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What is the process for renewing a British passport while living in Chiang Mai?

British Passport Renewal VFS Global Chiang Mai Expat Services Passport Processing Retirement in Thailand Visa and Immigration Services

May 22, 2025

23 days ago

Caroline *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Doing my Due Dilligence on British Passports:

If I retire to Chiang Mai, what is the process for renewing my British Passport. I know I can do this online, but it's the process of then getting the new Passpport/returning the old one that I can't seem to find information on.

Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To renew a British passport while in Chiang Mai, Thailand, you must use VFS Global, as the process cannot be completed online from Thailand. Individuals recommend VFS for efficient service, noting that renewing a passport typically takes about 10-15 days. It's important to know that you will keep your old passport during the renewal process. There are also local services, such as Mark's Sending Machine, that can assist with the application process. Overall, while navigating the process from abroad may be complex, local resources are available for support.

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Leigh **********

You keep your old passport , vfs cut the corner when you receive your new passport, mine took 15 days It was posted on Wednesday , it was received in Liverpool on Friday , they took the payment that day

22 days ago

Caroline *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks everyone for your help..

I think I now understand the process. It may seem straightforward if you're in Chiang Mai, getting the correct process whilst I'm in the UK has taken me half a day. Even the UK Gov website doesn't make it that clear. 🙈

22 days ago

David *******

You can not renew your British Passport online from Thailand.

You have to use VFS.

It's a free service (you only pay for your passport)

22 days ago

Nigel ********

There's a british consultant in chang mai so it is really easy go see them

22 days ago

John **********

@Nigel *******

the consulate doesn't deal with passport renewals, nor does the embassy. It's been outsourced to VFS Global

22 days ago

Nigel ********

@John *********

Sorry! Youre right! I did it with Mark's Sending Machine and mistakenly I thought he dropped it off/collected it from an Embassy/Consulate.

22 days ago

John **********

@Nigel *******

Mark provides a great service. I used him too. But he deals with the VFS Global office in Chiang Mai

22 days ago

Reply to

John **********

Caroline *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Nigel *******

- Have you actually been into the B Consul in Chiang Mai? Do you have an email address that is actually live?

I am in the UK researching these processes so can't go into the Consul in C Mai. My research indicates that whilst there maybe a B Consul there they don't have a website nor live email address. So that is no help to me currently. Thanks anyway.

22 days ago

Nigel ********

@Caroline ******

Sorry I did it with Mark's Sending Machine and mistakenly I thought he dropped it off/collected it from an Embassy/Consulate in Chiang Mai.

22 days ago

Reply to

Nigel ********

John **********

VFS Global do the renewal of UK passports for Thailand. They have an office in Chiang Mai or you can use a service like

@Mark's ***************

, he's also in the Chiang Mai area and provides a great service, particularly for those not close to a VFS Global office

23 days ago

Caroline *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

- thank you so much for actually explaining this process. You are the first person to do so. I shall check them out.

22 days ago

Reply to

Caroline *******

Adrian ******

I agree,vfs in chiang mai were very efficient. Got my new passport in 10 days from day of application.

23 days ago

Colin **********

VFS

23 days ago

Dave ********

Look at VFS global, excellent service

23 days ago

Caroline *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dave *******

- thank you for this.

I did come across them during the research but I wasn't sure if they were kosher.

Are you saying that whilst you can apply to renew your British Passport online, you would have to collect it either by going to the UK yourself, or asking a family member to send it on to me.

Or are you saying that VFS Global manage the processing and delivery after I apply online?

22 days ago

Dave ********

@Caroline ******

you have to go to order it, then go back to collect 3-4 weeks later, all in all a very seamless service, just done mine in BKK 👍

22 days ago

Reply to

Dave ********

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