Passport Delays
Jul 13th 2009, 4:54 pm
#226
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6
Re: Passport Delays
So sorry to hear about your mother. If you haven't already done so, please complete an on-line enquiry form at http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/our-off...status-inquiry
You will receive an email saying that we're working on your enquiry, but you'll also receive a call once we've determined where your application is in the system. IF we can't get your passport to you soon, we will run through the options for obtaining an Emergency or Temporary Passport with you.
Hope this helps.
Dean
You will receive an email saying that we're working on your enquiry, but you'll also receive a call once we've determined where your application is in the system. IF we can't get your passport to you soon, we will run through the options for obtaining an Emergency or Temporary Passport with you.
Hope this helps.
Dean
Susan
Jul 13th 2009, 7:17 pm
#227
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 383
Re: Passport Delays
I have been trying to get information about the whereabouts of my childrens passport renewal for several weeks now. I live in Canada and Washington DC received their applications on May 26th and took their fees on June 10th. We have already missed 2 travel dates after the automated enquiry system had told me the passports would be back before our travel dates. I have made 4 calls to Abtran/Careline and although they are very polite they don't appear to have the authority or ability to actually find out anything. I eventually got a message from Washington last week telling me that the applications had been sent to Hong Kong for processing! Again, the lady I spoke to was very polite but completely unable to give me any real information other than the passports are somewhere between Hong Kong and Washington... It has been over 6 weeks now and I have appointments with Immigration Canada on July 21st to collect our PR cards and they won't issue those to us unless we present our passports. I have flights booked to visit my new grandchildren in the UK in 3 weeks and I have a really horible feeling that my kids passorts are not going to materialize in time. How can they send them to Hong Kong and then have no way of tracking them or getting up-to-date information on where exactly they are?? The woman I spoke to in Washington gave me the impression that she didnt know exactly where they were, and had no way of finging out and we should just wait... I'm so stressed out about it all and it's the lack of information that is the real killer.
Has anyone else heard of North American renewal applications being sent to Hong Kong???
Susan
Has anyone else heard of North American renewal applications being sent to Hong Kong???
Susan
Dean
Update on my earlier reply: I've seen your email to the BCG in Vancouver providing the information I need. Your passports have been sent to you today by UPS. We will be in touch by phone to provide a tracking number.
Dean
Last edited by British Consul; Jul 13th 2009 at 8:20 pm. Reason: Update
Jul 13th 2009, 7:49 pm
#228
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2008
Location: NC
Posts: 11
Re: Passport Delays
I missed the delivery of my passport this morning. 
I was sure there was no way it would be delivered before 9:30 a.m. so I went out for my 4 mile walk as usual. The UPS guy was on my doorstep at 9 a.m and my 18 yr old daughter couldn't sign for it as you have to be over 21 to sign for it. So tomorrow I have to stay home in the morning and I'm going to make sure I get my passport. Like some of the other posters I'm so ready for my passport to be here so that I can move on with my life.
I was sure there was no way it would be delivered before 9:30 a.m. so I went out for my 4 mile walk as usual. The UPS guy was on my doorstep at 9 a.m and my 18 yr old daughter couldn't sign for it as you have to be over 21 to sign for it. So tomorrow I have to stay home in the morning and I'm going to make sure I get my passport. Like some of the other posters I'm so ready for my passport to be here so that I can move on with my life.
Jul 13th 2009, 8:45 pm
#229
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6
Re: Passport Delays
I'm in a desperate situation with my passport application and I wonder if anyone has any advice for me. I sent my passport from New York to Washington DC on May 25th and it was received by them on May 27th. The money was taken out of my account on June 9th. My passport was not about to expire, I simply wanted to have my name changed to my married name, because that was the name our green cards were issued in back in August of last year. Due to various emergency trips because of my father-in-law's ill health and subsequent death, I didn't have any time to change over my passport earlier. My parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this summer and had organized a huge family reunion in France for next week. I booked my flights and sent off my passport in May. As of today I have not received my passport back, nor heard anything from the embassy in DC.
I have spoken to Careline every day since Thursday when they escalated my case. I have heard nothing from the embassy in DC despite the Careline people sending off several emails. They tell me email is the only way they can contact the people there, not by phone.
I called the Consulate in NY and despite being able to speak to a very nice person there, they said there is not much they can do because my passport isn't lost or stolen, and the only travel documents they'd be able to issue regardless are ones that would get me one-way to the UK only - not anywhere else.
I'm beside myself about this and feel that I've exhausted every avenue but have made no progress and that there is no way now that I will make my flight.
Sorry for not having read through the previous thread. I'm trying to get some answers in a hurry if anyone has them.
Emma
I have spoken to Careline every day since Thursday when they escalated my case. I have heard nothing from the embassy in DC despite the Careline people sending off several emails. They tell me email is the only way they can contact the people there, not by phone.
I called the Consulate in NY and despite being able to speak to a very nice person there, they said there is not much they can do because my passport isn't lost or stolen, and the only travel documents they'd be able to issue regardless are ones that would get me one-way to the UK only - not anywhere else.
I'm beside myself about this and feel that I've exhausted every avenue but have made no progress and that there is no way now that I will make my flight.
Sorry for not having read through the previous thread. I'm trying to get some answers in a hurry if anyone has them.
Emma
Jul 13th 2009, 9:55 pm
#230
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 383
Re: Passport Delays
I'm in a desperate situation with my passport application and I wonder if anyone has any advice for me. I sent my passport from New York to Washington DC on May 25th and it was received by them on May 27th. The money was taken out of my account on June 9th. My passport was not about to expire, I simply wanted to have my name changed to my married name, because that was the name our green cards were issued in back in August of last year. Due to various emergency trips because of my father-in-law's ill health and subsequent death, I didn't have any time to change over my passport earlier. My parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this summer and had organized a huge family reunion in France for next week. I booked my flights and sent off my passport in May. As of today I have not received my passport back, nor heard anything from the embassy in DC.
I have spoken to Careline every day since Thursday when they escalated my case. I have heard nothing from the embassy in DC despite the Careline people sending off several emails. They tell me email is the only way they can contact the people there, not by phone.
I called the Consulate in NY and despite being able to speak to a very nice person there, they said there is not much they can do because my passport isn't lost or stolen, and the only travel documents they'd be able to issue regardless are ones that would get me one-way to the UK only - not anywhere else.
I'm beside myself about this and feel that I've exhausted every avenue but have made no progress and that there is no way now that I will make my flight.
Sorry for not having read through the previous thread. I'm trying to get some answers in a hurry if anyone has them.
Emma
I have spoken to Careline every day since Thursday when they escalated my case. I have heard nothing from the embassy in DC despite the Careline people sending off several emails. They tell me email is the only way they can contact the people there, not by phone.
I called the Consulate in NY and despite being able to speak to a very nice person there, they said there is not much they can do because my passport isn't lost or stolen, and the only travel documents they'd be able to issue regardless are ones that would get me one-way to the UK only - not anywhere else.
I'm beside myself about this and feel that I've exhausted every avenue but have made no progress and that there is no way now that I will make my flight.
Sorry for not having read through the previous thread. I'm trying to get some answers in a hurry if anyone has them.
Emma
Please complete an on-line status enquiry at: http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/our-off...status-inquiry
We will contact you to discuss your options, and we'll need the confirmation number from the airline you're travelling with. Hope this helps.
Dean
Jul 13th 2009, 11:23 pm
#231
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6
Re: Passport Delays
Emma,
Please complete an on-line status enquiry at: http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/our-off...status-inquiry
We will contact you to discuss your options, and we'll need the confirmation number from the airline you're travelling with. Hope this helps.
Dean
Please complete an on-line status enquiry at: http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/our-off...status-inquiry
We will contact you to discuss your options, and we'll need the confirmation number from the airline you're travelling with. Hope this helps.
Dean
Thanks for getting back to me.
Jul 13th 2009, 11:24 pm
#232
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6
Re: Passport Delays
Send me a PM with your details and I'll ask someone to look into it for you.
Dean
Update on my earlier reply: I've seen your email to the BCG in Vancouver providing the information I need. Your passports have been sent to you today by UPS. We will be in touch by phone to provide a tracking number.
Dean
Dean
Update on my earlier reply: I've seen your email to the BCG in Vancouver providing the information I need. Your passports have been sent to you today by UPS. We will be in touch by phone to provide a tracking number.
Dean
Jul 14th 2009, 3:22 am
#233
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4
Re: Passport Delays
So sorry to hear about your mother. If you haven't already done so, please complete an on-line enquiry form at http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/our-off...status-inquiry
You will receive an email saying that we're working on your enquiry, but you'll also receive a call once we've determined where your application is in the system. IF we can't get your passport to you soon, we will run through the options for obtaining an Emergency or Temporary Passport with you.
Hope this helps.
Dean
You will receive an email saying that we're working on your enquiry, but you'll also receive a call once we've determined where your application is in the system. IF we can't get your passport to you soon, we will run through the options for obtaining an Emergency or Temporary Passport with you.
Hope this helps.
Dean
For those waiting for their passports please note that UPS did not update the online tracking number information about picking up the package
from the embassy until 9pm! So don't despair if the online system does not show your package in transit.
Jul 14th 2009, 5:56 am
#234
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 38
Re: Passport Delays
My first time application took just under 6 weeks from the time they received it until the time I got my passport today. That includes the application being sent back and me sending additional documentation. All in all pretty quick considering this is a first time application.
Jul 14th 2009, 12:37 pm
#235
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 383
Re: Passport Delays
I filled out this status inquiry online earlier today - there is nowhere to put the confirmation number from the airline on that form but I have it if anyone calls me - is there anything else I need to do? My flight number, airport, and destination were also on the several emails Careline sent to the embassy on my behalf.
Thanks for getting back to me.
Thanks for getting back to me.
Dean
Jul 14th 2009, 12:40 pm
#236
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6
Re: Passport Delays
Ok - thanks for your help! I travel this Friday - July 17th and my passport has been with the embassy since May 27th for which I have UPS tracking confirmation.
Jul 14th 2009, 5:37 pm
#238
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukie, Oregon
Posts: 9,966
Re: Passport Delays
Does my British passport have to be valid for six months beyond my date of departure from the United States?
No, if your passport is not valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure from the United States, it will not affect your eligibility to travel. The United States has an agreement with the United Kingdom automatically extending the validity of a passport for six months past the passport's expiration date. Therefore, your passport need remain valid only for the duration of your stay in the United States.
If you are traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program and your passport is not valid for 90 days, you will be admitted into the United States until the date on which the passport expires.
Jul 14th 2009, 6:43 pm
#239
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Passport Delays
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/uksite.html
Does my British passport have to be valid for six months beyond my date of departure from the United States?
No, if your passport is not valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure from the United States, it will not affect your eligibility to travel. The United States has an agreement with the United Kingdom automatically extending the validity of a passport for six months past the passport's expiration date. Therefore, your passport need remain valid only for the duration of your stay in the United States.
If you are traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program and your passport is not valid for 90 days, you will be admitted into the United States until the date on which the passport expires.
Does my British passport have to be valid for six months beyond my date of departure from the United States?
No, if your passport is not valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure from the United States, it will not affect your eligibility to travel. The United States has an agreement with the United Kingdom automatically extending the validity of a passport for six months past the passport's expiration date. Therefore, your passport need remain valid only for the duration of your stay in the United States.
If you are traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program and your passport is not valid for 90 days, you will be admitted into the United States until the date on which the passport expires.
Jul 15th 2009, 12:38 am
#240
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 91
Re: Passport Delays
I only sent my application off recently and I have PM'd Dean twice, prior to receiving the mail from the passport centre. His response has been excellent. Although I will relax fully when I'm holding my new passport tightly in my pinky's I feel alot more confident that this is going to get done in my admittedly tight time frame.
I get the feeling that the worst of the backlogs are over.
Why isn't there a thread on this site entitled, "Dean: He's the dogs bollocks" because I would recommend anyone who has any concerns such as this to contact him.