Answered3 years ago

What is the process and timeline for renewing a UK passport from Thailand?

UK Passport Renewal Overseas Issuing Visa Assistance Thailand VFS Services Immigration Services

Pauline *******

asked Jan 4, 2024

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Has anyone got a renewal of UK passport through the official overseas issuing website. Was it difficult to do or just tedious? How long was the turnaround? I'm presently looking at using an agent here for it. I didn't realise I had only 2 pages left till I was nearly refused boarding yesterday in Vietnam.

Answer summary

The conversation discusses experiences with renewing a UK passport while in Thailand, particularly through agents and official channels. One commenter mentioned using an agent in Pattaya, taking about 3 weeks for the renewal. Others suggested using VFS in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, noting that the processing time can vary between 3 to 10 weeks depending on UK authorities. Overall, users shared their insights about the convenience and timelines associated with the passport renewal process.

14 repliesnewest first

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Pauline *******

Thanks for the helpful comments guys.

3 years ago

Colin **********

Easy visa can help if your in Pattaya.

3 years ago

Henry *********

If you're in Thailand you apply through VFS in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Depending on how busy HMPO are (in Liverpool) it can take anything from 3 to 10 weeks.

3 years ago

Pauline *******

@Henry ********

I was more interested in the online application.

3 years ago

Henry *********

@Pauline ******

If you're in Thailand online isn't possible. You would have mail in your expired/old passport.

3 years ago

Pauline *******

@Mark ********

I understand, that's a good point but I am assuming the agent signature as an identifier must be sufficient.

3 years ago

Mark *********

All that said there is another point to make and not to do with travel costs. It is a bureaucratic point. Who do I know who has known me x years? Not many and those I do know are Thai and Thais are banned from counter-signing. It can all be quite difficult to sort. Presumably the agencies have someone who counter-signs, isn't Thai, looks non-Thai in the picture evidence and is willing to vouch for having (cough!) known you x years.

3 years ago

Pauline *******

@Henry ********

this was the thing I was looking at but I don't think it's an official govt site. Saw I link to it while searching FB groups. When I looked further at it it is actually cheaper to pay an agent here than use them !

3 years ago

Mark *********

@Henry ********

Absolutely and to the point where I didn't remotely understand what using an agent could be about or rather I'm being loose with my words as VFS are the Official Agents of His Majesty's Passport Office in Thailand. They are probably still quoting 11 weeks, but as early as last May I received mine in 5 weeks. Just before Christmas I heard of someone receiving in 2 weeks.

3 years ago

Martin *********

About 3 years ago I had to renew mine , agent Pattaya , took 3 weeks 10,000 including price of new passport .. door to door .. saved me travelling and possibly staying over twice in BKK .. pretty good all round imo .

3 years ago

Pauline *******

@Martin ********

that's what I'm thinking too. But you always get people saying the usual 'so easy to do yourself ' so i was hoping to hear first hand from someone who has done it online from here. Already got a 12,000 quote from an online agency.

3 years ago

Martin *********

@Pauline ******

imo , when you weigh up the cost of travelling back and forth effectively 4 trips , I don’t know where you are , but for me personally cost effective via an agent .. it took 10 min .. and they called me on its return, asked if I wanted it deliver to my address or come into office to collect , which was the option I chose .. 😉👍🏻

Martin *********

just over 3 weeks 👍🏻

Pauline *******

exactly. I'm Pattaya too. Thanks for your help and advice. How long was the turnaround?

3 years ago