Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

OK, I'll be back in blighty shortly and as my passport expires in Feb 2012 I thought I'd see if I can get my passport while I'm there but I can't seem to get the forms from the passport website. Is this not possible? And if I need to get a photo signed (I'm assuming I will) is a USC ok for that?

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

The info is in the already running passport thread.

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

however this thread is 132 pages, a short precise of someone who has followed might help people new to the thread; or a pointer to the most relative page or post if anyone knows..

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

I did same day service near Victoria while on a visit 2 years ago. Used photo booth on Victoria station, no signatures required as a renewal, and picked up the form at a post office just round the corner (used Google maps to find one).

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

There is a 'search this thread feature'.

Crap, now I'm as guilty as you of just replying to chide instead of spending the time to look up the answer for the OP. :sneaky:

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

You know, for some unexplainable reason, I have never seen that link before you pointed it out.
Wow, there is even a 'View first unread' link on the left.
Must be something to do with white text on blue, can not be my fault.:)

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

:lol: It only took me 5 or so years to find it myself..

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

Will this be what you want ? Linked to from here

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

Easier enough to search...."search this thread" tool for "Renewing passport in UK" would do it.

But yes, it's doable. Get the forms in the post office, or have someone send you a set, they're numbered and can't be d/loaded.

Photo's if processed in the UK, if you're significantly different in appearance would need to be signed by a Brit. If renewing in the US they wouldn't.

Search out a post by Englishmum, she described the process of doing the premium one day service. It's a bit more hassle but probably a good idea if you're not staying long.

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

No good, it needs to be had from a Post Office, unless you're doing an overseas application which this is for, because they're barcoded forms.

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

As others have said each thread has a search function. If I knew the answer to the OP's question I'd have posted it...but I can't remember what was said about it.

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

I did this in March. Called the UK number on the website while still in USA and made an appointment for when I got back. You can only make the appointment two weeks in advance but I was offered the required day with no problems. When I got back to England I completed the forms from the post office and got photographs. You have the option of same day return which means you hang around for a minimum of four hours and then pick it up, or return to your address within a few days. My appointment was on the Monday, passport returned on Wednesday with the time remaining on the old passport added to the new one. The whole process was quite painless, but be very careful about the photographs - they are VERY picky about them!

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

I did premium processing last year in London. Overall, it was quick, simple and effortless and generally cheaper/ same price as Embassy processing, but with considerably less headaches and wait time. Well worth it if you're in the UK and have 4 hours to kill. Here's what you do:

1. Call IPS at 0300 222 0000 to make an appointment. You can only make an appointment up to 2 weeks in advance.

2. Have a UK address ready to provide over the phone, as they'll need this to send the passport application form and appointment letter. Use relative's or friend's address if need be (FYI, you don't need to be residing in the UK to apply within the UK, the only rule is that you must be physically present in the UK when making the application, which you will be.)

3. Get passport photos- best to wait until you get to the UK to do this. Get some at any Post Office. They have photo booths at the IPS offices (at least at the London office I went to last year) but don't rely on them to be working.

4. Show up at the scheduled date/ time. You must present the appointment letter to security and have the completed application forms to hand over. They'll take the forms, you then pay the 129 pounds fee and then wander around town for 4 hours while they process your renewal.

5. Return after 4 hours to collect brand new passport and old canceled passport.

Simple as that!

top tip: If you're planning on doing it at one of IPS' less than exciting locations (think Peterborough) and are traveling a considerable distance, then consider bringing along some reading material or anything else to keep you entertained, as you will be waiting a full 4 hours.

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

You can get passport photos for the UK done at Walgreens. Once they've taken your photo make sure they know it's for the UK and they have the sizing etc. programmed into their photo machine...they just click a couple of buttons.:)

Re: Visiting UK - get passport while there?
 

Google Maps and the Good Beer Guide are your friends.