What is the current process and timeline for renewing a UK passport from Thailand, and can you travel while waiting for the new one?

Nov 21, 2022
2 years ago
Richard ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
# Anyone here had recent experience in getting your UK passport renewed? How long did it take? Is there any form of interim document that allows you to travel while you are waiting? I've heard horror stories of 12 to 16 weeks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of renewing a UK passport from Thailand currently varies in duration. Some users reported waiting around 16 weeks, while others received theirs in as little as 8 days when renewing online. No interim travel document is provided, but you can keep and use your existing passport if it is still valid for domestic travel. International travel with an expired passport is not permitted, and there are concerns regarding the potential for delays and issues with postal services related to passport applications.
Chris ***********
I think they have an "express" service, for which you pay more? Also there's the risk of it getting "lost" in the post? In the good old days I could get it renewed at the BHC (or Embassy)
Gilly *****
@Steve ******
I'd be interested to know if anyone travelled with their passport after their application. I'm in the same boat.
Steve *******
You keep your existing British passport untill the new one arrives, if it's still valid you can use it to travel
Gilly *****
กะลาสี *****
Watch this from 4 days ago. Darren from Key Visa talks about how long it's taking him to get UK passports back.

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กะลาสี *****
Gordon ************
@กะลาสี ****
I used Key Visa, excellent service
Mark ************
+99 days from Bkk :(
Vicky ********
You can travel domestically but I'm pretty sure you can't internationally
Gilly *****
@Vicky *******
okay great, good to know 👍 thanks
Vicky ********
@Gilly ****
I did travel within thailand with it yes ☺️
Gilly *****
@Vicky *******
Did you test this? waiting for mine at the moment.
Vicky ********
I just got an email last week to say mine is now back....

11 and a half weeks!
Martyn ***********
You get your old passport back, while you wait for the new one... I'm not 100% that you could travel with it though?
Will ************
There’s no interim document you must wait for your new passport.
Gill *****
We Renewed British passports online it took 8 days to return
Bobby ********
Ah ok. The OP was asking from Bangkok!
Gill *****
Bobby ********
@Gill ****
From Bangkok?
Adam **********
I picked mine up in October, I had to wait around 16 weeks to receive it.
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