marshi

I have been living in UAE for last four years. My British Passport needed renewal. I sent it in March and they have confirmed it's been received on March 26th. I called the help line number of times but there was no joy and I have sent few email around. The only replied email was the website guidelines. I need to renew my residency here in Jun. It's nearly 8 weeks now and I don't know what to do. Has anyone had the same experience?

busybee2

dont worry you are not alone, loads of people having to wait in excess of 8 weeks at the moment. unfortunately its a rush time, the price has come down, and they have been overwhelmed with applications just now. you should be able to track it and give them a call to expedite it if its not at the end of the queue, i would say that its should be due within a week or so at most... people have been saying 8/9 weeks turnaround etc.

busybee2

you will just have to pay the overstay fine if you dont get it back in time and do a visa run etc.

busybee2

next time if you are not using your passport beforehand then take in to account the extra 9 months you can renew in.

marshi

You just made me feel 1000 times better. Thanks for reply. xxx

CraigM

Hi Marshi, I am in the same position. Sent my passport off 6weeks ago, was suppose to be flying out tonight! Every time I call all they say is it is "awaiting examination". I have made a complaint which means some one from the liverpool office has to review my case and contact me within 3 (uk) working days... I honestly believe it is quicker to DHL to a family member in the UK and apply from within, apparently that turn around time is a lot quicker.

hong_konger

The best way to renew your British Passport is in person when you are back in the UK. Go for the Premium Service - same day service (4 hours) and pay the premium total charge GBP128. Its still cheaper than DHLing it (except for the airfare of course) and having all the worry and hoping no-one drops dead at home while you are without a passport.

https://www.gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently

You have to make an appointment in advance but when I did mine it was no big deal.

busybee2

http://www.expatwoman.com/abudhabi/f...me-delays.aspx

busybee2

http://www.expatwoman.com/abudhabi/f...ort-query.aspx

busybee2

you cant do that, you have to be in country if you are doing it in the uk... if you live overseas you must do it this way..... it has been known for people to get others in uk to go in person to the passport office or send it in the post for it to be rejected, you have to be phsycially in the country when applying that way, they can check and you would be in big trouble.

busybee2

thats only working if you are near to an office and you go back to the uk when your passport is up for renewal......

hong_konger

Yes of course you have to be back in the UK. But if you plan things right you can renew on a regular trip back and not a specially arranged trip. There are many offices and so you pick the nearest or most convenient.

If you are like me and 'must" have my passport in hand at all times then its really convenient.

BEVS

Except for many that is not the case and simply not practical.

hong_konger

Sure, if you don't go back to the UK very often then I would agree.

busybee2

not everyone goes back to the uk "that" often.......