HM Passport Office (HMPO) has now re-instated their fast track services for passport applications. The fast track services were temporarily suspended due to the reduced capacity and disruptions in service standards caused by COVID-19.
NEVERTHELESS, you still need to attend an appointment at a Passport Office before your application can be processed via fast-track.
Due to COVID-19, there are limited numbers of appointments available. Based on recent experience, for appointments in London, there is approximately a 3-4 week waiting time.
HMPO is in complete control of the number of Fast Track appointments available. HMPO appointments can only be booked directly with HMPO via their website
Despite the re-introduction of these Fast Track routes, they are not available to everyone, and it is important to note that the process differs depending on what type of application you are making – for example, the procedure for a first British passport is different to that for a renewal or replacement passport.
UK Passport applications – the process:
Applying domestically
For those applying from within the UK, the standard process involves an online or paper application, followed by posting the relevant original supporting documents to HMPO.
Those over the age of 16 who are applying for their first British passports are considered to be adults by HMPO, and must complete either an online or paper application form and provide the relevant original supporting documentation in support of their application.
This could be in the form of original passports, a certificate of naturalisation or registration as a British national, or evidence of one’s claim to British nationality. Note that HMPO does not offer a Fast Track application option for first adult British passport applications.
Domestic Fast track options
One-week Fast Track service
This service is only available to those applying from within the UK, for first child passports, child or adult renewals, child or adult replacement applications, or applying for a change of personal details in your passport.
This service is subject to HMPO appointment availability. Your application is submitted at your appointment, and the one-week time frame begins from when you attend your appointment. HMPO does not guarantee the one-week time frame. Your new passport will be delivered to your home address within one week of your appointment.
HMPO is the only party in control of releasing passport application appointments. Appointments can be booked up to three weeks in advance.
Online Premium service
This service is exclusively available to those applying to renew an adult passport, which was issued after 31 December 2001. This service is only available to British nationals, and dual nationals are not permitted to use this service.
The earliest available appointments will show two days from when you apply. If you use this service, your new passport is given to you at your HMPO appointment.
This service is subject to HMPO appointment availability. As noted above, HMPO is the only party in control of releasing passport application appointments.
Applying from abroad
British passport applications submitted from abroad do not benefit from priority services. The process for submission differs depending on the country from where the application is made. For example, if applying from certain EU countries, you may be able to follow the normal online application form procedure and post your supporting documents to HMPO in the UK.
However, if you are applying from Russia, for example, you will need to book an appointment at an application centre and provide full copies of all documentation in order to make your application.
Just as the application process differs from country to country, the requirements for which supporting documents must be provided also depends on the type of passport application being made. If you are considering making a passport application from abroad and are unsure of the process or requirements, please contact us.
Gherson, as an award-winner law firm, is not associated with HMPO and is therefore unable to alter, speed up, or influence the availability of HMPO Fast Track appointments.
Can a person’s British citizenship be taken away?
Obtaining British citizenship, and subsequently a British passport, does not necessarily mean that British citizen status cannot be revoked. Examples of such cases have been widely reported in recent years, although the realities of such cases can sometimes rest on the future intentions of the individual concerned, in conjunction with various compounding factors.
Should you have an enquiry relating to the revocation or potential revocation of British citizenship, please contact our Complex Litigation Team, which is uniquely positioned to provide further assistance in this respect. Learn more by reading our latest blogs What is citizenship deprivation? and How can a person’s British citizenship be taken away?
‘Red’ British passport holders
For ‘Red’ British passport holders check our recent blog about the validity of your passport prior to travelling.
How Gherson can assist?
Gherson is able to advise on all aspects of UK immigration and nationality law, and the subsequent legal and procedural requirements when approaching and completing all types of immigration and nationality applications. For more information, please contact us to discuss your requirements, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn 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