Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Tracey Roberts
How long does a UK passport last? Well, you may not have known this, but they don’t last forever!
This is an important question for anyone holding a UK passport, as it determines how long they can travel and explore the world using their current British passport. Knowing the answer to this question will always keep you aware that, at some point, you will need to renew it.
Quick Overview
A standard adult UK passport is valid for 10 years, while a child’s passport (for those under 16) is valid for 5 years. Renewal is required before expiry, especially if the passport will be older than 10 years, since you can’t travel with an expired document. Many countries also enforce a “six‑month rule”, requiring passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Renewals, including those from abroad, can be easily completed online; however, accuracy is crucial to avoid processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to renew my UK passport?
Adult passports (16 +) are valid for 10 years.
Child passports (under 16) last for 5 years, so you’ll renew when they expire
Do I need to renew my British passport?
Do I have to send my old passport when renewing
Yes, your old passport must be included when renewing. It’s used to verify your identity and status, then returned to you (usually cancelled by cutting a corner)
How long does a UK passport last?
The standard adult UK passport is valid for a period of 10 years. After this time, it will need to be renewed. Passport renewal is now an easy process that can be completed online.
A child UK passport is valid for a period of five years. Children under the age of 16 are required to renew their passports more often than adults. So, it is vital to keep this in mind when planning international travel. Because a child’s looks change significantly over the course of five years, child passports must be updated more frequently than adult passports.
It is important to note that if your passport expires while you are overseas, you will not be allowed to return to the UK until you have obtained a new passport. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that your passport is up to date before you travel.
If you are planning on travelling soon, it is important to check the expiration date on your passport. You will not be allowed to board your plane if your passport has already expired or will do so within six months of the dates you intend to travel.
Renewing your UK passport from abroad
If you are a British citizen living abroad, you may find yourself needing to renew your British passport while in your new country. How would you go about doing this?
The good news is that the process of renewing a UK passport from abroad is now quicker and simpler than ever before. The entire process is now completed online. To renew your passport from abroad, you will need to fill out an online application form. Once you have completed the form, you can submit it electronically. You are also required to pay the renewal fee upon submission.
It is important to note that HM Passport Office is incredibly strict when it comes to UK passport renewals from abroad. Therefore, ensuring your application form is correctly and completely filled in is essential.
If you make a mistake on your application form, it will likely delay the processing of your renewal. In some cases, it may even lead to your application being rejected outright. Therefore, take care when filling out the online form.
The same care must be taken when sending in the required supporting documentation. The best way to ensure that you have included all the necessary supporting documentation and that your application form is compliant is to use the services of a company like U.K.ABROAD. We will be able to provide you with a comprehensive list of everything you need to include with your application. Our specialist consultants will also answer any questions you may have about the renewal process.
In addition, U.K.ABROAD will review your application form and supporting documents to ensure everything is in order before submitting it. This will help to avoid any delays in the processing of your renewal.
UK travellers used to be able to carry up to nine months left on an old passport over to a new one. This meant that a passport could be valid for more than 10 years.
But the rules changed after Brexit, and the majority of EU countries no longer accept British passports that were issued more than 10 years before the date of travel. This is known as the “10-year rule”. – bbc.com
About U.K.ABROAD
U.K.ABROAD specialises in British passport renewals and applications from abroad.
They have a team of experts who are very familiar with the UK passport application process and requirements. They can provide you with all the information and support you need to ensure that your renewal goes smoothly.
U.K.ABROAD offers a range of services to assist with UK passport renewals from abroad, including:
- Simple & Secure Online Applications and Payments
Fill in a simple online application form here. U.K.ABROAD offers free consultations and professional advice regarding all aspects of UK passport renewals and applications.
U.K.ABROAD accepts payments via debit or credit card. We are powered by Stripe – the world’s most secure payment gateway.
- Expert Advice and Assistance
To avoid delays, their expert team will check and prepare all UK passport renewal application forms and/or other related application forms on the applicant’s behalf.
Once your documents are checked, they arrange the shipment of documents and deliver directly to the relevant government office in the United Kingdom.
- Fast and Reliable Delivery to your Door
Rest assured, your new British passport and documents (including your old British passport) will be delivered directly to you via DHL.
With U.K.ABROAD, the entire British Passport renewal or application process is streamlined, meaning you receive your new passport in record time.
I renewed my passport from NZ, service was so great and the agent kept me informed every step of the way. The couriers turned up on time for collection and passports returned before the expected delivery date. Well worth the money paid for the service – Alan Horman via Google Reviews
Related Articles
- Is My UK Passport Valid?
- How to Calculate 6 Months Passport Validity
- British Passport Expiry Date
- New Passport British
Contact U.K.ABROAD
Need more tips on renewing a British Passport when living abroad? Find out more here.
