British Passport Renewal FAQs

UK Passport Renewal or Application

Have questions about your British Passport renewal, application or replacement from abroad? U.K.ABROAD is here to help. With over 33 years of combined experience in the British passport industry, we have the answers to all of your frequently asked questions. 

  • To apply for or renew your British Passport from South Africa, click here
  • To apply for or renew your British Passport from Australia, click here
  • To apply for or renew your British Passport from the USA, click here
  • To apply for or renew your British Passport from Canada, click here
  • To apply for or renew your British Passport from New Zealand, click here

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my UK passport need to be valid for when travelling?

Your UK passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after the return date of your overseas trip;  your passport needs to be valid for at least six months longer than your stay in a foreign country and must have at least 3 blank pages available.

If you do not comply with the above, you may run the risk of being denied boarding on your departure date or may be denied entry into a foreign country upon arrival.

If the expiration date is uncomfortably close to the cut-off date, make sure that you renew it way ahead of time.

The above information is quite important and something airlines rarely mention.

How do I renew an expired British Passport?

Your UK passport can be renewed at any time. To do so, visit: https://www.ukabroad.net/where-do-you-live/

If there is time left on your British passport, it will not be added to your new British passport.

Please note that an expired British passport needs to be renewed BEFORE one can travel.

How do I apply for a British passport from abroad?

Apply online for a British passport from abroad at: https://www.ukabroad.net/where-do-you-live/

How do I apply online for a British passport?

Make sure to have your credit or debit card ready before applying for a UK passport online. To apply, visit: https://www.ukabroad.net/where-do-you-live/

How do I renew my UK passport online?

Make sure to have your credit or debit card ready, before renewing your British passport online at: https://www.ukabroad.net/where-do-you-live/

What documents do I need to apply for a British passport?

Depending on your specific application and situation, U.K.ABROAD will tell you exactly what documents will be needed. Please send an email to [email protected] for more information. Click here for a breakdown of the British Passport requirements.

Where can I apply for a British passport from?

Visit: https://www.ukabroad.net/where-do-you-live/ and select the country that you are applying from.

Can I apply for a British passport online?

Yes, just visit: https://www.ukabroad.net/where-do-you-live/ and select the country that you are applying from.

What is the validity of a British passport?

10 Years validity if issued at the age of 16 or older. 5 Years validity if issued at the age of 15 or younger.

Please go to https://www.ukabroad.net/british-passport-applications/ for more information.

How long will my British passport take to be approved?

How long to renew a UK passport : It will take some time for the passport office to process and update the online status after submission of an application, approximately 3 – 6 working days.

Currently, a UK passport renewal takes approximately 3 – 4 weeks to process and first-time British passports take approximately 4 -6 weeks.

Don’t book any travel until you have a valid UK passport.

Visit: https://www.ukabroad.net/british-passport-applications/ for more information.

How do I renew my British passport when living abroad , outside of the United Kingdom?

You can go to https://www.ukabroad.net/where-do-you-live/ to complete the easy online application form.

U.K.ABROAD will assist you via email regarding digital photo requirements, supporting documents, etc., which are all required by Her Majesty’s Passport Office.

Note that applications that haven’t been checked are often delayed or rejected due to the submission of incorrect photos, supporting documents and/or incorrectly completed forms.

How do I apply for a first time British Passport if i live outside of the United kingdom?

You can go to https://www.ukabroad.net/where-do-you-live/ to complete the easy online application form.

U.K.ABROAD will assist you via email, regarding digital photo requirements, supporting documents, etc., which are all required by Her Majesty’s Passport Office.

If you would prefer to speak to a consultant in person or require additional information, please go to https://www.ukabroad.net/contact-us/ to see the contact details for the country you reside in. Alternatively, you can send an email to [email protected] and we will gladly assist.

Be aware that applications that haven’t been checked are often delayed or rejected due to incorrect photos, supporting documents and incorrectly completed forms.

Is U.K.ABROAD a legitimate business?

Yes, U.K.ABROAD is an online, legitimate British document services company that assists applicants worldwide who are living in the USA/South America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe/Asia and South Africa.

U.K.ABROAD’s authenticity can be verified through our registered courier companies, DHL, Royal International and UPS. 

Stripe, which is the payment system that we use for all transactions, will also assist in verifying the legitimacy of our business.

In addition, for extra peace of mind, you can refer to our many positive client testimonials here:  https://www.ukabroad.net/testimonials/

We have also taken extra care and measures to ensure that all emails are sent and received via a secure server in order to protect your privacy.

Why use U.K.ABROAD's services?

We offer an independent service and are not associated with any government in any way. U.K.ABROAD is an online legitimate private UK document services company that assists with checking that all your application documents are correct and making sure that they are ready for submission.

You have the option to apply on the official government website, however, it is advised that you make use of our services in order to check and make sure that your application is correct before submitting. Our service exists in order to help you avoid the headache of completing complicated government forms and possibly risk losing your government fees if your application is rejected or delayed for too long.

Note that applications that haven’t been checked beforehand are often delayed or rejected due to incorrect photos, supporting documents and/or incorrectly completed forms.

We do not ship your physical documents to our offices, they are sent directly to Her Majesty’s Passport Office in the U.K. for your own security and peace of mind.

U.K.ABROAD arranges and pays for the shipment of your documents using our reliable and trustworthy international courier companies, DHL, UPS and Royale International. Email communications to aid this process are sent and received via a secure server.

We pride ourselves in offering you personal attention, expertise and no delays. Our services are trusted and guaranteed.

How do I renew my UK passport in South Africa?

To begin your application, go to https://www.ukabroad.net/south-africa-confirmation/.

For a comprehensive guide to renewing your British passport in South Africa, click here. 

How do I renew my British passport in Australia?

How do I renew my British passport in New Zealand?

How do I renew my British passport in the United States?

How do I renew my British passport in Europe/Asia?

How do I renew my British passport in Canada?

How do I renew my British passport in Europe?

How long does it take to process a British passport renewal?

Processing time of a British passport renewal is approximately 3 – 4 weeks or sooner.

Remember not to make any travel bookings until you have a valid passport in your hands, as applications submitted without checking can often be delayed or rejected due to incorrect photos, supporting documents and incorrectly completed forms.

How long does it take to process a first time British passport application?

Processing time of a first-time British passport is approximately 6 – 8 weeks or sooner.
It’s recommended that you don’t make any travel bookings until you have a valid passport in your hands. Applications submitted without checking can often be delayed or rejected due to incorrect photos, supporting documents and/or incorrectly completed forms.

What does the U.K.ABROAD fee I pay include?

Your once-off payment is fully inclusive – including passport office fees, courier fees, service fees, new passport/s delivered directly to you. Ongoing communication via emails/telephone calls between our consultants and the applicant until delivery of the new passport. Checking, reviewing and processing the application on your behalf, making sure everything is correct.

Please note that applications that haven’t been checked beforehand are often delayed or rejected due to incorrect photos, supporting documents and incorrectly completed forms.

How do I get my photograph delivered to U.K.ABROAD?

Photos need to be submitted electronically as the photos need to be digital. Printed photos are no longer accepted anymore. U.K.ABROAD will guide you through the process and tell you exactly how to submit your digital photos.

I don't have the relevant supporting documents: how can I get them?

Send an email to [email protected] for more information on how to get an official government replacement copy.

Please note that all supporting documents MUST be originals and that photocopies will not be accepted.

What is a counter signatory?

A counter signatory is the person who verifies the identity of the applicant for all:

first-time applications or passports expired very long ago; 

the replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged passport; 

renewal of a passport for a child aged 11 or under;  

or the renewal of a passport if your appearance has changed and you are unrecognisable from your existing passport.

When do I require a countersignature for my application and who can sign?

Some passport applications must be signed by someone else (the ‘counter signatory’) to prove the identity of the person applying for:

first-time applications or passports expired very long ago; 

the replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged passport; 

renewal of a passport for a child aged 11 or under;  

or the renewal of a passport if your appearance has changed and you are unrecognisable from your existing passport.

I don't know anybody in my area with a British passport who can act as my countersignatory, what must I do?

If you are applying from outside of the UK, your countersignatory does not need to be British but must have either a current British, Irish or other EU, US or Commonwealth passport. Your application will also be processed faster if they own either a British or Irish passport.

What qualifies someone to act as a countersignatory?

There are very specific and strict rules for who can be a countersignatory. These rules change from time to time so U.K.ABROAD will advise you at the time about exactly who qualifies as a countersignatory, depending on the specifics of your application.

What must the countersignatory write on my form?

U.K.ABROAD will guide you through this process and tell you exactly what the countersignatory must write.

I am renewing my passport, which documents do I need to send to the UK?

Depending on the specifics of your application and situation, U.K.ABROAD will tell you exactly what documents will be needed.

Send an email to [email protected] for more information.

Can my children apply for British passports?

Yes, if one or both parents were born inside the UK and the child was born outside the UK then your children can apply for British passports.

In some instances, the child’s birth will need to be registered with the British authorities before applying for a British passport depending on the birth dates of your children.

Go to https://www.ukabroad.net/other-services/#descent-3 for more information. 

Am I eligible for a British passport?

It all depends on the given circumstances, as well as the dates and places of your parents’ birth. If one or both your parents were born inside of the UK and the child was born outside the UK, then the children can apply for British passports.

In some instances, the applicant’s birth needs to be registered with the British authorities before applying for a British passport depending on the birth dates of the applicant/s.

Please send an email inquiry to [email protected] we will gladly assist with more information.

How do I take my photo?

All photos need to be submitted electronically as printed photos are no longer used and accepted anymore. U.K.ABROAD will guide you through the entire process and instruct you on exactly how to submit your digital photos.

Please note that applications that have been submitted without being checked are often delayed or rejected due to incorrect photos, supporting documents and incorrectly completed forms.

How do I show proof of residence?

Applicants from some countries will need to supply proof of residence. If you are one of those applicants, U.K.ABROAD will guide you through the steps and tell you what to do.

Please note that applications that have been submitted without being checked are often delayed or rejected due to incorrect photos, supporting documents and incorrectly completed forms.

Do I have to send my old British passport with my renewal application?

Yes.

Is it safe to send my old passport and documents along with my application?

Yes, it is safe to send them and all original documents will be shipped back directly to you, the applicant,  from Her Majesty’s Passport Office via secure courier delivery.

Do I need to have my documents certified?

U.K.ABROAD will advise you depending on the particular situation. Remember that only original documents will be accepted. If you are missing these, U.K.ABROAD will assist with more information on how to get an official replacement copy.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you will need to send through a certified translation together with the original document/s.

What is the next step after making the payment?

You will receive an email confirming that your payment was received and has been allocated to your file. Your application will be finalised and you will receive an instructional email, detailing the next step.

What is the best way to communicate with U.K.ABROAD?

U.K.ABROAD encourages email interaction rather than telephone communication as this allows for a written record of your transaction/s history, for your convenience and security. 

All contact with our clients is usually conducted via email. If you are at all worried about privacy, please note that all of our emails are sent and received via a secure server.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

I have completed and submitted my online application form, what will happen next?

If you do not pay immediately then you will receive an email with payment instructions. Please look out for the email and check your Spam/Junk mail folder if necessary.

Your application will be finalised with Her Majesty’s Passport Office. Once this has been done, you will receive an email advising you of the next step to follow.

A copy of the completed application form will be emailed to you, check your application form and make sure all the given information is correct.

Please note that all information provided is strictly confidential and all personal information gets destroyed once a transaction is completed.

How do my documents get to the UK?

U.K.ABROAD’s registered international couriers will securely ship all documents directly from your address to the passport office in the United Kingdom.

Shipment bookings are made on your behalf by U.K.ABROAD. We make sure to only use reliable courier services due to the sensitive documentation and information being shipped; the package in transit will be tracked and written proof of delivery will be provided.

How does my passport get delivered to me?

New passports and supporting documents will be shipped directly from Her Majesty’s Passport Office to you (the applicant), by secure, signed delivery.

Two separate deliveries will be sent to the address given on your application form, one with your new passport and the other with your original documents (and old passport, if applicable). Occasionally the supporting documents may arrive before your new passport, so just bear this in mind.

Will they notify me when my passport is on its way?

Yes, you will receive a notification via either email or text message.

How much does a British passport cost in South Africa?

Go to https://www.ukabroad.net/quote-south-africa/ for prices from South Africa. 

How much does a British passport cost in Australia?

Go to https://www.ukabroad.net/quote-australia/ for prices from Australia.

How much does a British passport cost in New Zealand?

Go to https://www.ukabroad.net/quote-new-zealand/ for prices from New Zealand. 

How much does a British passport cost in the United States/ South America?

Go to https://www.ukabroad.net/quote-usa/ for prices from the USA/South America.

How much does a British Passport cost in Canada?

Go to https://www.ukabroad.net/quote-canada/ for prices from Canada. 

 

How much does a British passport cost in Europe/ Asia?

Go to https://www.ukabroad.net/quote-europe/ for prices from Europe/Asia. 

 

Where are your offices based and who is U.K.ABROAD?

U.K.ABROAD is an online legitimate and private British passport services company who is not associated in any way with any government, operating worldwide. Our aim is to make future clients aware that we offer an independent service.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

 

Can I visit you at your offices?

Unfortunately you cannot, as U.K.ABROAD is an online business. We are a legitimate and private British passport services company that is not associated in any way with any government. Our aim is to make future clients aware that we offer an independent service, separate from the government.

U.K.ABROAD is operating worldwide. 

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

 

British passport renewal FAQ infographic - top asked questions
Our Difference

Why Choose U.K.ABROAD?

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Unbeatable Service & Expert Consultants

Friendly, professional consultants dedicated to you. We take care of understanding and honouring the British government rulings on your behalf, making sure the qualifying criteria meets the relevant government office’s needs.

We respond to online email enquiries within 24 -48 hours or sooner (during normal business hours).

british passport renewal

Trusted & Guaranteed

Operating independently since 2008, U.K.ABROAD has many years of experience in the industry. We offer leading advice, assistance, solutions and ongoing support with the British Passport renewal or application process. Our service excellence speaks for itself with ongoing testimonials.

There simply isn’t a better way to get assistance with your UK passport application or renewal.

british passport renewal

No Delays or Rejections

Without professional advice regarding the required supporting documents & information required for a British passport renewal and related services you might face delays or rejection of applications.

Delayed or rejected applications may easily cause a cancellation of an application which means fees need to be paid all over again. The relevant government offices do not issue any refunds.