In this article, we will explore what a British passport is, what it takes to become a British citizen, and the application process for a British passport.
A British passport is an official travel document given by the United Kingdom or other territories and dependencies of Great Britain to individuals. Bearing this passport allows an individual international passage based on the provision of the visa.
The UK law allows individuals to have dual nationality. This means that you can be conferred with British citizenship either by birth, by descent (i.e. given birth to by British parents), by registration, or by naturalization in the UK.
Important Information about your British Passport Application
First and foremost, it is important that you fill in your application form correctly to avoid delays in your application.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when completing your documents:
- The name on your documents must tally with the one on your passport
- If you had a change of name, the new name should be used on your application
- Ensure to list all maiden or previous names
- Details of your previous passport application
- You must be 16 years or over, as an adult (or will clock 16 three weeks from the date of your application)
- You must be a holder of an adult passport with at least 10 years of validity
- You can use a child passport even if you are over 18 years.
Document Requirement for UK Passport
Let’s take a look at some of the documents you need in order to apply for a British passport. It is important that you send only your original documents. While photocopies are not allowed, you can get an official copy of the evidence in case you are not able to lay your hands on the originals.
The following are the documents you need for a British passport:
- Birth adoption certificate (for those born in the UK before January 1983)
- If you are born in the UK after January 1983, you need proof of your parents’ immigration status
- Certificate of naturalization or registration (for those born abroad)
- All supporting documents
- Someone to serve as your guarantor, if you are applying using hard copy forms.
Additionally, documents that are not originally in English or Welsh should be accompanied by an original translation.
UK Passport Fees
Depending on the type of application you are making, the fees charged for a British passport vary. In addition, the location you are applying for the passport also affects the cost.
Here are the charges when applying from within the United Kingdom:
- Online applications: £75.50
- Paper applications: £85
- Child (under 16): £49 to £59
How to Apply for a British Passport
Now that you are here, you are all set for your British passport application process.
You can apply for the passport via the following media:
- Online: The cheapest way to apply for a British passport is to apply online. It is always the easiest method.
- Post Office Check & Send Service: You can also apply via your local post office. The post office officials are responsible for scrutinizing your documents and forwarding them to the passport office.
- Post: This method allows you to mail your application with all supporting documents directly.
- Appointment: You can schedule an appointment with the passport office in your locality.
The procedure for those applying abroad may vary slightly from that of people applying from the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How powerful is a British Passport?
The Henley Passport Index ranks the UK passport as the 6th in the world in terms of travel freedom. This ranking tallies with that of Portugal. With this, holders of a British passport are able to travel to 187 countries without a visa. Hence, the British passport can be said to be one of the most powerful and desirable passports in the world.
Can a non-citizen get a British passport?
The major requirement for having a British passport is you must be a British national. However, being a British national does not guarantee you have a passport.
How quick can I get a UK passport?
The normal processing time for a UK passport is 10 weeks. Note that the turnaround times may be different if you are applying from a different country.
Why is it hard to get a British passport?
The major requirement is that you must be a resident of the United Kingdom for a period of 3 to 5 years, based on how you got your citizenship. Additionally, you are required to be of reputable character by the residents of the UK. These are the major reasons why it is hard for EU citizens and citizens of other countries to get a British passport.
