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..

 

[Batty]

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).

 

Yes that literally must have changed right after I applied. I remember the .gov website saying (I am paraphrasing) "you will keep your passport while the applications going through, although you will not be able to travel on it"

 

Also, if I was supposed to submit my passport, they wouldn't have let me leave with it, I suppose. 

[Batty]

On 4/2/2025 at 11:03 AM, 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.

 

Whichever way you look at it, the the root of the issue lies with me - I left it too late. In my defense, I thought I was going back to England for some work related stuff that was constantly delayed and hanging in the balance. I was worried that if I applied for a new passport and then received word to travel back to the UK I wouldn't be able to. 

 

Eventually, 3 days after submitting my application, I did get confirmation that I need to go to the UK. Typical isn't it 😄

 

So now, as soon as my passport arrives I need to pretty much immediately fly back to the UK anyway...

[Batty]

On 4/2/2025 at 12:34 PM, CFCol said:

Assume makes an ass of u and me

 

Sausage

[Batty]

Well, good news, I think.

 

I sent a couple of complaints through .gov website. 

 

I explained that it is IMPOSSIBLE to apply for a passport renewal at VFS Global without submitting hard original ID. HMPOs claim that I submitted only copies is incorrect - they would not let me apply without handing over originals for inspection". 

 

I also said that "the examiner is clearly wrong and obviously does not understand the process fully. You are not allowed to apply for a renewal unless you present the hard copies so please can somebody explain to me why the examiner is delaying my application based on an error he or she is now unwilling to admit"

 

I also said "essentialy, this is like an air stewardess hoofing you out of the emergency door as the plane is taxing down the runway, because she believes you do not have a valid ticket - despite the fact they would not let you board without a valid ticket." 

 

I got a reply saying "thank you for your complaint we will look into it and submit to a different examiner for a separate review". (Paraphrasing)

 

Four hours later I get an email saying:

 

"We have approved your passport application.

What happens next

We are now printing your new passport. Our local service partners will be in touch with you about how you can collect it."

 

 

[Batty]

I only hope that email wasnt sent in error and they are actually still waiting for me to send my ID to the UK...

[Andrew Dwyer]

4 minutes ago, Batty said:

Well, good news, I think.

 

I sent a couple of complaints through .gov website. 

 

I explained that it is IMPOSSIBLE to apply for a passport renewal at VFS Global without submitting hard original ID. HMPOs claim that I submitted only copies is incorrect - they would not let me apply without handing over originals for inspection". 

 

I also said that "the examiner is clearly wrong and obviously does not understand the process fully. You are not allowed to apply for a renewal unless you present the hard copies so please can somebody explain to me why the examiner is delaying my application based on an error he or she is now unwilling to admit"

 

I also said "essentialy, this is like an air stewardess hoofing you out of the emergency door as the plane is taxing down the runway, because she believes you do not have a valid ticket - despite the fact they would not let you board without a valid ticket." 

 

I got a reply saying "thank you for your complaint we will look into it and submit to a different examiner for a separate review". (Paraphrasing)

 

Four hours later I get an email saying:

 

"We have approved your passport application.

What happens next

We are now printing your new passport. Our local service partners will be in touch with you about how you can collect it."

 

 

Yup, I got the same and then an email from VFS saying collection is ready ( one from HMPO also ) 6 days later.

[steve187]

23 hours ago, steve187 said:

link to this information please

Gaccha  still waiting for the link, as you are the only one saying  old passport has to be sent to UK

[Batty]

12 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Yup, I got the same and then an email from VFS saying collection is ready ( one from HMPO also ) 6 days later.

 

Well fingers crossed then mate.

 

Glad it all worked out for us both in the end. It sounds like I dodged a bit of a bullet compared to the hassle you went through.

[sandyf]

On 4/2/2025 at 8:32 PM, brewsterbudgen said:

•  
• After September 10, 2018:

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

   

In reality it ended before then.

When I renewed in 2014 I was 6 years early as passport was full up and only got the 10 years on the new one.

[sandyf]

On 4/2/2025 at 9:16 PM, 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.

I am surprised you don't know the 10 year ruling is in respect of the Schengen area, not EU countries, but laid down by the EU.

As Ireland never signed up to the Schengen agreement the ruling does not apply.

[OJAS]

8 hours ago, Batty said:

Whichever way you look at it, the the root of the issue lies with me

 

Not just with you but also with some clueless idiot in HMPO feeding you duff info, I think!

 

[sandyf]

8 hours ago, Batty said:

 

Whichever way you look at it, the the root of the issue lies with me - I left it too late. In my defense, I thought I was going back to England for some work related stuff that was constantly delayed and hanging in the balance. I was worried that if I applied for a new passport and then received word to travel back to the UK I wouldn't be able to. 

 

Eventually, 3 days after submitting my application, I did get confirmation that I need to go to the UK. Typical isn't it 😄

 

So now, as soon as my passport arrives I need to pretty much immediately fly back to the UK anyway...

You have to play the cards as you see them. Had I been in the same position I would have hung on and then gone to the UK whether I needed to or not.

Never going to trust the cowboys again, the appointment at Liverpool was a lot less stress. Arranged for 17.30 on a Friday, came out about 18.30, a meal in Wetherspoon, then the overnight ferry to see a mate in Belfast. Passport came the following Thursday.

However I think I am in possession of my last passport.

Good luck.

[OJAS]

20 minutes ago, sandyf said:

As Ireland never signed up to the Schengen agreement the ruling does not apply.

 

Indeed, Ireland is a part of what is known as the Common Travel Area:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Travel_Area

 

[Thai Visa Express]

Just a quick update — the passport office has recently transferred processing from Liverpool to Corby, and we're encountering some issues as a result. It appears the new team is unfamiliar with certain Thai documents. For example, a TM30, which we submitted to confirm the applicant’s address, was not recognised or accepted as valid evidence. We're currently facing several challenges regarding proof of address in Thailand. I’ve submitted a formal complaint to HM Passport Office to address this issue.

[Thai Visa Express]

9 hours ago, Batty said:

Well, good news, I think.

 

I sent a couple of complaints through .gov website. 

 

I explained that it is IMPOSSIBLE to apply for a passport renewal at VFS Global without submitting hard original ID. HMPOs claim that I submitted only copies is incorrect - they would not let me apply without handing over originals for inspection". 

 

I also said that "the examiner is clearly wrong and obviously does not understand the process fully. You are not allowed to apply for a renewal unless you present the hard copies so please can somebody explain to me why the examiner is delaying my application based on an error he or she is now unwilling to admit"

 

I also said "essentialy, this is like an air stewardess hoofing you out of the emergency door as the plane is taxing down the runway, because she believes you do not have a valid ticket - despite the fact they would not let you board without a valid ticket." 

 

I got a reply saying "thank you for your complaint we will look into it and submit to a different examiner for a separate review". (Paraphrasing)

 

Four hours later I get an email saying:

 

"We have approved your passport application.

What happens next

We are now printing your new passport. Our local service partners will be in touch with you about how you can collect it."

 

 

We recently had a case where the passport office withdrew the application and incorrectly advised that the applicant needed to apply from their country of residence — which, in this instance, was Thailand. The application was submitted in Thailand, as required, so the withdrawal was clearly an error on their part. They are now offering a refund in recognition of the mistake. This highlights the ongoing issues we're experiencing since the transition from Liverpool to Corby, particularly regarding their lack of familiarity with Thai documents and address formats.

[kidneyw]

Submitted mine exactly seven weeks ago to VFS in Bangkok, still nothing. Reading above installs no confidence.

[Batty]

18 minutes ago, kidneyw said:

Submitted mine exactly seven weeks ago to VFS in Bangkok, still nothing. Reading above installs no confidence.

Bloody hell... Sorry to hear that. Did you at least get an email saying the application is successfull and your passport is being printed?

[Batty]

1 hour ago, Thai Visa Express said:

Just a quick update — the passport office has recently transferred processing from Liverpool to Corby, and we're encountering some issues as a result. It appears the new team is unfamiliar with certain Thai documents. For example, a TM30, which we submitted to confirm the applicant’s address, was not recognised or accepted as valid evidence. We're currently facing several challenges regarding proof of address in Thailand. I’ve submitted a formal complaint to HM Passport Office to address this issue.

 

That would explain a lot. I my case, I was under the impression that Corby examiner looked at the document checklist and saw the box that says 'copies sent' before wrongly assuming that means a copy had been submitted at the point of application and not original ID. 

 

I remember saying to my wife "it's almost like they have never dealt with a Thai application before".

 

Do you think it is safe to assume, given that I received an email a few days ago saying my application is now successful and my passport is being printed, that I should be good? 

[Upnotover]

25 minutes ago, kidneyw said:

Submitted mine exactly seven weeks ago to VFS in Bangkok, still nothing. Reading above installs no confidence.

Did your card get charged?  That's a sign that it at least reached the UK.

[Andrew Dwyer]

12 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

Did your card get charged?  That's a sign that it at least reached the UK.

He said earlier on in this thread that the payment was taken after a few days.

What he doesn’t say if he has tried to make contact with HMPO, there’s a chat line ( phone ) and a helpline ( email ).

I recommend, again, that he tries to contact them.