A private account of making use of for a UK passport, together with how lengthy it took, prices and tips on how to expedite your utility
Verify your passport now (Picture: Dragon Claws by way of Getty Pictures)
Anybody planning a visit abroad is being urged to test that their passport remains to be legitimate. Relying in your vacation spot, you might have to renew it ahead of anticipated.
Travellers heading to France, Spain, or different Schengen nations are reminded that these nations comply with strict guidelines. Your passport should be lower than 10 years outdated once you arrive. As well as, should you renewed your passport earlier than October 1, 2018, the problem date might now exceed this 10-year restrict.
Your passport should even be legitimate for at the least three months past the date you propose to depart the Schengen space – although this expiry doesn’t have to fall inside 10 years of the problem date.
Somewhere else, like Cyprus, it is advisable to have “at the least one clean web page for stamping”. So if it is advisable to get a brand new passport, this is what it is advisable to know earlier than you are set to journey overseas.
How lengthy did it take to get my blue UK passport?
I utilized for a brand new passport on July 13 final 12 months and despatched off my outdated one the next day, as required, since you’ll be able to’t maintain two passports on the identical time. The Passport Workplace confirmed it had been acquired on July 15.
On July 23, I used to be knowledgeable that my utility had been accepted, adopted by one other replace on July 24 confirming that my passport had been printed. It arrived the very subsequent day with a brand new photograph I’d taken at house.
In complete, all the course of took lower than two weeks, and I didn’t even use a fast-track service. Total, I used to be pleasantly shocked by how fast and simple the entire course of was.
You may test how lengthy it should take to get a passport earlier than you apply. And should you want a passport urgently, you’ll be able to go for their On-line Premium or 1-week Quick Monitor providers. They warn: “Don’t guide journey till you will have a legitimate passport – your new passport is not going to have the identical quantity as your outdated one.”
How you can apply for a brand new UK passport?
You may submit an utility by way of the GOV.UK web site. It caters for numerous wants, whether or not it is advisable to apply for, renew, exchange or replace your passport, and you can even pay for it on-line.
How a lot does a UK passport value?
In case you’re trying to save cash, it is value understanding that it is £12.50 cheaper to use for a passport on-line than by put up. The costs beneath rise on April 8, 2026.
| Grownup (16 and over) normal 34-page passport | £94.50 (on-line) | £107 (paper kind) |
|---|---|---|
| Grownup (16 and over) 54-page frequent traveller passport | £107.50 | £120 |
| Baby (below 16) normal 34-page passport | £61.50 | £74 |
| Baby (below 16) 54-page frequent traveller passport | £74.50 | £87 |
| Passport for folks born on or earlier than 2 September 1929 | Free | Free |
Can I get my passport faster?
In case you’re attributable to journey overseas quickly and are involved it will not arrive in time, you’ll be able to go for a premium service. Once more, prices are set to extend on April 8.
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| While you’ll get your passport | What it prices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Customary | Often inside 3 weeks – will probably be delivered securely to your house | £94.50 (or £107.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) | No appointment wanted |
| 1 week Quick Monitor discover out extra | Delivered by courier to your house 1 week after the appointment | £178 (or £191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) | Appointment wanted |
| 1 day Premium discover out extra | Gather it 4 hours after your appointment | £222 (or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) | Appointment wanted |
Can I get a free passport?
Anybody born on or earlier than September 2, 1929, can apply for or renew a British passport without charge, so long as they’re a British nationwide. They’re additionally entitled to make use of the Publish Workplace’s Verify and Ship service freed from cost, together with complimentary safe supply.
Fees will nonetheless apply should you require an pressing passport or go for a frequent traveller model, which incorporates 54 pages moderately than the same old 34.
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