Finally, moving back to England!
#31
#32
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,543
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
So, here’s another question: what if we purchased round trip tickets to the UK, travelled on our American passports and then just never left the UK? I know this sounds a bit shady, but what would happen really? Would some official come find us and deport us? I don’t think so! Once we get there, my first intention would be to get British passports. We have plenty (all) of family and friends to stay with if needed. Seems like it might be less expensive to forfeit the return airfare ?
#34
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
So, here’s another question: what if we purchased round trip tickets to the UK, travelled on our American passports and then just never left the UK? I know this sounds a bit shady, but what would happen really? Would some official come find us and deport us? I don’t think so! Once we get there, my first intention would be to get British passports. We have plenty (all) of family and friends to stay with if needed. Seems like it might be less expensive to forfeit the return airfare ?
Of course you won't be deported, you're citizens, but to make it easy and not have to worry about things like private healthcover (not eligible for using the NHS as visitors), etc, then just get your passports.
#35
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
You are making this waaaaaaay more complicated than it needs to be! You have so much time, just sort passports and then you won't need to worry. It's honestly really easy and should be quick too.
Of course you won't be deported, you're citizens, but to make it easy and not have to worry about things like private healthcover (not eligible for using the NHS as visitors), etc, then just get your passports.
Of course you won't be deported, you're citizens, but to make it easy and not have to worry about things like private healthcover (not eligible for using the NHS as visitors), etc, then just get your passports.
This.
Unless the difference in pricing between passports issued abroad and those issued in the UK is actually prohibitive for the OP, then why take risks, have doubts, or cause difficulties of any kind. Just get the passports here. Done.
#36
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 63
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
We have a lot to sort out before we move and it is a huge deal for us. I was just asking for advice. The consensus seems to be “ just get the British passport”, but I know it won’t be that simple. Thanks.
#38
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
Then you will not be entitled to use the NHS. If you enter as a resident you will. You will not be able to use travel/holiday insurance because you are not going on holiday
Just get the passports. Ask here if you need help with the forms.
#39
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
Why would it not be that simple?
Most of us here have done it, sometimes more than once.
It's a little faff to collect the forms and documents you need, but you would have to do that in the UK as well anyway. The only real difference is price, not simplicity.
It honestly isn't hard.
#40
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
You still have to get the passports, but you’re adding in the risk of your child being refused boarding by the airline, hassle at entry to the UK and then only being admitted as a visitor so no NHS etc.
Wouldn’t it be simpler to just get the passports now and avoid the rest? There are tons of threads on the forum from others who’ve done the same, and lots of people to ask if you’ve got any queries.
Wouldn’t it be simpler to just get the passports now and avoid the rest? There are tons of threads on the forum from others who’ve done the same, and lots of people to ask if you’ve got any queries.
#41
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Eee Bah Gum
Posts: 4,131
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
In 2016 my wife and I renewed our British passports while living in the UK. No problem but had to send in our US passports as well.
Our son also renewed his British passport in 2016 while he was living in the USA. His old passport had expired more than 10 years ago so had to apply as if for the first time. A little more documentation such as birth certificate needed but he only needed to send in a scanned copy of his US passport. It did make it easy the following year when he moved back for good, showed his British passport at our local GP offices to register with the NHS as soon as he arrived.
Our son also renewed his British passport in 2016 while he was living in the USA. His old passport had expired more than 10 years ago so had to apply as if for the first time. A little more documentation such as birth certificate needed but he only needed to send in a scanned copy of his US passport. It did make it easy the following year when he moved back for good, showed his British passport at our local GP offices to register with the NHS as soon as he arrived.
#42
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2007
Location: England
Posts: 4,213
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
Obtaining British passports whilst your overseas is fairly easy process you are also given choices for delivery which will be added to the cost of the passport. You have plenty of time to apply and have it sent to you by October 2022 as the “others” have memtioned it will make your “entry” into the UK much easier and it will be quicker to establish yourselves with British passports upon arrival than applying whilst your in the UK. Good luck
#43
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 156
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
Obtaining British passports whilst your overseas is fairly easy process you are also given choices for delivery which will be added to the cost of the passport. You have plenty of time to apply and have it sent to you by October 2022 as the “others” have memtioned it will make your “entry” into the UK much easier and it will be quicker to establish yourselves with British passports upon arrival than applying whilst your in the UK. Good luck
#44
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 63
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
To everyone who responded that they got British passports while overseas, when did you get them? During the pandemic? Years ago? Last month? Just curious as I know the pandemic slowed the US passport service a lot. Thanks!
#45
Re: Finally, moving back to England!
As previously mentioned you are making this more difficult than it need be and potentially creating future issues which will be more of a headache to resolve.
Last edited by vikingsail; Dec 6th 2021 at 6:48 pm.