World news story

Need to renew your British passport? Go online

Passport applications for Britons resident overseas must now be made via the GOV.UK website

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
New online passport application webpage

All British residents living in Spain must now make their passport applications online

The new passport process, which is part of a worldwide changeover, helps to reduce the possibility of making errors that can delay applications.

Applicants will find that the new process, which includes online payment, generates a personalised pack that must be printed, signed and sent with photographs and any additional documentation that may be required to the Passport Office in the UK - and no longer to a British Consulate or Embassy.

Once an application has been submitted, applicants will receive instructions on how to track its progress via the website.

It is important to apply in good time as a new passport will take at least four weeks from the time the completed application pack is received by the Passport Office in the UK, or six weeks if replacing a lost or stolen passport.

Don’t leave it until the last minute to apply for your passport, advises Will Middleton, Consular Regional Director for Spain.

You can apply up to nine months in advance and any unexpired time will be added to your new passport.

Applicants who cannot access the online system or who experience any difficulties should contact the Passport Advice Line on +44 300 222 0000.

Useful information:

For an online passport application go to: www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

For assistance call the Passport advice line on: +44 300 222 0000

Published 11 February 2014