The Polish passport is valid for 10 years. Imagine that you are outside Poland only to find that your passport is about to expire or has expired. The good news is that you can renew it in a Polish consulate or embassy in the country of residence. This passage will discuss how to renew Polish passport in UK.
Documents for Passport Renewal
Preparing the required documents is the primary step for passport renewal. Here is the list of supporting documents for Polish passport renewal in UK.
- Current Polish passport (either valid or expired).
- Polish national identification number (PESEL number, or birth/marriage certificate.
- A recent passport photo.
- Proof of residence in the UK, such as residence permit, utility bill, or bank statement.
- Payment receipt of renewal fees.
- A completed pplication form (only available in the Polish consulate in Manchester and Scotland).
Where to Renew Polish Passport in UK
Polish citizens must renew the passport at a Polish embassy or consulate in the UK according to where they live, which is listed below. Please note that honorary consulates are not authorized to issue passports.
How to Renew Polish Passport in UK
Polish passport renewal in UK must be done in person. Walk-in applications will not be accepted. All applicants must make an appointment before submitting an application at the embassy or consulate. Here is a step-by-step instruction.
Book an Appointment
- Visit the online e-Consulate system.
- Choose “United Kingdom” and then the nearby consulate.
- Choose “Passport matters” from the menu on the left, read the instructions, and fill out the appointment form. You need to provide a valid e-mail address, PESEL number, ID number, and correct address of residence.
- Save the appointment confirmation notice.
Attend the Appointment
- Arrive at the selected consular office as scheduled with the required documents and printed confirmation of the passport visit. To renew a child’s passport, both parents should attend the appointment with the minor applicant and bring their identity documents.
- Submit the completed form along with the required documents.
- Pay the renewal fee of 96 GBP at the cashier.
- Monitor the application status and pick up the new passport when it is ready.
Renew Poland Passport with New Picture
One recent 35 x 45 mm photo is needed for passport renewal. It must satisfy a set of official guidelines, including a plain white background, even lighting, full face visibility, and neutral facial expression. However, if you renew Polish passport in UK, the local photographer might be not familiar with the official photo requirements. Our online passport photo maker will help you.
AiPassportPhotos is equipped with multiple ID photo templates for different countries, including Poland. You just need to take a picture and upload it on AiPassportPhotos website. It will automatically check photo compliance, resize the photo, and replace unqualified backgrounds. A qualified Polish passport photo will be ready in a few seconds no matter where you are.
How Much Does Polish Passport Renewal Cost
It costs 96 GBP per application. It should be paid in cash, by postal order payable to the appropriate consular office, by cheque (only available at the Polish embassy in London), or by credit and debit cards (except at the Polish consulate general in Belfast).
How Long Does Renewing a Polish Passport in UK Take
There is no fixed processing time which might take 3-8 weeks. The consular officer will tell you an estimated date to collect the passport after applying. You can also check the case status through the passport application number on the application receipt.
How to Collect Polish Passport in UK
To collect a Polish passport in the UK, you must return to the same consular office as the application submission. After you are informed that the new passport is ready, make an appointment, and bring the collection notice, proof of identity, and other necessary documents to the embassy or consulate. Please note that passport collection at the Polish consulate in Belfast and Manchester does not require a prior appointment. Just bring the required documents at designated opening hours.
- Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Belfast: 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm on Monday and 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm from Tuesday to Friday.
- Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester: 10:40 am – 5:15 pm on Monday and 9:00 am – 3:15 pm from Tuesday to Friday.
What to Do if My Passport Request is Refused
The authority might refuse your application due to different reasons. If you are rejected for involvement in criminal cases, fiscal crimes, matters concerning a minor, or civil proceedings, you should re-apply after all pending cases are settled. If you are rejected for insufficient documents, unfinished payment, or other administrative decisions, you can file an appeal through the consul to the minister responsible for internal affairs and correct the mistakes.
FAQ
Can I go to the Polish Embassy without an appointment?
No, unless you are requesting service for specific situations or urgent cases. Please contact the embassy officer for exact information.
How to apply for a Polish passport by descent in the UK?
The application process is similar to Polish passport renewal in UK, but you have to provide documents to prove your Polish ancestry, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any documents related to your Polish grandparent(s) or parent(s).
Can I go back to Poland with expired passport?
No. An expired passport will become invalid and lead to rejected entry, so it is suggested to renew it before returning to Poland.
Conclusion
Holding a valid passport is essential while traveling abroad. Polish passport renewal in UK is possible. You should prepare all required documents and go to the nearby Polish embassy or consulate. As it takes several weeks to renew Polish passport in UK, please check your passport validity and submit applications as early as possible.
Erin Lo