Every citizen needs a passport to travel outside the UK. Many countries require foreign visitors’ passports within a certain validity period. If you don’t have one, it’s time to apply for a . If you already have one, make sure it remains valid. Otherwise, you should renew it. However, as it takes time to fill out an application, send supporting documents and wait for the reviewing process, it is recommended to start the application or renewal in advance. Then, how long does it take to wait for your passport to arrive? In this passage, we are going to introduce UK passport processing time for both first-time or renewal applications.
UK Passport Waiting Time in UK
Waiting times might vary due to the time of year when you apply, and where you apply from.
British Passport Processing Time for First-time Application
Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) claims you will receive your passport within 3 weeks after receiving your documents. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic in the past few years, on the one hand, there is a backlog of passport processing due to a shortage of hands. On the other hand, millions of people delayed their passport application. As the epidemic eases, the demand for international travel rises again. The number of passport applications is reaching historic highs. HMPO suggested applicants apply 10 weeks in advance. Current passport processing time is often shorter than 10 weeks as long as there are no insufficient or wrong documents. It would take longer on the condition that the officer asks you to submit extra documents or have an interview and that you apply at peak seasons, such as back-to-school seasons or tourist seasons.
British Passport Processing Time for Renewal
Supposing that your current passport has expired or doesn’t have enough validity time, you should renew it. Requirements for renewal are much simpler than that for first-time applications. Generally speaking, it takes 6-8 weeks to deal with your application. However, the HMPO also advised to spare up to 10 weeks to wait for a new passport. If possible, do not book your trip until you receive a valid passport.
British Passport Processing Time for Replacement
If your passport is damaged, lost or stolen, you need to replace it. The passport replacement processing time usually takes 3-6 weeks. However, it could be extended to 10 weeks in peak seasons, insufficient documents or other unexpected circumstances.
British Passport Processing Time Outside UK
British citizens living abroad are allowed to apply for, replace or renew a new UK passport online. Applications filed overseas will also be processed in Britain. Therefore, you have to wait for a longer time than in the UK. How long it takes to process a British passport application is subject to the countries you apply from, which can be checked on the UK Government’s overseas application portal. Sometimes you might be required to attend an interview in an embassy or consulate. For example, in the United States, the routine UK passport renewal takes 4-12 weeks. In Australia, it takes 3-4 weeks to deliver a renewed passport to you, so please apply 4-7 weeks in advance.
UK Expedited Passport Processing Time
Are you in urgent need of a passport?
Do you think it takes too long to wait for a standard service?
HMPO allows you to pay extra fees to get a passport more quickly. The faster service is available for citizens in the UK to renew, replace, update a passport, or get a first child’s passport. You will get a new passport in 2 days for Online Premium Service or one week for 1 week Fast Track Service. If you are outside the UK and need to travel internationally as soon as possible, apply for an emergency travel document which will be ready in 2 working days.
In the following emergent conditions, you can call the Passport Adviceline for help.
- to travel abroad urgently to get medical treatment
- to travel abroad urgently to visit a family member who is badly ill or has passed away
- to travel abroad urgently for business
How Long it Takes from Passport Approved to Delivery
Once approved, applicants can collect the passport from the counter or ask the HMPO to send it by post. If you choose the mail service, please note that the delivery time is decided by which Passport Office deals with your application and its workload. Generally speaking, it takes 2 days to 1 week to deliver the new passport to you after approval.
What Should Applicants Do to Avoid Delays?
Passport processing time is not always fixed. Here are some tips to prevent your trip from being delayed or ensure your application goes smoothly.
- Apply As Early As Possible
As we stated before, you can see that the routine UK passport processing time ranges from 3 to 12 weeks. That is to say, you are supposed to apply about 10 weeks before setting out. As for renewal, you can submit your application up to 9 months before it expires.
- Get All Documents Fully Ready
Supporting documents include application forms, passport photos, and proof of citizenship and identification. Extra requirements from the authority will extend the waiting time. The more prepared you are, the easier you will be approved, especially when applying for the child’s passport.
Passport photo compliance is an essential part. When taking a biometric photo, it is recommended to use a passport photo editor to make a 100% qualified photo.
- Apply Online
The HM Passport Office provides three ways to apply for passports, including online, by post or in person in the post office. It will take a longer time to mail the application to the passport office through the latter two ways, so the most convenient way should be the online application.
Summary
We listed all situations of request for a passport, including first-time applications, renewal and replacement inside and outside Britain. Depending on applying online or by post, the waiting time to obtain a new UK passport might vary because it takes extra time to mail the application to the passport office. Anyway, it is suggested to plan earlier than the British passport processing time so as to keep your trip as scheduled.
Erin Lo