UK Passport renewal - email received 'send us your passport' 2 weeks after applying?

[NanLaew]

28 minutes ago, PomPolo said:

This is an interesting fair point @DrJack54 mine actually expires next year what would you recommend the period before expiry reapplying for a UK passport to be on the very safe side?

 

No less than 9 months before expiration?

 

Since most nation's visa requirement, and the demand of airlines, is for minimum 6 months validity on your passport or travel document, allowing an additional 3 months for cock-ups like the OP has experienced would be my minimum.

 

However, I reckon @DrJack54's 12 months recommendation should be bullet proof.

[hotandsticky]

On 3/31/2025 at 7:34 PM, Moonlover said:

There's no mistake. This is exactly how it works. I had to make 2 long journeys to Bangkok from Udon Thani the last time I renewed. 

 

There were no agents back then or I would have gladly used one!

 

 

You have always been able to use a third party to submit, and collect, your passport application/passport.

[sandyf]

On 3/31/2025 at 11:07 PM, Batty said:

What a joke. This is going to take weeks, and my passport expires in May.... Plus, I need to apply for my extension end of April. I didn't imagine it would take longer than 6 weeks and I assumed that a renewal would be simple and easy with no dramas. 

You were taking a bit of a chance at 6 weeks. I went back to UK in Sept 23 to do mine and the estimate then in the UK was 10 weeks for standard applications. I did the 5 day option.

The reason I went back to the UK was the experience of VFS/PO problems. I was one of the first to apply to VFS after the renewal  of overseas passports was moved from FCO to PO. After waiting about 10 weeks I had to get the embassy involved and the passport arrived a couple of days before permission to stay ran out. I had been on ME Non O and had applied for marriage extension to get another 30 days, I was under consideration and immigration said if no new passport don't bother coming back.

It was never necessary to send old passport, Thai law requires Thai nationals to carry ID cards and the knock on for foreigners is their passport. On renewal old passports should be retained for proof of ID.

One would have thought that after a decade things would be running more smoothly,hope you get sorted.

[brewsterbudgen]

1 minute ago, sandyf said:

You were taking a bit of a chance at 6 weeks. I went back to UK in Sept 23 to do mine and the estimate then in the UK was 10 weeks for standard applications. I did the 5 day option.

The reason I went back to the UK was the experience of VFS/PO problems. I was one of the first to apply to VFS after the renewal  of overseas passports was moved from FCO to PO. After waiting about 10 weeks I had to get the embassy involved and the passport arrived a couple of days before permission to stay ran out. I had been on ME Non O and had applied for marriage extension to get another 30 days, I was under consideration and immigration said if no new passport don't bother coming back.

It was never necessary to send old passport, Thai law requires Thai nationals to carry ID cards and the knock on for foreigners is their passport. On renewal old passports should be retained for proof of ID.

One would have thought that after a decade things would be running more smoothly,hope you get sorted.

 

Yes, I think @Batty has acknowledged that.  His misfortune is for something to go very wrong with the processing in the UK and HMPO having no idea how UK passports are renewed for people who live in Thailand.

I too hope he gets it sorted soon!

[NanLaew]

17 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

You have always been able to use a third party to submit, and collect, your passport application/passport.

Not quite. You were always allowed to provide a nominee for the collection process after the new passport had arrived back at VFS. However, applying was initially an "applicant only" option until Key Visa were officially allowed to handle the entire process. I understand that there's only one other officially approved full-service that is only contactable via the Facebook platform. It's called "xxxx" sending machine (I forget the guy's name, hence the xxxx).

[hotandsticky]

18 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Not quite. You were always allowed to provide a nominee for the collection process after the new passport had arrived back at VFS. However, applying was initially an "applicant only" option until Key Visa were officially allowed to handle the entire process. I understand that there's only one other officially approved full-service that is only contactable via the Facebook platform. It's called "xxxx" sending machine (I forget the guy's name, hence the xxxx).

 

 

Is that the guy in Chiang Mai?

 

I have been using a third party to deposit applications, and collect the new passports, since VfS initially moved to the old Trendy Building.

[rwilem]

2 hours ago, Digitalbanana said:

I am getting my pp renewed within an 18 month window beforehand so that my annual extensions run continuously.

Probably a good idea for those living here longer-term and getting yearly extensions to plan for their passport renewals sometime during year 9. From the halfway point to near the end of year 9 of it's validity, perhaps.

 

Thinking 'the passport's good for 10 years' (and/or trying to 'milk it' for that time) can backfire. Plus, you've got the '6 months validity remaining on the passport' issue for most international travel.

 

I renewed mine about a year-and-a-half prior to it's expiration date, as I wanted the new one well ahead of the next extension, as not to disrupt the long-held timing of the annual extension.

 

If you want to get a new time frame for your extension--and some might want to do that--then you can plan the timing of a passport renewal vis a vis a future new extension time frame.

 

And to play it safe, you wouldn't want to have a passport with less than six months validity, anyway. (If you're positive you will not travel internationally--unless it's to the home country--then you would not need to consider that.)

 

The days of being able to turn up at the embassy in person with your passport, give a completed form and photo and rather easily get a renewal, are just about gone. Got to be proactive and get with the 'new program' even if it's got some complications.

[DrJack54]

11 minutes ago, rwilem said:

And to play it safe, you wouldn't want to have a passport with less than six months validity anyway. (If you're positive you will not travel internationally--unless it's the home country--then you don't need to consider that.)

Thinking this is why I'm bit gun shy on this topic.

My early days living in Thailand I was taking short breaks to Saigon and on one occasion realized I did not have 6 months + validity for travel to Vietnam.

 

[rwilem]

49 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Thinking this is why I'm bit gun shy on this topic.

My early days living in Thailand I was taking short breaks to Saigon and on one occasion realized I did not have 6 months + validity for travel to Vietnam

What happened? Were you not able to board the flight? Or realized on your own before it got to that point of the planned trip?

 

But for sure, got to have six months validity left. Actually, best to have a good cushion of more than six months validity left. 

 

Thinking....what if a guy had say, 7 months validity on the passport, and traveled somewhere and stayed for six weeks. And then was going to travel onward to another country. (And not talking about an 'annual extensions w/re-entry permit' or 'valid visa' person returning to Thailand.)

 

What would, or might happen in such a case? Could be a cluster?

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, rwilem said:

What happened? Were you not able to board the flight? Or realized on your own before it got to that point of the planned trip?

I realized week or two prior to actual flight.

It was all a bit comical.

In those days you went to Oz embassy Bangkok. 

I applied for emergency pp and also normal pp with express process option.

Few days later I returned to embassy to pic up.

They handed me the "emergency one" I signed something and handed it back as the full 10yr pp also had arrived and they handed me the full pp.

Lesson learned 

[CFCol]

On 3/31/2025 at 11:07 PM, Batty said:

Hi Andrew

I read your post - it was indeed a nightmare! I am glad you got it sorted. 

I may be facing a similar fate. After speaking to them, I received a follow-up email that said they no longer needed my original passport but now needed to see identification. Apparently, they believe I submitted copies and not originals of the ID.

That is not true. I took originals and copies to VFS Global, as instructed. 

For some reason, they believe I submitted only copies and not originals. As a result, they now want me to send hard copies to the HMPO in Corby.

I called again and explained that I had taken the originals to VFS Global. They have passed this information on to the 'examiner' and I must now await an email.

I am just looking at the receipt that VFS Global gave me. There is a document receipt checklist that confirms the type of ID submitted. I have two rows ticked for driving licence and house registration book (which was actually a letter, signed and date by Amphur, confirming I live at that address). Next to each of these are two columns: one that says 'tick if copy' and one that says 'tick if translation'. VFS global have ticked the copy column.

Now, this obviously means that they have submitted a copy of the original - and not a translation. I suspect that HMPO are assuming this means I provided only copies. 

It's a case of incompetence. The fact is, VFS Global will not accept mere copies - they need to see originals PLUS a copy. For some reason, HMPO is assuming this means ONLY A COPY.

What a joke. This is going to take weeks, and my passport expires in May.... Plus, I need to apply for my extension end of April. I didn't imagine it would take longer than 6 weeks and I assumed that a renewal would be simple and easy with no dramas. 

Assume makes an ass of u and me

[Andrew Dwyer]

3 minutes ago, CFCol said:

Assume makes an ass of u and me

Where’s that yawn emoji when you need it ? ….. oh here it is 🥱 

[brewsterbudgen]

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Not quite. You were always allowed to provide a nominee for the collection process after the new passport had arrived back at VFS. However, applying was initially an "applicant only" option until Key Visa were officially allowed to handle the entire process. I understand that there's only one other officially approved full-service that is only contactable via the Facebook platform. It's called "xxxx" sending machine (I forget the guy's name, hence the xxxx).

There are lots of agents who can deal with UK passport renewals and applications - including a sponsor of this Forum!

[nglodnig]

On 3/31/2025 at 7:25 PM, DrJack54 said:

Note: for others...do not leave passport renewal to last couple of months validity. Crazy. 

When applying early for a UK passport renewal any unused time is added to the expiry date of the new passport - e.g. apply six months early, new PP is valid for ten years and six months.

 

After brexit in the Schengen area passport validity is ten years from DATE OF ISSUE so this means the time is effectively lost when applying early

[Bangkokhatter]

End of last year year i did the renewal and had similar problems.

 

Did the usual application at VFS, provide all documents and walked away with signed tick sheet, expecting a wait of a few weeks. Then i get an email from HMPO saying i did not submit 2 x passport photo's.  Explaining to them it would be impossible for me to send in the application at VFS without the photo's was ignored and it took an extra month and more expense to send new ones.

 

It's annoying and no point complaining as both parties would just blame the other for the loss of photo's.

[rwilem]

58 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I realized week or two prior to actual flight.

It was all a bit comical.

In those days you went to Oz embassy Bangkok. 

I applied for emergency pp and also normal pp with express process option.

Few days later I returned to embassy to pic up.

They handed me the "emergency one" I signed something and handed it back as the full 10yr pp also had arrived and they handed me the full pp.

Lesson learned 

Good experience. And great service from your embassy, to have a regular passport ready at the same time as the emergency one.

 

Out of the U.S., UK and Australia, it appears AUS currently has the smoothest renewal process in place for those getting new passports in Thailand.

[brewsterbudgen]

27 minutes ago, nglodnig said:

When applying early for a UK passport renewal any unused time is added to the expiry date of the new passport - e.g. apply six months early, new PP is valid for ten years and six months.

 

After brexit in the Schengen area passport validity is ten years from DATE OF ISSUE so this means the time is effectively lost when applying early

Not any more!!  In fact, that stopped over 5 years ago.

[DrJack54]

29 minutes ago, rwilem said:

Out of the U.S., UK and Australia, it appears AUS currently has the smoothest renewal process in place for those getting new passports in Thailand

Yes. 

Off topic but making Oz folk aware that the online application is seamless and you also do NOT send current pp.

Application was simple. 

It's posted to Bangkok and at the embassy they do basic inspection of complete application ie photos included etc.

Also payment is processed at that time 

My whole gig from day posted to return mail to my Bangkok condo was 20 days. 

Not in a smug way but I think UK USA and Canada could do a Lot better. 

[IvorBiggun2]

On 3/31/2025 at 7:34 PM, Moonlover said:

There's no mistake. This is exactly how it works. I had to make 2 long journeys to Bangkok from Udon Thani the last time I renewed. 

 

There were no agents back then or I would have gladly used one!

 

6 years ago my wife did my UK passport renewal. I never went to Bangkok to do it or collect it. And neither did my neighbour. She acted as agent for him as well. We live in Buriram and my wife falls asleep as soon as she gets on a bus so 5 hour ride, one way, is no problem to her. 

[Serenity_Now]

in 2017 it was simple
make appointment
photos form old passport for me it was a hotel booking reciept, debit card payment
(Passport was full stil had the obligitory 2 unstamped pages a must for entry to some countries )
email 10 days later come pickup 
simple

[pacovl46]

They have to invalidate your old passport. Usually they put a red stamp in it and clip one corner to do so. 

[Moonlover]

9 minutes ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

 

6 years ago my wife did my UK passport renewal. I never went to Bangkok to do it or collect it. And neither did my neighbour. She acted as agent for him as well. We live in Buriram and my wife falls asleep as soon as she gets on a bus so 5 hour ride, one way, is no problem to her. 

12 hours by bus from where we live. That's 48 hours in total of 'your life in their hands!' Not a chance for either of us.

 

I've read plenty of favourable reports regarding the agencies, so I'll leave it up to them.

[OJAS]

25 minutes ago, Serenity_Now said:

in 2017 it was simple
make appointment
photos form old passport for me it was a hotel booking reciept, debit card payment
(Passport was full stil had the obligitory 2 unstamped pages a must for entry to some countries )
email 10 days later come pickup 
simple

 

Even simpler 4 years previously. Make a trip to your local post office to send all relevant application docs to the British Consulate General in Hong Kong. Lo and behold a courier showed up at your front door 7-10 days later with your new passport!

 

And even simpler up to around 2010, I gather, when the British Embassy in Bangkok ran the whole show.

 

[nglodnig]

2 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Not any more!!  In fact, that stopped over 5 years ago.

I will give you the benefit of the doubt and just assume you misuderstand my post. 

 

UK travellers must now make sure that their passport was issued less than 10 years before the date they enter the country when they travel within the EU.

 

https://travelplaces.co.uk/ten-year-uk-passport-rule-explained/

 

 

Please check your facts.

[Andrew Dwyer]

Just for info:

 

The passport I renewed last week gave me exactly 10 years validity.

Of the two passports i renewed in 2015  one gave me exactly 10 years and the other gave me 10 years and 10 months validity ( this one i think was renewed because it’s predecessor was full with 3 years left on it).

 

Make of that what you will !!

[brewsterbudgen]

4 hours ago, nglodnig said:

I will give you the benefit of the doubt and just assume you misuderstand my post. 

 

UK travellers must now make sure that their passport was issued less than 10 years before the date they enter the country when they travel within the EU.

 

https://travelplaces.co.uk/ten-year-uk-passport-rule-explained/

 

 

Please check your facts.

 

I know my facts.  Hope this helps:

 

• Before September 10, 2018:

  If you renewed your passport before the old one expired, the unexpired time (up to 9 months) would be added to the new passport's validity. 

   
• After September 10, 2018:

  This practice ended, and passports issued after this date are valid for exactly 10 years. 

   
• Why the change?

  This change aligned the UK with other countries, which generally issue passports with a maximum validity of 10 years. 

   
• Impact on travel to the EU:

  Since the UK left the EU, British passports issued more than 10 years before travel to EU countries (except Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland) are no longer valid. 

[Liverpool Lou]

40 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I know my facts   ...

 

Impact on travel to the EU:

Since the UK left the EU, British passports issued more than 10 years before travel to EU countries (except Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland) are no longer valid.

"EU countries (except Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland)..."

 

I know my facts; Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland are not EU countries!  I'm surprised that you did not know that.

[NanLaew]

17 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Thinking this is why I'm bit gun shy on this topic.

My early days living in Thailand I was taking short breaks to Saigon and on one occasion realized I did not have 6 months + validity for travel to Vietnam.

 

 

I know that feeling. Having kept ahead of my UK passport renewals in different countries over +40 years globe-trotting, I got busy these past 6 months and all of a sudden both my passports are due to expire in Oct and Nov 2025. No problem, I says, I'll do it on my next break. However, I have already fallen foul of the EU's rules on maximum 10-year passport validity. Both of my passports were among those that the former HMPO gave you 9-months credit for renewing early. So as far as immigration at Schiphol was concerned, and despite the printed expiration date, they "expired" last month and were illegal for EU entry.

 

Oops!

[NanLaew]

16 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

There are lots of agents who can deal with UK passport renewals and applications - including a sponsor of this Forum!

 

Yes, NOW there are several. I was talking about the good old days when I was the only know-it-all on ThaiVisa!

[kidneyw]

On 4/2/2025 at 5:58 AM, NanLaew said:

When you say VFS "send everything", does that mean your expiring passports as well, and not just all-page photocopies?

No we kept the original passports, but sent photo copies of all pages, including blank