How long does it take to get or renew a UK passport from Spain?
What happens when you need to renew your UK passport from Spain? How do you do it and how long does it take?
It may seem like a daunting task to renew your UK passport from abroad, but actually, it's a very simple process. If you're an adult your UK passport will typically be valid for 10 years, after which time you'll need to renew it.
The best way to renew your UK passport from Spain is to do it online via the UK government website. Remember that some countries require you to have six months of validity left on your passport to be able to visit, so you'll want to apply for your renewal at least six months or more before it expires.
You will need to click on this link and then make sure to follow the steps.
The first step will be to answer some simple questions, like where you're applying from and fill out your date of birth.
READ ALSO: How to apply for or renew your US passport from Spain
Get a digital photograph
You’ll need to go to a photo shop or booth that provides photo codes that can be used in UK passport applications. This may be difficult in Spain so your best option is to take your own digital photo at home with your camera or phone.
If taking your own photo, you’ll be provided with several rules you’ll need to stick to, plus a short video that shows you how. Your photo will go through a basic technical check, so you’ll know right away if it’s accepted or not. You can always upload another one if it’s not.
Fill out your application
Next, you will need to fill out all your application and personal details, such as the number and place of issue of your old passport and your address. If you’re applying for someone else, such as your child, you can also do it the same way, just fill it out using their details instead.
Gather your documents to send through the post
Thirdly, you’ll have to send some documents through the post. You’ll be told exactly what you need depending on your application, but it will typically be your old passport. Remember that you can’t travel anywhere while your passport is being renewed because you won’t have your old one. If it’s urgent, you will have to get an emergency passport document instead.
Pay your passport fees
A standard passport is £86 for an adult, and £56 for a child. Plus, a £19.86 courier fee. You should be able to pay for this online.
If necessary, get someone to confirm your identity
If some details have changed since your last renewal such as your name, you may have to get someone to confirm your identity, but you will be told online if this is the case for you. They can confirm your identity online without a printed photo.
What if I am applying for my passport for the first time?
If you’re applying for your UK passport from Spain for the first time and not just renewing it then the process is similar.
You’ll still go through the online processes mentioned above, however, you may need a passport interview. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to return to the UK for this, it will be an online video interview, where you’ll be asked questions to be able to confirm your identity.
How long does it take?
According to the UK authorities, the current passport processing time to renew your passport is around four weeks, but this does change depending on the time of year. For example, if you’re applying before a busy travel period, such as just before the summer or just before the Christmas holidays, it’s likely that your application will take a bit longer because of the sheer number of other passport renewal applications.
If you are applying for the first time, it may also take slightly longer, depending on when you and the authorities have time for your passport interview. You will be told if you need an interview and will have to phone up to make an appointment, so the quicker you make the call, the quicker you will be assigned a day.
What if it’s taking too long, how can I track my application?
You will be able to track your application online with a code that you’ll be given when you apply. You will also get updates by email or text messages so you know where your passport is in the process and how much longer it’s likely to take.
You will also be able to check if something is holding your application up and if you need to send any more documents.
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It may seem like a daunting task to renew your UK passport from abroad, but actually, it's a very simple process. If you're an adult your UK passport will typically be valid for 10 years, after which time you'll need to renew it.
The best way to renew your UK passport from Spain is to do it online via the UK government website. Remember that some countries require you to have six months of validity left on your passport to be able to visit, so you'll want to apply for your renewal at least six months or more before it expires.
You will need to click on this link and then make sure to follow the steps.
The first step will be to answer some simple questions, like where you're applying from and fill out your date of birth.
READ ALSO: How to apply for or renew your US passport from Spain
Get a digital photograph
You’ll need to go to a photo shop or booth that provides photo codes that can be used in UK passport applications. This may be difficult in Spain so your best option is to take your own digital photo at home with your camera or phone.
If taking your own photo, you’ll be provided with several rules you’ll need to stick to, plus a short video that shows you how. Your photo will go through a basic technical check, so you’ll know right away if it’s accepted or not. You can always upload another one if it’s not.
Fill out your application
Next, you will need to fill out all your application and personal details, such as the number and place of issue of your old passport and your address. If you’re applying for someone else, such as your child, you can also do it the same way, just fill it out using their details instead.
Gather your documents to send through the post
Thirdly, you’ll have to send some documents through the post. You’ll be told exactly what you need depending on your application, but it will typically be your old passport. Remember that you can’t travel anywhere while your passport is being renewed because you won’t have your old one. If it’s urgent, you will have to get an emergency passport document instead.
Pay your passport fees
A standard passport is £86 for an adult, and £56 for a child. Plus, a £19.86 courier fee. You should be able to pay for this online.
If necessary, get someone to confirm your identity
If some details have changed since your last renewal such as your name, you may have to get someone to confirm your identity, but you will be told online if this is the case for you. They can confirm your identity online without a printed photo.
What if I am applying for my passport for the first time?
If you’re applying for your UK passport from Spain for the first time and not just renewing it then the process is similar.
You’ll still go through the online processes mentioned above, however, you may need a passport interview. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to return to the UK for this, it will be an online video interview, where you’ll be asked questions to be able to confirm your identity.
How long does it take?
According to the UK authorities, the current passport processing time to renew your passport is around four weeks, but this does change depending on the time of year. For example, if you’re applying before a busy travel period, such as just before the summer or just before the Christmas holidays, it’s likely that your application will take a bit longer because of the sheer number of other passport renewal applications.
If you are applying for the first time, it may also take slightly longer, depending on when you and the authorities have time for your passport interview. You will be told if you need an interview and will have to phone up to make an appointment, so the quicker you make the call, the quicker you will be assigned a day.
What if it’s taking too long, how can I track my application?
You will be able to track your application online with a code that you’ll be given when you apply. You will also get updates by email or text messages so you know where your passport is in the process and how much longer it’s likely to take.
You will also be able to check if something is holding your application up and if you need to send any more documents.
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