DO YOU NEED TO RENEW YOUR PASSPORT?

DO YOU NEED TO RENEW YOUR PASSPORT?

If the answer is yes then read on, as from now on you will not need to go to the Consulate Offices and will need to do it online.

The British Consulate has launched a website, which will now allow all British residents living in Spain to apply and pay for their passports electronically. The new passport process, which is part of a worldwide changeover, helps to reduce the possibility of making errors that can delay applications.

The new process can be found at www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

The site includes an online payment system as well as produces a personalised pack for each applicant. The pack must be printed out and signed, and then sent along with the relevant photographs and any additional documentation that is required, to the Passport Office in the UK. (Applications will no longer be accepted by the local consulate offices.) Once an application has been submitted, applicants will then receive instructions on how to track its progress via the website.

APPLY IN GOOD TIME!

The consulate suggest that It is important to apply in good time as a new passport will take at least four weeks from the time the completed application pack is received by the Passport Office in the UK, or six weeks if replacing a lost or stolen passport. Will Middleton, Consular Regional Director for Spain advises “Don’t leave it until the last minute to apply for your passport. Remember you can apply up to nine months in advance and any unexpired time will be added to your new passport.” In addition, any applicants who cannot access the online system or who experience any difficulties should contact the Passport Advice Line on +44 300 222 0000.