Applying for a British passport from outside of the UK may be daunting if it’s the first time you need to do it. While a quick search on the internet could open up a whole lot of information online, it’s nothing quite like having someone to help you through the process.
Anyone who has ever renewed their UK passport from abroad will understand how stressful the process is and how important it is to get everything right in order to avoid a rejection
The most common cause for a bout of panic is being unsure of what you need to submit to the Passport Office to avoid rejection and having to go through the process all over again.
Frequently Asked Questions : Applying for a passport from outside the UK
Here are some answers to the questions we receive most often so that you can feel ready and properly prepared before applying for a passport from outside the UK.
What supporting documents do I need for a UK passport replacement and are they relevant for applying from outside the UK?
Replacing a passport due to its expiry or due to damage, theft or loss is the very same. You will need to complete an application for a new passport indicating the reason for your application.
The only supporting document that you will need to submit is your current passport. This document will need to be couriered from your resident country to Her Majesty’s Passport Office before they will issue a new passport.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen passport, you will need to follow the same procedure, however, you should contact the British consulate or embassy in your resident country and request a lost passport document form.
This alerts the authorities over in the UK that your passport has been misplaced or stolen and that they are to be on alert for possible identity theft. This is a great way of mitigating the risk of you being incorrectly charged or prosecuted if your passport is used in any illegal activity.
Can I renew my passport outside the UK?
You can most certainly renew your British passport while outside of the UK.
Applying for a passport from outside of the UK has never been easier. Whether you are applying from the USA, Canada, or South Africa, you can rest assured that the process is not only a simple one but also an easy and efficient one when using MyBritishPassport.
At MyBritishPassport, we can assist from these three countries, ensuring that your application is 100% correctly completed, submitted, and returned to you in the quickest possible time. The fact that the application process is now exclusively online, means you can complete and submit your application online from wherever you are.
British Consulates or Embassies no longer accept in-person passport renewal applications, so all you have is an online option. Working through the MyBritishPassport website is quick and easy to use.
How long does it take to get a UK passport from overseas?
We generally advise our clients to expect a 4-6 week turnaround time. Oftentimes when applying through MyBritishPassport, this time is reduced and your passport could arrive in as little as 3 weeks.
Are supporting documents required for passport renewal?
The only supporting document that is required for a straightforward renewal application, is your current Passport Document which will have to be couriered using the ever reliable DHL to the UK Passport Office before a new issue will be sent to you.
You will also need to send in digital passport photos, that comply with HMPO’s passport photo requirements.
If you would like to have your expired passport returned to you along with your new issue, you will need to clearly state this upon application. If it is not indicated at the time of submission, your Passport will not be sent back to you by the British passport office.
There are instances where additional documentation will be required. One of these is if you have been married during the period between having received your first Passport issue and its expiry.
In this case, you will need to present formal legal documents verifying your name change. A marriage certificate or updated Identity documents may be requested and these will have to be submitted before your new passport is issued and sent to you.
How long does it take to get your supporting documents back from the passport office when applying for a passport from outside the UK?
Since the process of applying for a UK passport renewal is now exclusively online, and you are required to send your original passport and any other supporting documentation via courier to a faraway land, you will have to wait for as long as it takes for your passport renewal to be issued and sent to you.
This generally varies between four and twelve weeks if submitted independently, however, if you make use of the services of MyBritshPassport, the turnaround time for a new passport usually falls closer to the four-week mark.
We do recommend that you have a certified copy of these documents to keep on hand during the time in which your original documents are journeying between your homeland and resident country.
Can I apply for a UK passport online for the first time?
Yes, you can apply for a UK passport online for the first time. Did you know that MyBritishPassport offers assistance with first-time British passport applications, as well as renewals?
Applying for your passport from outside of the UK doesn’t have to be a daunting task and there is no need to feel overwhelmed by it. Contact us and we will ensure that your application is correctly submitted and approved so that you can continue enjoying your stay abroad as a British expat.
We specialize in British passport applications and renewals from South Africa, Canada, and the USA.
Ready to renew your UK passport? Complete the easy online application form here and you are good to go!
