This has been annoying me for a couple of weeks and thought I would mention it on TV Forum.

When applying for a new 2 year UK Visit Visa at the VFS Office in BKK my wife submitted all her documents. Amongst the documents was an expired passport of mine which was submitted as proof that we travel together. I mentioned it in my supporting letter.

The VFS staff member at the interview said it could not be submitted. My wife came out of the office to get a photocopy and she mentioned the passport could not be submitted. I said it had to go as it was part of my supporting letter. She went back and they would not accept the expired passport. I did supply copies of my current passport as well.

My understanding is VFS staff have to accept what is given to support the application.

The visa was approved, but I did have concerns that by not submitting this item it could have had a different outcome.

Right or wrong?

This is from an official response from the Embassy on a complaint about VFS not accepting documents from applicants :

Please note that there are certain items which we do not accept, these being original passports from 3^rd parties, photos in photoframes, cameras, mobile phones, disks, and memory sticks as these items can pose a health and safety and security risk.

Its states " original passports from 3rd parties ". I'm not sure what they mean by that ? But, if your expired passport is not an original passport from a 3rd party, then it should have been accepted. Sounds like you need to complain to the Embassy.

This is from an official response from the Embassy on a complaint about VFS not accepting documents from applicants :

Please note that there are certain items which we do not accept, these being original passports from 3^rd parties, photos in photoframes, cameras, mobile phones, disks, and memory sticks as these items can pose a health and safety and security risk.

Its states " original passports from 3rd parties ". I'm not sure what they mean by that ? But, if your expired passport is not an original passport from a 3rd party, then it should have been accepted. Sounds like you need to complain to the Embassy.

An expired passport is a health, safety and security risk? Do not understand that one.

Thanks for reply.

I was just annoyed they did not accept.

It's just clutter for them honestly, more importantly they have to be responsible for it. Should have photocopied relevant pages perhaps.

Did you apply for a visitors visa or a Family visa?

I have never supplied a copy of my old passport for my wife to apply for a visa, not a requirement, but to prove that she traveled why not use her passport, with photos linking your travels together, with dates on if possible

Did you apply for a visitors visa or a Family visa?

I have never supplied a copy of my old passport for my wife to apply for a visa, not a requirement, but to prove that she traveled why not use her passport, with photos linking your travels together, with dates on if possible

It was a visitor visa, her fifth entry to the UK.

Just thought it easier to send the expired passport, will photo copy next time. I prefer to give too much information than not enough.

At least she now has a two year visa. Don't have to visit BKK as often.