On 9/19/2025 at 1:55 PM, OJAS said:

 

It took me A WHOLE BLOODY HOUR to wade through all this nonsense, thank you very much! 🤬

Well, thank you for your summary on how to apply for the appointment. Certainly saved time.

Now that I have got the appointment it seems that a physical application form and photos are required and uploading the form and digital photograph is not necessary after all. ( according to the instructions given by VFS on the appointment letter you have to print out to gain entry. )

On 10/12/2025 at 7:44 AM, doctormann said:

Looking at the HMPO guidance for renewal of a UK passport from overseas it seems that the applicant must (a) provide a photo ID - and I think that the expiring passport would suffice for that - and (

I could be wrong, but if your appearance hasn't changed (I.e. if you CAN be recognised from the passport photo in the current or expired passport to be renewed), then you don't need to provide a new photo.

3 hours ago, Bredbury Blue said:

I could be wrong, but if your appearance hasn't changed (I.e. if you CAN be recognised from the passport photo in the current or expired passport to be renewed), then you don't need to provide a new photo.

I'm really not sure. If I remember correctly, last renewal I did submit new photos. Easy enough to do if you have decent printer.

My current passport is still valid for another couple of years but I want to renew it well in advance to avoid any problems with my permission to stay. As you are probably aware, an extension will only be granted up until the expiry date of the passport. I'll probably do the renewal at the end of this year.

I'm hoping to avoid two trips to Bangkok as I am a bit disabled and travelling any distance is not too easy. HMPO say that applications must be done in person but the visa agents in Pattaya say that they can handle the whole process - for a fee, naturally. I shall have to investigate further.