Introduction
A passport is an official document certifying identity and citizenship and is used for international travel. In the UK, a passport is issued by the Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO). Every year, millions of British citizens apply for passports for various purposes such as travel, work study or business.
This article is a complete guide to applying for a British passport and will cover the different types of passports; eligibility requirements; application process; and fees.
Types of Passports
The UK passport comes in three different types: standard, jumbo, and child.
Standard Adult Passport
This is the most common passport type and is issued to anyone over the age of 16. The standard adult passport is valid for 10 years and can be used for all international travel, except in certain countries that require a visa.
Jumbo Passport
This type of passport has 16 additional pages and is ideal for frequent travelers who require more space for entry and exit stamps. The jumbo passport is also valid for 10 years.
Child Passport
The child passport is issued to minors (under the age of 16) and is valid for five years. Children must have their own passports and cannot be included in the parent’s or guardian’s passport.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a British passport, applicants must:
– Be a British citizen
– Have never been refused a British passport
– Be of good character
– Not have any outstanding child maintenance payments
– Not be subject to any court orders restricting travel (e.g., bail conditions)
In addition, first-time applicants must provide proof of their identity, citizenship and proof of address in the UK. Renewals do not require these documents unless there is a change in the name or status of the applicant.
Application Process
The application process for a British passport can be completed online or by post.
Online Application
To apply online, visit the official UK government website (Gov.uk) and follow the steps outlined below.
1. Create a Government Gateway account – To apply online, you must have a Government Gateway account. If you do not have one, you can create one by registering at https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-register.
2. Start a new application – Once you have a Government Gateway account, you can start a new application by visiting https://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport.
3. Complete application form – The online application form is straightforward and can be completed in a few minutes. You will need to provide your personal information, including name, date of birth, and contact details.
4. Pay the application fee – The application fee for a British passport can be paid online using a debit or credit card. The fee depends on the type of passport required, and whether it is a first-time application or renewal.
5. Provide supporting documents – Once you have completed the form and paid the fee, you will be prompted to send supporting documents such as photos and a copy of your birth certificate. The photos must meet specific criteria for example, they must be in color, taken against a plain backdrop and be taken within the last month.
6. Submit application form – Once you have provided all the necessary information and documents, you can submit the form. The processing time for an online application is usually three weeks.
Postal Application
To apply by post, applicants must follow these steps:
1. Download and print an application form – The application form can be downloaded from the Gov.uk website or requested by phone.
2. Complete the application form – The application form must be completed in black ink and in block capitals. The form asks for the same information as the online form.
3. Provide supporting documents – Along with the application form, you will need to provide supporting documents such as photos and a copy of your birth certificate. The photos must conform to the same criteria as those submitted online.
4. Pay the application fee – Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, payable to Her Majesty’s Passport Office.
5. Send the application – Once you have completed the form and provided all the necessary documents, you should send the application to the HMPO. The processing time for a postal application is usually six weeks.
Passport Fees
The fee for a British passport depends on the type of passport required. Fees are as follows:
– Standard adult passport – £75.50
– Jumbo passport – £85.50
– Child passport – £49
Additional services such as fast-track processing and express delivery are available at an additional cost.
Conclusion
Applying for a British passport is a straightforward process that can be completed online or by post. Applicants must be eligible for a passport, provide supporting documents such as photos and a copy of their birth certificate and pay the application fee. The processing time for a British passport is usually three weeks for online applications and six weeks for postal applications.
The British passport is a highly regulated document that is not eligible for all people living in Britain. The document is established and over sought by the British Identity and Passport office. Only citizens of Britain, British subjects, or nationals are eligible to successfully file a British application form.
The process, which is accomplished through the fulfillment of a UK passport application form is relatively simple. Before filing a UK passport application form one must acknowledge the fact that they must provide plenty of personal information in accordance with the application, in addition to a small fee.
the most effective means to view and fill out a British passport application form is to visit the website of the British Identity and Passport service. This site, which is the official home for the British passports, has detailed instructions and processing descriptions associated with the UK passport application form. The generic British passport application form will ask for required information that includes details about the applicant’s date of birth, his or address, and status of citizenship.
In addition to this information, inquiries regarding the applicant’s parents, including their birth dates, citizenship and marriage information will be required on the British passport application form. When completing this information, be sure to double check the summary provided by the agency. Upon submitting the online British passport application form, a completed and tangible application will be mailed to the provided address within 24-48 hours following submission. When the form is received, a date and signature must be attached.
Once the application is attached with a name and date, it must mailed back to the address listed on the form. Additional documentation, including two passport photos and a certified copy of a nationality document, which certifies that the applicant is British and the document was issued by the Registry Office. Included in the finalized UKL passport application form should be a check or money order addressed to the Identity and Passport Service for the application fee of 72 pounds. Once these steps have been accomplished a passport should arrive in the mail in the next four weeks for new passports.
