From anywhere in the globe, British emigres can apply for, renew and update their UK passports. If you need to renew your British passport in Hong Kong, you must follow the appropriate procedures for applying, paying costs, and receiving your new passport. You must print and mail the information to Her Majesty’s Passport Office, even though the application process is available online.
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- British passport requirements
- How to apply for a British passport abroad?
- How to get an emergency travel document?
- How long will it take to renew or replace my British passport?
- How much does the UK passport renewal cost?
- How do I renew my BNO passport in Hong Kong?
- How to apply for a BNO passport?
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British passport requirements
You will need the supporting documentation, among others a passport-style photo that meets the British passport photo requirements and satisfies the Identity & Passport Service (IPS) standards. This is a renewal, not a new application, for your British passport.
If your passport is about to expire, you can apply to renew it when:
- your previous passport is still valid;
- it is still in good condition;
- you do not need to change your nationality or name.
How to apply for a British passport abroad?
The service is less expensive online, yet it takes six weeks to process a first adult passport and three weeks to renew or change one. Expats can apply for a UK passport or Emergency Travel Documents from the British Embassy or Consulate where they are if they have an urgent need for a passport, such as if a relative has died overseas.
British Embassy in Hong Kong
This is a address for a British consulate in Hong Kong:
British Consulate-General Hong Kong
1 Supreme Court Road
Admiralty
Hong Kong
- Main switchboard (+852) 2901 3000
- Fax (+852) 2901 3008
How to get an emergency travel document?
If you’re overseas and your passport has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or expired, and you won’t be able to receive a new or replacement passport in time to leave, you can apply for an emergency travel document. If the person who needs an emergency travel document is under the age of 16, a parent or guardian must apply on their behalf.
If you don’t have a recent passport photo, the British Consulate-consular General’s division has a passport picture machine. Please note that the government will only accept applications if you plan to travel within 7 days of your appointment date, and they usually only provide an emergency travel document 1 day before departure unless a visa is required for the location.
Check if you can receive a new or replacement passport in time for your trip if it is more than three weeks away. Keep in mind that the use of an emergency travel document does not ensure entrance to all countries.
Looking for more tips for your passport application? Look no further:
- UK Passport Renewal: Australia Guide
- How to Get an Emergency Passport
- How to Renew Your UK Passport in Canada?
- How to Renew Your UK Passport in Ireland?
- How To Replace a Passport That Has Been Lost, Stolen or Damaged
- How to Renew Your UK Passport in New Zealand?
- British Passport Processing Time – Guide to Getting Ahead of the Game
How long will it take to renew or replace my British passport?
To renew or replace a passport, it should take 4 (four) weeks from the moment it is received by Her Majesty’s Passport Office in the UK for the application to be completed.
How much does the UK passport renewal cost?
Depends on the type and amount of pages you might pay slightly different prices:
- Adult Standard 32-page passport £83.00
- Adult Jumbo 48-page passport £91.00
In addition to the passport fee, a courier service fee of £19.86 is also charged.
How do I renew my BNO passport in Hong Kong?
Make sure you have all the necessary documents for your British National Overseas (BNO) passport before applying. If there are some missing you have 6 (six) weeks to provide them. Not managing to deliver these supporting documents in time will cause your application rejection.
BNO application required documents
- 2 (two) identical passport photos taken within the last 30 days are required;
- BNO passport (original), except if it was lost or stolen (photocopies are not permitted);
- A colour photocopy of both sides of your Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card is required;
- One document dated within the last year proves your name, residence, and/or residency.
- A colour photocopy of your non-British passport (SAR passport) if you are a dual national;
Proving identity and address
- The visa or a residency permit (or a colour photocopy);
- Professional history (eg official letter from your employer)
- Academic records (for example, a school report);
- Tax documents (for example, a letter from the IRS);
- Any letter you receive from the government (e.g. a rate letter);
- Certificate of Baptism or Naming;
- Existing health/medical card;
- Bank or building society’s letter;
- Any letter you receive from the government (e.g. a rate letter);
- Voter registration card.
Application process
- The BNO must be applied online and paid.
- You’ll need to print and sign a declaration form and return it to them with your supporting documents and photos after you’ve input your information and paid online.
- Go to the government website for British overseas nationals in Hong Kong for more information.
How to apply for a BNO passport?
It was pointed out above that you have to be able to apply for your BNO passport renewal or changes in your current passport, extension, etc.
- Create your application by choosing the type of passport you want, personal details (name, date of birth and contact details) and your BNO passport number – details of any non-British passports that you hold. Then, you will be able to check and edit your application before paying.
- You will need to pay by entering your card details to pay (MasterCard, Visa, Visa Electron, Visa Debit or Maestro UK Domestic cards are accepted). After you have submitted your application details and paid online, you will have to print a declaration form and other guidance. You can save the form and print it elsewhere.
- You will find out where to mail the declaration form in the UK: what papers you must include, whether a countersignatory is required and what kind of pictures are acceptable. Afterwards, you can sign the application.
To get the right British passport photo, you can use our photo maker, which is available on the Passport Photo Online website or possible to download on your phone!
Either you have an iPhone or smartphone with Android, you can get the photo mobile app from AppStore or Google Play. The photo generator resizes, edits, and verifies that your photo meets all of the official criteria of the United Kingdom.
All you have to do to use this photo tool is open the service (app or website) and upload your ready picture which you just took. What is left to do, leave it to our photo generator! You do not have to worry if your image will be accepted by British authorities because you have a guarantee of a 100% correct photo!
Renew UK passport in Hong Kong: FAQ
To conclude, we’ll answer a few questions about BNO passport applications from Hong Kong.
How long is the BNO passport renewal processing time?
As of August 2022, the authorities indicate times up to 10 (ten) weeks for UK passport renewals from overseas.
Where is the UK Consulate in Hong Kong?
British nationals can find the UK Consulate General in Hong Kong at 1 Supreme Court Road, Admiralty.
What are the opening hours of the British Consulate in Hong Kong?
Their website states that they are available 24/7. For urgent matters, the number (+852) 2901 3000 is available even on holidays.
What are the BNO passport renewal documents?
To get a new British passport for nationals overseas, citizens have to provide these necessary supporting documents:
– current British passport
– 2 (two) passport photos
– proof of residence
– a colour copy of both sides of the applicant’s Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card
– a colour photocopy of a SAR passport for dual citizens.
How to Renew Your UK Passport in Hong Kong – summing up
If a British citizen is still in possession of their undamaged passport and the data on it is still current, they can opt for a passport renewal. In Hong Kong, the service is available online or through the British Consulate General. If all the documents are in order, it’s possible to receive a new UK passport in under 10 (ten) weeks.
To get new pictures, use Passport Photo Online – our professional service can guarantee perfect pictures to renew a British passport online or at the UK passport office.
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Justyna Matuszak
Justyna graduated from journalism and social communications at the University of Lower Silesia. She is an avid journalist with passion for travels and sport, being also a professional athlete for the past 8 years. Justyna is the author of articles concerning biometric photography.
FAQs
Can I renew British passport in Hong Kong? ›
In Hong Kong, the service is available online or through the British Consulate General. If all the documents are in order, it's possible to receive a new UK passport in under 10 (ten) weeks.
Do you have to send your old passport back when renewing online UK? ›You must bring your old passport to the Post Office if you still have it. If you've changed your name, you'll also need to bring proof of your new name (like a marriage certificate).
Can I renew my UK passport outside the UK? ›If you are outside of the UK and your British passport has, or is due to, expire, you may be pleased to know you can apply online in any country. Gone are the days when you need to visit a local embassy and wait in a seemingly endless queue, or submit your application to a local passport office.
What is the quickest way to renew a UK passport? ›- Use the Online Premium service.
- Use the 1 week Fast Track service.
- Call the Passport Adviceline to book and pay.
If you have a valid Hong Kong Permanent identity card, the processing time of your overseas passport application will normally take about 4 to 6 weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents, fee and photograph.
Can I travel back to the UK with an expired British passport? ›"If you want to enter the UK as a British citizen and you have an expired UK passport, your case is covered by Paragraph 12 of the Immigration Rules... ... If you want to enter the UK as a British citizen, you need to show them a UK passport. There is no stipulation in the rule that says the passport must be current."
What is the current waiting time for a UK passport renewal? ›Since April 2021, HM Passport Office has been advising people to allow up to ten weeks when applying for their British passport.
What supporting documents do I need for a UK passport renewal? ›You'll need: a digital photo. a credit or debit card. your passport.
How long does it take to renew a British passport? ›Allow up to 10 weeks to receive your passport. There are different turnaround times if you're applying from another country.
Can I renew my British passport online from overseas? ›Yes, it is possible to renew your UK passport whilst abroad. The only difference is that it will take slightly longer than if you were applying from within the UK, and there will be an additional cost for the courier fees.
What happens if my passport expires while abroad? ›
If your passport expires while you are abroad, contact the embassy or consulate of your country and apply for an emergency travel document. You must remember that most travel emergency documents are valid only until you re-enter your home country; afterward, you must apply for a new passport.
Can I travel while my passport is being renewed? ›Answer: As an American citizen, you are now required to leave and return to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. You cannot travel while your U.S. passport application is still in pending or in process. The only way you can get a passport issued sooner is by applying in person at a regional agency.
Can you get a UK passport in 24 hours? ›The earliest you can get an appointment is 2 days from when you apply. You'll get your new passport at your appointment. Appointments can last up to 30 minutes. It costs £177 (or £187 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport).
Can I travel while my UK passport is being renewed? ›Unless you have another valid passport (i.e. issued by another country), you will not be able to leave the U.K. during the period the renewal is processing as you will not hold a valid passport.
Is it easy to renew UK passport online? ›Yes, you can renew your UK passport online!
The process is almost too easy. All you need to do is complete our simple online form and we will take care of the rest. If there are any additional documents to be added to your application, we will let you know.
Do you need a countersignature? The majority of people will be fine to submit their passport photos without a countersignature in the case of a renewal. However, there are occasions when you may need to enlist a person to authorise your identity.
Can I go to the UK embassy without an appointment? ›If you need to travel urgently, miss your pre-booked appointment, or simply cannot book an appointment at your preferred date and time, the Walk-in Without Appointment service, available for select countries, allows you to submit your visa application on a day you choose.
Can I use my old passport while waiting for a new one UK? ›Your old passport will be couriered to you and your new one will arrive in a separate courier. This is to mitigate the risk of one of the documents going missing. It should be noted that even though you will receive your old passport back, you will not be able to use it again as an official travel document.
Do I lose my British citizenship if I live abroad? ›Voting and citizenship
Your UK citizenship will not be affected if you move or retire abroad. If you want to live in an EU country, check the country's living in guide for information about your rights. You may need a visa.
From 1 October 2021 you need a valid passport to travel to the United Kingdom (UK). The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For more information on travelling to the UK from 2021.
How long can you live outside the UK without losing citizenship? ›
You can leave the UK for: 5 years without losing settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme - 4 years if you're Swiss. 2 years without losing indefinite leave to remain.
Where do I renew my British passport? ›Renew using a paper application form
You can get a paper application form by either: going to a Post Office that has a Check and Send service. calling the Passport Adviceline.
British Passport Application Processing Time
The average processing times for a UK passport renewal is approximately 4-6 weeks but this is subject to change and has been affected by COVID. If your application is missing documentation this can also affect the processing times.
Allow up to 10 weeks to receive your passport. There are different turnaround times if you're applying from another country.
How long does it take to renew BNO passport? ›BNO Renewal
The renewal process is very similar to that of a regular UK passport, and can be completed within a few weeks.
Yes, you can renew your UK passport online!
The process is almost too easy. All you need to do is complete our simple online form and we will take care of the rest. If there are any additional documents to be added to your application, we will let you know.
How to Renew Your UK Passport Online in 2022 Easy Process | iVisa
Do you need a countersignature for UK passport renewal online? ›Renewals of adult passports do not need a countersignature. Children passports do require one and even then these days, it can be done online. The passport office will contact the person nominated for the countersignature and ask them some questions.
Can I travel while my passport is being renewed? ›Answer: As an American citizen, you are now required to leave and return to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. You cannot travel while your U.S. passport application is still in pending or in process. The only way you can get a passport issued sooner is by applying in person at a regional agency.
What supporting documents do I need for UK passport renewal? ›Once you have a British passport, the renewal is relatively easy, compared to getting a new passport for the first time. You won't need any documents to renew your passport digitally, but you will need a current photograph of yourself, a credit or debit card, and your current passport.
Can I renew my UK passport at an embassy? ›
Historically, it was necessary to make an appointment with and visit a local British consulate or embassy to renew a UK passport, however, this is no longer necessary. The process of applying for a new passport is now completed online on the UK Home Office website.
Can you fast track a British passport? ›You can use the 1 week Fast Track to: renew an adult or child passport that has expired or that is about to expire. change personal details on your passport (for example your name, place of birth or gender) replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport.
Can I renew my British passport on the same day? ›The earliest you can get an appointment is 2 days from when you apply. You'll get your new passport at your appointment. Appointments can last up to 30 minutes. It costs £177 (or £187 for a 50 page frequent traveller passport).
How do I contact the British passport office? ›- General enquiries. HM Passport Office. PO Box 767. SOUTHPORT. ...
- Passports. Contact Form: Passports. Passport advice. 0300 222 0000. ...
- Birth, marriage and death certificates. Contact Form: Birth, marriage and death certificates. General Register Office. ...
- Press enquiries. For journalists only. 020 7035 3535.
This is known as a BNO visa. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK. You can apply for the BNO visa from overseas, but you should wait for a decision on your application before you travel to the UK.
Is BNO a British passport? ›The British National (Overseas) passport, commonly referred to as the BN(O) passport, is a British passport for persons with British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) citizenship. BN(O) citizenship was created in 1987 after the enactment of Hong Kong Act 1985.
Is BNO holder a British citizen? ›The British National (Overseas) citizenship status, commonly known as BNO's, is one of the major classes of British Nationality under British Nationality Law. Holders of this nationality are Commonwealth Citizens, but not British Citizens.