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What is the current processing time for UK passport renewals and how do they compare to other countries?

UK Passport Renewal Processing Time Visa and Immigration Expat Experiences Efficiency in Passport Services

Jun 6, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

My British passport expires early next year, so I decided to renew it while I was back in the UK for a few months. I applied on-line, paid £82.50 for the standard service, and sent my old passport to an address in Corby, on 23 May. I received an e-mail advising me at each stage of the process, and received my new passport, and my old passport back, this morning, 6 June. That is a fortnight, only 14 days, from when I applied! I am quite impressed.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A British expat shares their positive experience renewing their passport online, receiving it back in just 14 days. Many commenters discuss their own passport processing times, noting variations in speed between the UK and other countries, such as Thailand.

Steve *******

Book 'fast track' and get it the same day.

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Henrik ****

It is kind of funny that ppl are amazed when European countries are capable of issuing a new passport in 14 days. In Thailand my two sons got a new passport applied for on Friday and received by EMS on Tuesday. It was not even express service.

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Steve *******

Hardly amazed, get it in 4 hours in the UK!

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Henrik ****

m but story here says 14 days in the UK

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Steve *******

Premium fast track service, same day, apply and pick up 4 hours later.

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Steve *******

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Colin **********

I think it's been made worse because the UK passport office went on strike, for 6weeks or so,

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Henrik ****

@Colin *********

, it is the same in Denmark. You are lucky if you get a new passport in 14 days by asking and paying for express service...

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Henrik ****

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James **************

I did mine in new Yr, think it only took 10 days! 2 months later all over the news how f%#@×*^ up they were gonna be later. Looks like they've sorted it now....

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Don ********

That's great turn-around. I just applied to renew my US passport. They say it's a 13 week turn-around.

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Nick ************

I applied for a new driving license and log book and got them back in two days for no charge!

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John *******

My credit card was crumbled at the speed of sound. Absolutely delighted! Get a grip.

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Dean **************

Mine only took 9 days! Must be a record. 😂

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Donna ******

That’s great to know as I’ve just sent my old passport off for renewal, I’ve had an email to confirm receipt of my old one two days after I posted it 👍

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Michael ********

I normally go to passport center in Newport and get same day.

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Casey ******

@Michael *******

sounds like it’s changed since last time. 128£ next day still isn’t bad.

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Steve *******

Victoria same day, 4 hour pick-up.

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Michael ********

no its one day I normally put in by 9 30am and get passport back by 2 pm.

Couldnt bear 2 days in Newport (i am from Cardiff)

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Michael ********

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Chris ******

Great turnaround …. I applied in bkk 6 weeks ago and heard nothing so far ….

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Dan *******

Mine took around 7-8 weeks. I emailed them a bunch of times requesting an update.. Not sure if that sped up the process

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Chris ******

who did you email ? Vfs ? I’m trying to find out now but hmpo tell me the barcode reference number isn’t recognized …

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Dan *******

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Send them your code and explain your out of the country etc

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Chris ******

sorry for all the questions. But had a reply from

Then via email saying can’t trace my application using the barcode reference j was given ….What reference did you use ? It’s on my official receipt as the reference but worrying that they can’t trace it

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Chris ******

ok thanks dan

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Chris ******

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Roger ********

82 quid is the standard service these days? Yea Gods

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Russell ***********

every 10 years isn’t bad value compared to how important a document it is

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Roger ********

In fairness, the speed is reassuring

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Roger ********

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