Yesterday I went to VFS at “The Shoppes at Belle Grand Rama 9” Bangkok, to renew / get a new UK passport; so I thought I would describe the whole procedure in case it helps anyone needing this service.

From the beginning: last Thursday, 19th March, I logged onto the VFS Global website, which I had already registered with. I filled in my details and clicked on the link “ready to submit passport application” I was then offered appointments for as early as the next day, the 20th March, and for every day the following week. I chose yesterday, Tuesday 24th at 10.50 and quickly received a confirmation email of my appointment. Unsure of the traffic situation and consequently the driving time, I left early and arrived well before my appointment time.

I approached the entrance desk 15 minutes before my appointment time, and was checked through security and started being processed 10 minutes before my scheduled appointment. 

I took with me an application form that I had filled in, coloured copies of every page of my passport (including all blank pages - superfluous but necessary) 2 recent professionally taken passport specification photos (180 Baht for 6 at Kodak shop - Hua Hin) the payment form (downloaded from website and filled in with the details of one of my UK credit cards) My current passport (obviously) my Thai driving licence and copies of it, and fortunately, a recent Bangkok bank statement with my Thai address in English.

However, I had made an error on the application form; on the first page I filled in my UK address as my current address, which was what I thought was needed. The young lady told me it needed to be my address in Thailand, but she was very helpful and gave me another page 1 of the form to complete whilst stood at the counter.

This was a bit of a problem because I had already handed her my Thai driving licence and copies, which she seemed willing to accept as proof of Thai address; but the English translation of address on my Thai driving license is incomplete, stating just my house number followed by Hua Hin; so, no soi name or sub-district. So when she then asked me if the Thai address I had just written on the form was the same as on my licence, I had to say no, and explained why; she asked if I had any other proof of address, and fortunately I had taken an up to date bank statement with me which has my address in full in English, exactly as it I had written on the form, which she accepted.

In hindsight, I think if I had just written my Thai address in its incomplete form as it appears on my licence, it may well have been accepted; you have to apply in person and collect your new passport in person (of have someone you have authorised do so on your behalf) so they don’t need your Thai address for posting, but I wasn’t prepared to chance it, especially as I had the bank statement with me as back up anyway.

The young lady was friendly and helpful and told me that my new passport should take about 4 weeks (flights, and consequently postal and courier services have all been negatively impacted by the middle east war) but my current passport, which I have retained after the application, does not expire until November.

Almost immediately I received an email from VFS with their reference number telling me that my application has been forwarded to HMPO, and that I would subsequently hear from them to confirm their application number. I am yet to receive a mail from HMPO and as of this morning my UK credit card has not been debited with the fee. I will update as and when on both of these

Apologies; this has ended up a bit long winded, but I wanted to give full details ✌️

One thing i found was weird with my application was when you return to collect the passport they also give you some of the passport pages copies, obscure pages though, not the ones you'd expect. Anyway when you get yours back see if you can make any sense of why they have given those particular pages back. I was initially concerned that they've kept some which could be used in identity fraud

42 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

One thing i found was weird with my application was when you return to collect the passport they also give you some of the passport pages copies, obscure pages though, not the ones you'd expect. Anyway when you get yours back see if you can make any sense of why they have given those particular pages back. I was initially concerned that they've kept some which could be used in identity fraud

Hi thanks

I will make that part of my update when I eventually go to collect my new passport .... Cheers

Thanks for excellent report.

Very helpful.

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Thanks for excellent report.

Very helpful.

Thanks Jack

I will update when I receive notification from HMPO, and on the final conclusion of collecting my new passport

On 3/25/2026 at 8:41 AM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Yesterday I went to VFS at “The Shoppes at Belle Grand Rama 9” Bangkok, to renew / get a new UK passport; so I thought I would describe the whole procedure in case it helps anyone needing this service.

From the beginning: last Thursday, 19th March, I logged onto the VFS Global website, which I had already registered with. I filled in my details and clicked on the link “ready to submit passport application” I was then offered appointments for as early as the next day, the 20th March, and for every day the following week. I chose yesterday, Tuesday 24th at 10.50 and quickly received a confirmation email of my appointment. Unsure of the traffic situation and consequently the driving time, I left early and arrived well before my appointment time.

I approached the entrance desk 15 minutes before my appointment time, and was checked through security and started being processed 10 minutes before my scheduled appointment. 

I took with me an application form that I had filled in, coloured copies of every page of my passport (including all blank pages - superfluous but necessary) 2 recent professionally taken passport specification photos (180 Baht for 6 at Kodak shop - Hua Hin) the payment form (downloaded from website and filled in with the details of one of my UK credit cards) My current passport (obviously) my Thai driving licence and copies of it, and fortunately, a recent Bangkok bank statement with my Thai address in English.

However, I had made an error on the application form; on the first page I filled in my UK address as my current address, which was what I thought was needed. The young lady told me it needed to be my address in Thailand, but she was very helpful and gave me another page 1 of the form to complete whilst stood at the counter.

This was a bit of a problem because I had already handed her my Thai driving licence and copies, which she seemed willing to accept as proof of Thai address; but the English translation of address on my Thai driving license is incomplete, stating just my house number followed by Hua Hin; so, no soi name or sub-district. So when she then asked me if the Thai address I had just written on the form was the same as on my licence, I had to say no, and explained why; she asked if I had any other proof of address, and fortunately I had taken an up to date bank statement with me which has my address in full in English, exactly as it I had written on the form, which she accepted.

In hindsight, I think if I had just written my Thai address in its incomplete form as it appears on my licence, it may well have been accepted; you have to apply in person and collect your new passport in person (of have someone you have authorised do so on your behalf) so they don’t need your Thai address for posting, but I wasn’t prepared to chance it, especially as I had the bank statement with me as back up anyway.

The young lady was friendly and helpful and told me that my new passport should take about 4 weeks (flights, and consequently postal and courier services have all been negatively impacted by the middle east war) but my current passport, which I have retained after the application, does not expire until November.

Almost immediately I received an email from VFS with their reference number telling me that my application has been forwarded to HMPO, and that I would subsequently hear from them to confirm their application number. I am yet to receive a mail from HMPO and as of this morning my UK credit card has not been debited with the fee. I will update as and when on both of these

Apologies; this has ended up a bit long winded, but I wanted to give full details ✌️

Thanks for the thorough report. People often moan about VFS (sometimes justifiably) but mostly I think they provide a good service.

34 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Thanks for the thorough report. People often moan about VFS (sometimes justifiably) but mostly I think they provide a good service.

Yes good service for me in November, i think for a few months before that they had teething trouble with the new UK passport office

18 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Thanks for the thorough report. People often moan about VFS (sometimes justifiably) but mostly I think they provide a good service.

They have improved beyond recognition in the last 10 years.

Just a brief update, last evening (15.40 GMT) I received an email from HMPO saying that they had received my new Passport application, giving me a reference number, and saying they would contact me if they needed any further information.

I checked the UK credit card that I used for payment and the fee of £143.51 has been debited, so all seems to be well so far, and I think that it is a fairly good response time.

On 3/28/2026 at 7:32 AM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Just a brief update, last evening (15.40 GMT) I received an email from HMPO saying that they had received my new Passport application, giving me a reference number, and saying they would contact me if they needed any further information.

I checked the UK credit card that I used for payment and the fee of £143.51 has been debited, so all seems to be well so far, and I think that it is a fairly good response time.

That part is usually pretty quick - and you are right to check that the payment has been processed; that is the first sign that things are progressing.

IO think you will have your passport within 2 weeks.

4 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

That part is usually pretty quick - and you are right to check that the payment has been processed; that is the first sign that things are progressing.

IO think you will have your passport within 2 weeks.

Thanks; the young lady at VFS said she thought it would be about 4 weeks. I don’t know how much negative impact the war is having on flights and consequently mail and courier services. I’m happy at the moment that my application has been received by HMPO, and my credit card charged.

I will post when my new passport arrives.

I renewed mine with VFS around a year ago, at that time HMPO had moved location and there were a lot of people having problems, myself included.

But, now i think the dust has settled and it should be plain sailing.

I didn’t receive any returned passport page copies though.

26 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

I renewed mine with VFS around a year ago, at that time HMPO had moved location and there were a lot of people having problems, myself included.

But, now i think the dust has settled and it should be plain sailing.

I didn’t receive any returned passport page copies though.

Hi Andrew

Thanks, and yes, I don't think there are the legendary delays in the UK now. I will post when I get my new one and see if they return any copies, not that I will need them, but out of interest.

On 3/28/2026 at 7:32 AM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Just a brief update, last evening (15.40 GMT) I received an email from HMPO saying that they had received my new Passport application, giving me a reference number, and saying they would contact me if they needed any further information.

I checked the UK credit card that I used for payment and the fee of £143.51 has been debited, so all seems to be well so far, and I think that it is a fairly good response time.

Same for me, application Wednesday, payment taken today Monday 6,333bht.

My son no longer looks like the photo in his expired British passport so we have applied for a new 10 year passport under the CHANGES category (change of photo).

I prepared his passport application:

Filled in paper form I downloaded.

2 x photos

Counter-signatory filled in one section of the form and signed one photo

Expired UK passport

Copy every page of that passport in colour

Current Thai passport

Copy every page of that passport in colour

Original blue book

Copy of my son's pages in blue book in colour

Certified translation of those pages (to verify his home address)

Form authorising payment with my UK credit card (they didn't ask to see the card)

Appointment paper (has a QR code)

Son booked an appointment online last Friday 3rd for Monday 6th (chakri day holiday).

Been to VFS earlier this year for wife's UK visa so familiar with it.

Parking on B2 floor, easy enough to get a spot.

Went to VFS UK desk outside the office 10mins before appointment. Showed paperwork. Allowed me to join son going in the office.

Girl on counter quickly checked paperwork. Filled in a form regarding documents submitted, son signed it.

Girl printed out a receipt for the application. All done in 10mins. VFS service was very good again.

When passport returns either son or a 3rd party (me) can go to VFS office to collect it.

Believe cost of British passports go up tomorrow 8th April 2026.

Quick update. I have just received this evening, 10th April, 14.30 UK time, an email from HMPO saying that my passport application has been approved and giving me a reference number; that is 17 days after I submitted my application at VFS Bangkok.

It said my new passport is now being printed and that I would hear from their local service partners (VFS) when it is available for collection.

On 3/25/2026 at 8:41 AM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Yesterday I went to VFS at “The Shoppes at Belle Grand Rama 9” Bangkok, to renew / get a new UK passport; so I thought I would describe the whole procedure in case it helps anyone needing this service.

From the beginning: last Thursday, 19th March, I logged onto the VFS Global website, which I had already registered with. I filled in my details and clicked on the link “ready to submit passport application” I was then offered appointments for as early as the next day, the 20th March, and for every day the following week. I chose yesterday, Tuesday 24th at 10.50 and quickly received a confirmation email of my appointment. Unsure of the traffic situation and consequently the driving time, I left early and arrived well before my appointment time.

I approached the entrance desk 15 minutes before my appointment time, and was checked through security and started being processed 10 minutes before my scheduled appointment. 

I took with me an application form that I had filled in, coloured copies of every page of my passport (including all blank pages - superfluous but necessary) 2 recent professionally taken passport specification photos (180 Baht for 6 at Kodak shop - Hua Hin) the payment form (downloaded from website and filled in with the details of one of my UK credit cards) My current passport (obviously) my Thai driving licence and copies of it, and fortunately, a recent Bangkok bank statement with my Thai address in English.

However, I had made an error on the application form; on the first page I filled in my UK address as my current address, which was what I thought was needed. The young lady told me it needed to be my address in Thailand, but she was very helpful and gave me another page 1 of the form to complete whilst stood at the counter.

This was a bit of a problem because I had already handed her my Thai driving licence and copies, which she seemed willing to accept as proof of Thai address; but the English translation of address on my Thai driving license is incomplete, stating just my house number followed by Hua Hin; so, no soi name or sub-district. So when she then asked me if the Thai address I had just written on the form was the same as on my licence, I had to say no, and explained why; she asked if I had any other proof of address, and fortunately I had taken an up to date bank statement with me which has my address in full in English, exactly as it I had written on the form, which she accepted.

In hindsight, I think if I had just written my Thai address in its incomplete form as it appears on my licence, it may well have been accepted; you have to apply in person and collect your new passport in person (of have someone you have authorised do so on your behalf) so they don’t need your Thai address for posting, but I wasn’t prepared to chance it, especially as I had the bank statement with me as back up anyway.

The young lady was friendly and helpful and told me that my new passport should take about 4 weeks (flights, and consequently postal and courier services have all been negatively impacted by the middle east war) but my current passport, which I have retained after the application, does not expire until November.

Almost immediately I received an email from VFS with their reference number telling me that my application has been forwarded to HMPO, and that I would subsequently hear from them to confirm their application number. I am yet to receive a mail from HMPO and as of this morning my UK credit card has not been debited with the fee. I will update as and when on both of these

Apologies; this has ended up a bit long winded, but I wanted to give full details ✌️

Thank you for that report.

I fear my situation is not heading in the same positive direction.

I submitted via VfS on 1st April. Receipt and VfS reference received by email.

I know Easter probably intervened but as my card payment has not yet been debited, I thought I would try to contact HMPO.

Webchat was a waste of time, "All webchat advisers are busy at the moment." constantly displayed. I tried Passport Adviceline who were no help, stating, "as you applied through a third party we cannot get involved....".

I did point out that using a 'third party' ie VfS was the ONLY way Brits in Thailand could renew their passports - as directed by HMPO.

Next I will try to contact VfS......................... once Songkran is out the way.

19 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

Thank you for that report.

I fear my situation is not heading in the same positive direction.

I submitted via VfS on 1st April. Receipt and VfS reference received by email.

I know Easter probably intervened but as my card payment has not yet been debited, I thought I would try to contact HMPO.

Webchat was a waste of time, "All webchat advisers are busy at the moment." constantly displayed. I tried Passport Adviceline who were no help, stating, "as you applied through a third party we cannot get involved....".

I did point out that using a 'third party' ie VfS was the ONLY way Brits in Thailand could renew their passports - as directed by HMPO.

Next I will try to contact VfS......................... once Songkran is out the way.

Did you get an email from HM Passport office saying, we have got your passport application? for me that was 3 working days later.

Sounds like you did receive the VFS confirm saying they submitted it and what time and date

37 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Did you get an email from HM Passport office saying, we have got your passport application? for me that was 3 working days later.

Sounds like you did receive the VFS confirm saying they submitted it and what time and date

No.

..and Yes...reference numbered and date.

20 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

No.

..and Yes...reference numbered and date.

That's shoddy, even if busy due to easter you'd expect them to confirm receipt

16 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

That's shoddy, even if busy due to easter you'd expect them to confirm receipt.

I don't think the application has reached HMPO.

My issue now is that HMPO and VfS do not seem joined up (one agent referring to them as a 'third party') ........ contacting HMPO seems pointless as they are denying receipt......contacting VfS will be..................fun............NOT!

10 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

I don't think the application has reached HMPO.

My issue now is that HMPO and VfS do not seem joined up (one agent referring to them as a 'third party') ........ contacting HMPO seems pointless as they are denying receipt......contacting VfS will be..................fun............NOT!

Did you get this via email from VFS?

47 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

That's shoddy, even if busy due to easter you'd expect them to confirm receipt

If it is a holiday period and nobody is working in the office, how do you expect them to be able to process anything?

6 minutes ago, scottiejohn said:

If it is a holiday period and nobody is working in the office, how do you expect them to be able to process anything?

He submitted it 1 April, no working days since then?

2 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

If it is a holiday period and nobody is working in the office, how do you expect them to be able to process anything?

I do wish that people like you would read the thread before making banal comments.

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Did you get this via email from VFS?

Exactly that.

I haven't yet had the HMPO confirmation, nor has the payment been taken.

I gave due allowance for the Easter but by last Friday I became concerned. I knew Songkran would impact at the Thai end but I hoped things might have progressed at HMPO.

Unfortunately not.

14 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

Thank you for that report.

I fear my situation is not heading in the same positive direction.

I submitted via VfS on 1st April. Receipt and VfS reference received by email.

I know Easter probably intervened but as my card payment has not yet been debited, I thought I would try to contact HMPO.

Webchat was a waste of time, "All webchat advisers are busy at the moment." constantly displayed. I tried Passport Adviceline who were no help, stating, "as you applied through a third party we cannot get involved....".

I did point out that using a 'third party' ie VfS was the ONLY way Brits in Thailand could renew their passports - as directed by HMPO.

Next I will try to contact VfS......................... once Songkran is out the way.

14 hours ago, hotandsticky said:

Thank you for that report.

I fear my situation is not heading in the same positive direction.

I submitted via VfS on 1st April. Receipt and VfS reference received by email.

I know Easter probably intervened but as my card payment has not yet been debited, I thought I would try to contact HMPO.

Webchat was a waste of time, "All webchat advisers are busy at the moment." constantly displayed. I tried Passport Adviceline who were no help, stating, "as you applied through a third party we cannot get involved....".

I did point out that using a 'third party' ie VfS was the ONLY way Brits in Thailand could renew their passports - as directed by HMPO.

Next I will try to contact VfS......................... once Songkran is out the way.

I received notification of my application from HMPO 3 days after my application, and my credit card was debited on the same day; you applied on the 1st April, which was a Wednesday, so allowing for the weekend you should have had notification from HMPO early the following week.

That your card payment has not been processed would indicate that HMPO have not, for some reason, yet received your application. I think following it up with VFS is the best course of action; not sure if the applications are sent electronically from VFS to HMPO because 3 days was much quicker than I expected; anyhow, best of luck, let us know how you get on.

Just for information on current timing....

I applied for new UK passport second week of march.

Received new passport just under 4 weeks later.

5 hours ago, Eloquent pilgrim said:

not sure if the applications are sent electronically from VFS to HMPO

Unless things have changed since I last renewed my passport in 2022, VFS send the application docs in paper form to HMPO by courier. Indeed, I distinctly recall being required to sign a form confirming what docs were placed in the envelope by VFS before it was sealed.

I think that the next step for @hotandsticky will be to obtain the courier tracking number from VFS, to enable him to check the current mailing status. It is, I think, unfortunate (to put it mildly) that VFS choose not to include the courier tracking number in their confirmatory auto-email as a matter of routine, in place of their completely worthless reference number.

3 minutes ago, OJAS said:

Unless things have changed since I last renewed my passport in 2022, VFS send the application docs in paper form to HMPO by courier. Indeed, I distinctly recall being required to sign a form confirming what docs were placed in the envelope by VFS before it was sealed.

I think that the next step for @hotandsticky will be to obtain the courier tracking number from VFS, to enable him to check the current mailing status. It is, I think, unfortunate (to put it mildly) that VFS choose not to include the courier tracking number in their confirmatory auto-email as a matter of routine, in place of their completely worthless reference number.

I don't know,but I doubt that the documents are couriered. I would expect the paperwork to be uploaded and pulled off by HMPO staff in Liverpool etc.

Something has 'obviously' gone wrong at the VfS end and the application has not been 'sent' or uploaded.

Either way, I doubt that I will have the answer until at least Wednesday.