UK Passport renewal or application overseas: Do you need to apply for your first British passport? Or, is your current British passport nearing its expiry date? If you are living or traveling overseas, the process can be a little different than if you were doing it from within the UK. In this article, we will walk you through the steps necessary to apply for or renew your British passport from abroad.
An overseas British passport application takes a bit longer than applying from within the UK as the passport office needs extra time to send your documents abroad.
With around 5.5 million Brits living outside of the UK, you are certainly not alone if you are an expat!
Here at U.K.ABROAD, we assist UK expats with passport applications and renewals while living abroad.
We have put together this useful guide explaining everything you need to know about overseas British passport applications and renewals.
Overseas British Passport Application or Renewal
British Passport renewals from abroad are now done exclusively online. You can no longer apply in person at a British consulate or embassy. The first step in acquiring a new UK passport is to complete the online application form.
Documentation Required for Passport Applications.
The documentation you need for your UK passport application will depend on various factors. Click here to find out more about British Passport requirements.
Documents Required for overseas British Passport Renewals:
Renewals are simpler than first-time British Passport applications. If you are renewing your British passport from overseas, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Your most recent UK passport
- A completed overseas passport renewal application form (available here)
- Digital photo that meets the UK government’s standards for passport photos
- The correct fee (view our pricing here)
*Other documentation may be required on a case-by-case basis. When renewing through ukabroad.net, your experienced British Passport consultant will advise you of exactly which documents are required for your unique situation.
What to do next?
Once you have completed our simple online application form, check that everything is correct and click ‘submit’. You will be redirected to a secure payment window. Once your payment is complete, you will be assigned a British Passport consultant.
It is very important to complete the application form carefully so as not to leave anything out and not to make any mistakes.
HM Passport Office is very particular about the way in which forms are filled out, and regularly rejects applications that do not have the correct information. It can be very stressful knowing that your application can easily be rejected, but U.K.ABROAD can assist you with this process.
We will ensure that you have all the necessary documents and photos for your application, and we will thoroughly check your forms so that you can rest easy while your application is being considered.
Your personal consultant will be in contact shortly to request any additional documentation required. They will walk you through the British Passport application process step-by-step, ensuring you have all of the information you need.
Your consultant will also thoroughly check your documents and application, to ensure it is in line with HM Passport Offices’ strict standards.
You should receive your new British passport within three to four weeks.
IMPORTANT: Do not make any travel arrangements until you have received your new passport. We can’t accept responsibility for any paid travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions: Overseas British Passport Application
Do I need to send in my original documents for a UK passport application?
Yes, unfortunately you must send in the originals. Only original versions of certificates or original government certified/issued replacement documents (birth, adoption, marriage, death, divorce) will be accepted as supporting documents. NO photocopies or laminated documents will be accepted.
The passport office is used to handling original documents, and they fully understand how important they are to people.
They treat the documents with the utmost care and ensure that they are sent back to you in one piece.
What if my documents go missing in transit?
This is a common concern amongst applicants who need to send in originals of some of their most important documents.
U.K.ABROAD recommends using a reliable courier service for this purpose.
This mitigates the risk of anything going missing in transit, and you can be confident that the documents will reach the passport office safely.
Once HM Passport Office has perused your original documentation, they will send it back to you. This is normally in a separate package to the passport you’re applying for to give you additional peace of mind.
The passport office gives you the option of choosing your delivery method and, when working with U.K.ABROAD, your documents will be sent back via courier.
When handled this way, it is almost certain that your important documents will not go missing, so you do not have anything to worry about!
Conclusion. Overseas British Passport Application
We hope this guide has been helpful in explaining the process of applying for or renewing a British passport from overseas.
About U.K.ABROAD
U.K.ABROAD is a leading British document service provider that assists British citizens with their British passports from abroad.
We have a team of experts who are on hand to offer support and advice every step of the way, ensuring that your application is as smooth and stress-free as possible!
For more information about our services, please contact us today.
One final tip: always make sure you keep your passport up to date! You never know when you might need it…
Contact U.K.ABROAD
Contact U.K.ABROAD for fast & easy British passport applications, renewals or replacements from abroad.
