Hi all.
Seeking some advice from anyone who has renewed their British passport recently in Thailand.
I'm aware of the official British website and done a little reading but really want to know specifics about the following questions:
1.
I believe from memory that they like to take your old passport away when you renew. My concern here is that I have my current visa stamp until July and other stamps Immigration might want to see like original entry etc. Does anyone know if we can insist on keeping it I'm not happy with the idea of just making photocopies given how Immigration works. I have thought about just declaring it as lost to avoid having to part with it. I also have sentimental reasons 🙏🏼
2.
How long does it take to get the passport? I'm thinking of traveling to Bangkok (I know you have to have an appointment) and was hoping that you can pick it up within a couple of days but I may be way out in terms of how long it takes?
If it takes some time is it possible to pay for it to be sent to your home address via secure post? Obviously I want to avoid having to drive 6 hours or more back to Bangkok just to pick it up if it's not ready within a couple of days. From what I saw online it indicated it could be 3 weeks from appointment application date.
Any advice and information concerning what actually happens much appreciated 🙏🏼
TLDR : Answer Summary
The renewal process for British passports in Thailand typically involves booking an appointment through VFS Global, which operates in locations like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. When renewing, you do not need to give up your old passport; instead, it will be stamped, a corner cut off, and returned to you along with required photocopies of all pages. The current processing time is around 4-5 weeks, but experiences vary, with some reporting a turnaround of about 11 days. While you cannot have the new passport mailed to you, a trustworthy individual can collect it on your behalf.
