Dubai The procedure for getting a British passport and renewing it overseas has changed.
A spokesperson in the British Embassy told XPRESS: “We have made important changes to the way we deliver British passports from February 11. All passport applications will now have to be submitted to the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) in the UK for processing.”
Earlier, applications were being sent to Duesseldorf, Germany.
The spokesperson said: “This was an interim measure, a phase-in of a global plan to bring the processing and printing of British passports to the UK. The IPS in Liverpool will now process all applications.”
She said the paperwork and the time taken for processing will remain the same.
“Residents should not wait till the last minute to apply for their passport. They can renew their passport at any time. Remaining validity up to nine months will be transferred from the old passport to the new one.”
She said: “If you are renewing your passport, you should allow at least four weeks from the date the fee is taken and correct documentation has been received. If you are applying for the first time or replacing a lost or stolen passport, you should allow at least six weeks. Your application may take longer if IPS needs to request further information. You should not book travel until you have received your new passport.
“The British Government cannot accept responsibility for costs incurred if travel is booked and subsequently cancelled before the passport has been received.”
An estimated 100,000 British nationals live in the UAE, 80,000 in Dubai alone, she said.
The application costs £147.86 (Dh841) which is to be paid by credit card online. For details on how to apply go to: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
