What is the fastest way to renew a UK Passport?
Are you looking to renew your UK passport while overseas? Do you need it done quickly? The process can be complicated, so knowing what you are doing is essential. Much detail goes into the process of renewing your passport from abroad, and sometimes without assistance, you could delay the process because of errors.
Here are a few steps you need to take to renew your British passport from abroad as quickly as possible!
A Note on Emergency Travel Documents
Suppose your British passport has expired or is about to expire and you’ve already got a trip abroad booked for the near future. In that case, you might need to apply for an emergency travel document. The normal renewal process from abroad is unlikely to be fast enough if you plan to travel in the next few weeks. If this is your situation, please click here to find out more information about Emergency Travel Documents.
It is important to note that an emergency travel document does not replace a passport, and you will still need to renew your British Passport.
The remainder of this article will discuss the fastest way to renew a UK passport from abroad using the standard online renewal service.
What is the fastest way to renew a UK Passport?
Did you know that the only way to renew your UK passport from abroad is online? You can no longer apply at your local embassy or consulate.
Fortunately, the online renewal process is actually relatively straightforward, if you use the right service. By using a service like U.K.ABROAD, you avoid unnecessary delays.
About U.K.ABROAD
U.K.ABROAD specialises in easy, online British Passport renewals and applications from abroad. The company’s mission is to make the British Passport renewal, application or replacement process simple, safe and fast. Saving you time and money along the way.
Operating independently since 2008, with thousands of verified five-star reviews, their service excellence speaks for itself.
When renewing your UK passport with U.K.ABROAD, you will be assigned a friendly, professional British passport consultant. Their British passport consultants take care of understanding and honouring the British government rulings on your behalf, making sure the qualifying criteria meets the relevant government office’s requirements.
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. HM Passport Office does not issue any refunds.
How to renew your UK passport online with U.K.ABROAD
U.K.ABROAD offers a simple, five-step online process for renewing your British passport from abroad:
Step One: Complete the online passport renewal form
The first step is to complete the online passport renewal form. This will take you about 15 minutes. Click here for the application form.
Step Two: Secure payment
After you have completed the form, you will be redirected to a secure online payment form. Here, you can pay the required fees via credit or debit card.
U.K.ABROAD’s payments are powered by Stripe – A certified PCI Service Provider Level 1. This is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry. To accomplish this, they use the best-in-class security tools and practices to maintain a high level of security.
Step Three: Application checked
The experts at U.K.ABROAD will check your online application forms & supporting documents and finalise the application on your behalf.
Step Four: Your application is submitted
U.K.ABROAD arranges safe and fast shipment of documents to the relevant government office in the United Kingdom.
Step Five: Delivery of your new passport
Your new British Passport is delivered directly to your doorstep via DHL.
Current UK Passport Delays
As of May 2022, HM Passport Office has been dealing with an unprecedented number of applications, and as a result, many people are facing longer wait times.
Around 9.5 million people are expected to apply for a new passport in 2022— more than the average of 6.5 million in previous years.
This comes from over five million British citizens delaying their passport renewals in 2020 and 2021. The British government is now warning people to process their applications “as soon as possible” to avoid delays.
Tips for Speeding up your UK Passport Renewal
As a UK citizen living abroad, here are a few things you can do to ensure a smooth passport application process and avoid unnecessary delays.
- Plan ahead! If you know you’ll need a new passport shortly, start the application process as soon as possible. If there are any issues with your application, this will give you some breathing room. To begin the renewal or application process for a British passport now, Click here.
- Double check your application forms are completed fully and accurately. HM Passport Office has been known to reject or delay applications due to the slightest inaccuracies.
- Have your application assessed by a professional: The U.K.ABROAD team of passport experts will thoroughly review your application, ensuring it is in order before sending it to HM Passport Office.
- Use a courier service: Using a courier ensures that your documents are delivered promptly to HM Passport Office and do not get lost in transit. U.K.ABROAD offers services such as the use of a reputable, registered courier for the transportation of your documents.
Ready to start your application? Click here.