Passports

You will need to go to our A to Z listing of countries to get specific information on what to do if you're overseas.

In the UK you must apply to theIdentity and Passport Service. 

New passport processing procedures explained

The passport service is changing over the next few years. The journey has five parts and this video explains what the puzzle pieces are, what they mean to you and what the benefits of the changes are.

Renewing or replacing a passport if you live abroad

You can renew or replace a passport at one of our Passport Processing Centres. Please click on this A-Z and choose the country that you are applying from and this will direct you to the Passport Processing Centre for that country. It usually takes around 4 weeks to issue a passport and you shouldn’t make travel plans before you receive your new passport. If you are applying for your first British passport allow at least 6 weeks. You might also be asked to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. 

Lost or stolen passports 

You should report the theft of a passport to the local police so you can get a police report. You’ll need the report for insurance purposes and to obtain a replacement travel document from us. You should note that some police authorities will not issue a report for lost passports. In such cases we do not require a police report, but you need to demonstrate that you have at least tried to report the theft.

If your passport is lost or stolen you should contact the nearest British embassy or consulate.

You’ll need to complete an LS01 form in order for your passport to be cancelled. Identity theft is a growing crime. To protect your identity please bring or send this form to us as soon as possible. You do not need to wait until you apply for a new passport.

Renewing your passport in the UK if you live abroad

You can renew, amend or replace your passport whilst you’re visiting the UK. You should apply to the Identity and Passport Service.

You’ll need to make an appointment, provide a verifiable residential address, and be able to attend any interviews as required by IPS. You’ll have to be available at this address so you can sign for the passport. Please note that IPS do not accept applications by post or email from abroad.

Replacement and emergency passports

We can issue you with a replacement travel document if you need to travel urgently. But we’ll need some verification of your identity to be satisfied that you are a British national. You’ll also need to show us a police report and pay a fee. For further details, seeEmergency travel.

I’ve found my missing passport

If you reported your passport missing to the embassy or consulate and it later turns up you won’t be able to use it as it will have been electronically cancelled. You must send it to the nearest embassy or consulate, or to the Identity and Passport Service if you are in the UK. If you try to use it for travel or identification purposes you may be detained by the authorities.

Passport fees

Check the A-Z listing for the country you are applying from for fees in the local currency. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is unsuccessful as the fee is for the administration of the application not just the issue of the book.

Entry requirements

This page offers guidance on issues you might encounter at passport control - such as how much validity you need on your passport, and what kinds of things might impede you at the immigration desk.

Passport security

A range of measures have been introduced to ensure the security of British passports. Find out more here.

How to apply

How to apply from the country you are in, including how and where to send your application, payment options and local additional information