I applied for the new blue UK passport and here's how long it took
If you're heading abroad soon, you will want to ensure that your passport is valid for travel. This means, depending on where you're travelling to, you may need to upgrade it sooner than you think.
For example, if you're heading to Spain, the Foreign Office cautions people that the country follows Schengen area rules.
This means your passport must:
have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
In other places, like Cyprus, you need to have "at least one blank page for stamping". So if you need to get a new passport, here's what you need to know if you're set to travel abroad.
How to apply for a new UK passport?
You can apply through the GOV.UK website. It can be used for multiple reasons whether you need to apply for, renew, replace or update your passport - as well as paying for it online.
How much does a UK passport cost?
If you're looking to save money, it's worth knowing that it's £12.50 cheaper to apply for a passport online than by post.
Can I get my passport quicker?
Yes, you can. You can pay for a premium service if you're heading abroad soon and are worried it won't arrive in time.
find out more
find out more
How long did it take me to get my new blue UK passport?
I applied for a new passport on July 13 and sent my old passport, as instructed, away on July 14. The Passport Office received my old one on July 15 - you need to do this as you cannot have two passports.
I got my next update on July 23 telling me that my passport application was approved, followed by an email on the 24th informing me my new passport has been printed.
The next day, I received my blue passport with a new photo I had taken myself in my home. So it took me less than two weeks to get my new travel document - and I didn't pay for fast track.
So I was pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy the whole process was. You can check how long it will take to get a passport before you apply.
And if you need a passport urgently, you can opt for their Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services. They warn: "Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - your new passport will not have the same number as your old one."
How to get a free passport
If you were born on or before September 2 1929, you can get or renew a British passport for free if you're a British national. You can also use the Post Office Check and Send service for free and get free secure delivery.
You must pay a fee if you need to get a passport urgently or if you want a frequent traveller passport which gives you 54 pages instead of 34.
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