroad.
Renewing your UK passport from abroad
Renewing your passport and leaving plenty of time before it expires is essential if you want to have a valid travel document at all times.
This is especially true if you are based abroad as UK passport renewals from overseas generally take a week or so longer than if done in the UK.
As a general rule of thumb, MyBritishPassport recommends starting the passport renewal process when your current passport has 6 to 9 months’ validity or less on it.
You should also look at renewing your UK passport quite soon if it is still valid but is older than 10 years.
Additionally, if your passport has fewer than 3 blank pages left for stamps, you should also consider renewing as soon as possible. If you travel often and find that your blank pages get used up quite soon, a good idea could be to apply for a “maxi”or jumbo passport which has many more blank pages.
Renewing your UK passport from abroad follows a similar process to if you were based in the UK.
The last time you applied for or renewed your British passport may have been when you were still based in the UK.
The good news is that the process to be followed from abroad is very similar in that you need to complete the online passport forms when renewing your UK passport.
The only difference in renewing from abroad is that you will need to use a reputable courier service (and not the Royal Mail) when sending in your old passport, and the process might take slightly longer.
Ensure that your passport renewal forms are accurately completed.
If we cannot stress one thing enough, it would be to make sure that your online passport forms have been completed as accurately as possible!
Unfortunately, even the tiniest of errors or omissions could result in a rejection and this will mean time and money lost, not to mention a lot of frustration.
To save yourself time, a potential loss of money, frustration and stress, consider using the services of MyBritishPassport. We handle all aspects of UK passport renewals from abroad and have assisted many happy British expats in successfully renewing their British passports.
About MyBritishPassport
MyBritishPassport is a leading UK passport service specialising in assisting British citizens abroad with their British Passport renewals, replacements and applications. Our team of dedicated British Passport liaison consultants will guide you through every step of the renewal process, to ensure your application is submitted for processing without any delays.
How to renew your UK passport
All you need to do from your side is to complete our easy online British Passport application form and we will take care of the rest. We add much value in that we ensure that your forms are meticulously checked and correct.
We will also guide you as to the correct format required for your digital passport photos.
Once your application forms have been completed and your digital passport photos checked, we will arrange for your old passport to be sent in to HM Passport Office via our reliable, registered courier service.
Then, you simply need to sit back and wait for about 3 to 4 weeks while your new passport is being processed.
UK Abroad Passport Renewal Process
The process to renew your UK passport from abroad is simple with MyBritishPassport. Simply complete the online application form, and a dedicated British Passport consultant will be in touch to guide you on the next steps.
Documents required for renewing a UK passport from abroad:
– Your current valid or expired passport
– Recent digital passport photo
– Completed application form (click here to apply online)
Please note that the supporting documents required for a British Passport renewal can differ on a case-by-case basis. Our team of British Passport experts will be happy to assist you in this regard.
Expect your new passport and old passport to be sent to you in separate couriers.
As mentioned above, your old/current passport needs to be sent in to the passport office for verification. This is nothing to worry about as the passport office rarely, if ever, misplaces a passport.
To prevent risk, the passport office will send back your old passport in one courier, and your new one will arrive in a separate courier.
How does the first-time UK Passport application process work from abroad?
Applying for a British passport for the first time from abroad is also done online.
However, the process is a bit more involved as you may be required to provide additional documentation, such as a birth and marriage certificates.
MyBritishPassport can assist you in obtaining supporting documentation and original certificates from the UK.
You might also need to attend an interview with an official at your local British Consulate, Embassy or High Commission or online.
As with a UK passport renewal, your first British passport will be sent directly to you via DHL.
Conclusion: Renewing UK Passport from abroad
Renewing your UK passport from abroad can be a daunting task, but with the help of MyBritishPassport it doesn’t have to be. We take care of all the paperwork and make the process as simple as possible for you. All you need to do is complete our online application form and sit back and relax while we take care of the rest!
If you have any questions about renewing your UK passport, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to assist you.
