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

[steve187]

On 4/1/2025 at 5:28 PM, Gaccha said:

 

I noticed that that link confirms my position (I'm the only person in this chat pointing this out so I will emphasise it again): you must submit your old passport and they will send it to the UK with the rest of the documents. You do not get to keep it.

 

I suspect most people in this chat are either not UK citizens, or have never applied for a new passport from Thailand. To apply for a new passport from Thailand you must prove that you are resident in Thailand. You cannot be a mere tourist by your visa.

 

To quote the link:

 

Do I need to send original documents with my application?

 

Yes, you must send your old passport, and in some cases, additional supporting documents (such as a name change certificate).

link to this information please

[steve187]

22 hours ago, Gandtee said:

My passport expires in 2028. I am ninety-one. The last time I renewed my passport, I was in NZ. My daughter inquired at the British Embassy in Auckland, who gave her sound advice. She sent my passport off to the UK. Received notification from HMPO that they had received it and that everything was in order. I received my new passport and old one clipped within three weeks. Excellent service. Doing it from Thailand sounds like a nightmare. I'm not looking forward to it. That's if I'm still around. 😦

use an agent, saves the 2 trips to vfs

[steve187]

21 hours 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).

Thai visa express also can do whole process done 2 for me, there may be others as well

[brewsterbudgen]

11 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

"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.

Correct.  Although they are part of the EEA, not that either fact makes a difference to the point I was trying to correct!

[brewsterbudgen]

2 hours ago, NanLaew said:

 

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

Ah, OK.  I was responding to your final point which was about the present. (" 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)."

[DrJack54]

10 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

It's called "xxxx" sending machine (I forget the guy's name, hence the xxxx)."

It's "markssendingmachine" 

Has been mentioned and recommended on AseanNow.

Facebook link

https://www.facebook.com/markssendingmaching/

[Thai Visa Express]

As of April 2025, the current processing time for UK passport renewals is approximately 4 weeks from the date of submission. This timeframe reflects recent reports and client experiences. However, please note that processing times may vary depending on application volume and individual circumstances.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend checking the official guidance from HM Passport Office.

 

We offer a full UK passport submission and collection service from our Pattaya office, making the process convenient and stress-free for applicants based in Thailand.

[DrJack54]

29 minutes ago, Thai Visa Express said:

We offer a full UK passport submission and collection service from our Pattaya office...

Can the passport be mailed to office? 

Many UK folk needing passport renewal live upcountry. 

 

[Thai Visa Express]

18 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Can the passport be mailed to office? 

Many UK folk needing passport renewal live upcountry. 

 

Hello, yes please send me an email.

[marty147]

 

I had to call HMPO on three consecutive days in February.

 

+443003300901

 

Frustratingly, after the first two calls and assuming each time that the matter was resolved, I received  an email requiring further action.

 

Finally resolved the issues and clarified exactly what was required then sent my old passport directly to them with priority EMS from Thailand to the UK.

 

My advice is not to try and understand the logic nor question why the request was not made earlier - simply clarify what is needed then do it - without getting frustrated with the person on the other end of the call..