The measures were introduced “in grateful commemoration for their wartime efforts”, with the scheme aimed at individuals who would have been 16 or older at the end of World War II.
Concessionary passports have been issued since 18 October 2004. In January 2021, HM Passport Office (“HMPO”), issued guidance to their staff detailing the requirements, which if met, permit an applicant to be issued with a concessionary passport. Slightly later, in February this year, HMPO published the guidance online.
Fees
Concessionary passports are issued free of charge to applicants who meet certain criteria as detailed below. If an applicant qualifies for a concessionary passport, there will be no charge for:
- The standard 32-page passport they will be issued;
- Secure delivery fees to provide the new passport/return supporting documents in the UK or overseas; or
- Post Office Check & Send Service
If an applicant requires additional services, additional fees may apply.
What are the requirements?
In order to qualify for a concessionary passport, the applicant must hold any form of British nationality at the time of application. The applicant must also have been born on or before 2 September 1929. It is important to note that applicants who naturalized or registered as British nationals will still qualify, regardless of when they naturalized or registered.
HMPO will need to verify the following before issuing a concessionary passport:
- Nationality;
- Entitlement to a concessionary passport;
- Identity; and
- Eligibility.
Types of concessionary passports
- Passports valid for 10 years, issued to applicants born on or before 2 September 1929;
- Passports valid for 1 year, issued in 2004 to former veterans (born on or before 2 September 1929), their spouses and carers. These passports were issued to support attendance at commemorative events held in 2004.
Refunds
For those who did not receive a refund of any fees paid, it may be possible to request a refund of historical fees for applicants who applied for a concessionary passport between 19 May 2004 and 18 October 2004, and for those who were issued with concessionary passports after 18 October 2004.
Application
To obtain a concessionary passport, a full application will need to be submitted to HMPO with all the required documents. If you think you are eligible to obtain a concessionary passport, please contact us to discuss your circumstances in further detail.
Gherson has extensive experience of assisting clients with their passport applications. In the event that you would like to discuss the possibility of making such an application, please do not hesitate to contact us, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2021