Passport renewal can be a tedious process, from filling out forms to getting those all important photos and figuring out the wait time from start to finish.
Complicating matters even further is if you’re not in the UK when you need your travel document.
Despite the inconvenience, it’s still possible to get a British passport from outside Britain’s borders.
Though rules vary depending on the country you’re in at the time, passport applications from outside the UK normally take about six weeks from the date they’re received.
To check the specific steps for the country you’re applying from, visit the HM Passport Office checklist at https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports.
For most countries around the world, the process is the same.
The cost for a 32-page passport is generally £83, or £102.86 with a courier fee.
For an adult 48-page jumbo passport, the cost is £91 or £110.86 with a courier.
You have to apply and pay for your travel document online.
Before you start the process, you must have the following:
- the passport numbers of both parents and their dates and place of birth, and in some cases the same details of grandparents
- two identical new photos of you (or your child, if it’s a child passport application)
- any other current passports issued by other countries
- a MasterCard, Visa, Visa Electron, Visa Debit or Maestro (UK Domestic) card - Maestro (International) cards aren’t accepted
Once you’ve filled out your form, you’ll need to print, sign and post it.
The Passport Office warns: “You must include all your supporting documents with your application.
“You’ll get 6 weeks to provide any that are missing. Your application will be cancelled and you won’t get a refund if you don’t provide them in time.”
You can check which supporting documents are appropriate at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/564950/OS_Guidance_G1_10.16.pdf.
According to the Passport Office, you may have to attend an interview depending on your application.
Once you’ve received your passport, you’ll have to sign it before it can be used.
The Passport Office advises that your travel document and support documents will be delivered separately by courier.
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