Renewing a British passport as an expat in Spain.

[truebrit]

This question has been asked a few times but I have had so many different results I am looking for someone who has done it very recently as an expat living permanently in Spain. What is the process?

[El Cid]

https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

[ajtg1952]

Fill in the forms, pay the fee, get photographs, post to Belfast. 3 weeks later your new passport is delivered. It really could not be easier.

[truebrit]

Sorry why Belfast.? Friends of mine have just done it and assured me that I had to do it through Madrid. I knew they were wrong but they were adamant.

[firsttango]

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... _09.15.PDF

How long it takes
Your application should take 4 weeks from when it’s received by Her Majesty’s Passport Office in the UK.

You may have to attend an interview.

Applications will take longer if:

HM Passport Office need to ask you for more information or documents
the photographs you send are rejected

[katy]

How long ago is 'just done it'? Madrid do not handle passports, haven't done for a couple of years.

[truebrit]

First Tango how can you attend an interview if you are in spain? Can you get the forms sent to you by post or does it all have to be done on line?

[firsttango]

You would have to go to the U.K or wherever they instruct you. Its whats on the GOV site if you look.

https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y ... _new/adult

[ebbnflow]

We renewed 2 passports last year, one normal and one changing from child to adult. They were done via the website as stated above. You simply fill in the forms online, pay the fees, print them off and post them, along with photos, old passports and any supporting documents that may be required for your particular circumstances to N.Ireland (the only office that accepts expat. applications).

Madrid no longer handles passport applications, also stated above.

We found the process extremely straight forward and efficient.

Do remember that the UK requirements for passport photos are different to that of Spain. Therefore, take special note of those requirements and make sure your local photo shop fully understands the differences.

[truebrit]

Is it possible to obtain the forms or does it have to be done online?

[ebbnflow]

The process is very easy if you follow the instructions carefully, why would you want to obtain the forms first as you obviously have internet access?

[gerryh]

Is it possible to obtain the forms or does it have to be done online?

You go online, download the forms, fill them in, or fill them in online and then download them, and post them ,with the other required items, as specified on the website.
The correct way of doing it all is as specified in the link that Sid posted in the first reply to the original question.
Ignore any other "advice" about posting to Madrid etc etc. I believe it was correct many years ago but Sid's link is up to date as of 8th Dec 2015.
Cheers
Gerry

[ajtg1952]

Not sure where Tango gets his interview information. Never heard of that before. All my working life I had 2 passports so changed more often than most and have never been called to an interview.

As to your friends saying Madrid that was years ago.

[gerryh]

Not sure where Tango gets his interview information.

On the official site there is a reference to "you may be called for an interview"
Probably only will apply if something appears very dodgy on your application or you are on the wanted list and will be arrested on return to UK.
Cheers
Gerry

[truebrit]

Because I'm not very good online. There is a reference on the site about possibly being called in for a meeting.thanks all for the information.

[gerryh]

Because I'm not very good online.

Navigating their site, filling in the forms, downloading the forms etc. is no more difficult or complicated than navigate this site, posting a new message or replying to a message.
You seem very successful in doing such on this site.
Cheers
Gerry

[El Cid]

Navigating their site, filling in the forms, downloading the forms etc. is no more difficult or complicated than navigate this site, posting a new message or replying to a message.
You seem very successful in doing such on this site.
Cheers
Gerry

So true Gerry.

Trubrit - Have you actually followed that link I posted? If you had you would have seen exactly what you need to do.

I think it is pretty pointless for anyone else to offer further advice if you can't be bothered to do something as simple as that.

Sid

[firsttango]

Not sure where Tango gets his interview information. Never heard of that before. All my working life I had 2 passports so changed more often than most and have never been called to an interview.
o.

It is quite clearly written on the .gov website of which I supplied the link?

[truebrit]

If you saw my last post I signed off and thanked everyone. Shall grab my man bag and go and fill in the forms Thanks.