Flying back in to the UK on a passport that's about to expire?

insurgente

I'm not sure if this is the best forum for ask questions regarding the UK Border Agency or passport office, but the folks on here have such a breadth of knowledge .

My UK passport is due to expire mid-July. I recently filled in the online form to have it renewed. I received the print out in the post, got some photos done, all ready to send it back.

However there is a 3 week (minimum) turnaround time, and now I'm thinking of flying to the USA for the Jubilee bank holiday

I am a dual national, USA and UK, so would enter the USA on my US passport and the UK on my British one.

I'm thinking the most sensible thing would be to leave renewing my British passport until after I get back in June. I know some countries ask for you to have 6 months validity in your passport to let you in, but if I'm returning to my own country does it matter how much validity is left?

I don't have a 'Leave to Remain' stamp on my US passport, so I think it best to not try and enter the UK with it.

I've already got the pre-filled in passport renewal form ready to go. Does anyone know if there's a time limit for it to be sent back? will it matter if I send it a month from now?

Thanks!

fifeken

As a UK citizen you can enter on your UK passport even if it has expired. A possible stumbling block could be at airline check in on your return trip if they are not familiar with the requirements. You might want to email them in advance.

HappyMJ

fifeken wrote: »

As a UK citizen you can enter on your UK passport even if it has expired. A possible stumbling block could be at airline check in on your return trip if they are not familiar with the requirements. You might want to email them in advance.

Agreed but be ready for 101 questions as you enter if it has already expired. They would probably want to see the passport you used to travel out of the US on and allow to enter on that one as the airline will not allow you to travel with an expired passport but they will allow you to leave with a valid US passport.

And...anyway where are they going to deport you to? Your own country?

peachyprice

Your UK passport is valid for entry into the UK right up until the day it expires, as long as it's valid you won't have a problem. As above, if it's expired you should still be able to get in, but with more hassle.

insurgente

Thanks for the responses all . Unless my flight home is delayed by 6 weeks, I wouldn't have to worry about flying back on an expired one

I don't suppose anyone knows about a time limit on a renewal? I have the pre-filled in, printed out form from them. Does it matter when I send it back? Does it have to be straight away

blacksta

insurgente wrote: »

Thanks for the responses all . Unless my flight home is delayed by 6 weeks, I wouldn't have to worry about flying back on an expired one

I don't suppose anyone knows about a time limit on a renewal? I have the pre-filled in, printed out form from them. Does it matter when I send it back? Does it have to be straight away

it takes about 2 weeks or you could pay more for one day service.

benjus

Are there any countries in the world that would ask for 6 months passport validity for one of their own citizens with a passport issued by that country? It would seem a pretty daft rule if it does exist.

In the unlikely event of the airline making a fuss, you could always show them your US passport but enter the UK with your British one...

peachyprice

insurgente wrote: »

I don't suppose anyone knows about a time limit on a renewal? I have the pre-filled in, printed out form from them. Does it matter when I send it back? Does it have to be straight away

You can send it back when you like, they don't 'expire'. The last lost I did I'd had the forms for about 6 months. I've got my DD's to do now, I've had the forms since January.