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What is the best way for a UK expat in Thailand to renew their passport?

UK Passport Renewal Thailand Expat Services Visa and Immigration VFS Thailand British Embassy Online Passport Application

Oct 6, 2022

2 years ago

Martyn ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Please delete if not allowed...

Hi, a friend of mine is needing to renew his uk passport. What's the best way to go about this please? Agent fees if he was to use them and a recommendation if possible. Is it possible do online yourself, if so.. Do you need to send in the old passport? As this creates obvious problems....?

Any advise appreciated.. TIA 👍😉

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To renew a UK passport in Thailand, individuals can either apply online or use an agent. For a DIY approach, the application must be submitted in person at one of the HMPO offices located at VFS in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Applicants need to present color photocopies of every page of the expiring passport, along with proof of residence in Thailand. Payment is made with a credit card, and the old passport remains with the applicant until the new one arrives, which can take up to 12 weeks. Agents can facilitate the process but come with additional fees, which vary by location. Further information and guidance are available on the official UK government website and specific agency websites.

Jay *******

best in Thailand for this

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Bob *********

There is a page on .gov.uk about applying for a british passport overseas. It is here

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Martyn ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

been through it, when it knows where you are it says go to VFS

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Bob *********

@Martyn **********

ah I see sorry.

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Bob *********

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Erin ***************

Look at the British Embassy website

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Tony *********

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Faye *********

Gov.uk has all the information on how to do it yourself including prices. Maybe people here can recommend an agent then you can find out the prices as it may depend on where you are in Thailand.

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Ron *******

@Martyn **********

ok good luck.

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Faye *********

Oh, we misunderstood, if you are applying in Thailand you can't do it online or have passports posted but you meant do it online in the UK. That is different and also requires you to confirm you are currently living there. Your only hope is the gov.uk website for your information.

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Faye *********

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Martyn ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm aware of doing it online, but that way has problems with postage etc? It makes a difference if tou have to send your passport back to them for example?

I've been through what i can and cant find anything about postage etc...

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Faye *********

Not possible to do it online, the site takes you to the application process to find out what country you are in and lets you know where to go in person and what is needed. Applications by post stopped at least 8 years ago. They won't even post it to you when it arrives, it has to be picked up in person.

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Stuart *********

@Martyn **********

you can’t do it online from here. You’d have to do it via VFS.

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Martyn ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

just searched for renewal from abroad gov website and it takes me to application process?

Its also possible because i did myself years back when i had people going back to uk and coming out.

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Stuart *********

@Martyn **********

OK. Haven’t tried recently so maybe something is different, but I guess it would involve you sending your old passport in and having someone with a UK address send or bring the new one back.

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Stuart *********

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Ron *******

@Martyn **********

you cannot post. You go to VFS twice.

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Martyn ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm talking doing it online, would they post here? Or only to uk address?

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Ron *******

@Martyn **********

you cannot apply online here for a new passport. You only book the application appointment online here. You cannot just turn up and apply.

You also need to pay with a credit card, not debit card.

Once you've applied, you cannot travel internationally with your old passport as it's cancelled in the system.

Allow 12-14 weeks for the new passport before you can collect it

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Martyn ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks buddy... Online definitely is possible... I did it myself. But i was lucky to have people going home and coming back at good times. Not worth it if relying on postage/courier...

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Ron *******

@Martyn **********

don't even think of applying in the UK now if you're in Thailand.

You need the letter issued by VFS to take to immigration to change your stamps over.

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Martyn ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

i contacted Bangkok for the letter and the emailed it to me....

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Martyn ***********

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Henry *********

It's easy to do it yourself, if you're close to either Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The application has to be submitted in person at the HMPO office at VFS in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. You have to provide a colour photocopy of every page of the expiring passport, but you keep the original until the new one arrives. You'll also need proof of your address in Thailand (in English). Payment is by credit card. Currrently you might have to wait up to 12 weeks for the new one, which also has to be collected in person at VFS.

You can use an agent to submit/collect.

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Martyn ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henry ********

whats the cost please, doing it i person compared to agent?

Can you pay with a thai debit card or does it have to be credit??

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Vicky ********

@Martyn **********

I had my Bangkok Bank debit card down on my form but they couldn't take payment so I had to call the UK passport office and use another form of payment. I think it was just how my card was set up, rather than them not allowing Thai debit cards

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Henry *********

@Martyn **********

There is no cost if you do it yourself, apart from the cost of the new passport. Different agents have different fees - anything from 5-10,000 baht. Payment is processed in the UK so not sure if you can use Thai cards.

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Henry *********

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