Cost effective passport renewal while travelling every few weeks

smudge56

the majority of straightforward passport applications are being processed within two weeks at the moment (applying through the online digital service). Most of the online applications are being processed by remote agency staff who are not on strike.
Fast track and premium appointments are  few and far between due to the lack of staff in the office.

sheramber

My son lives and works abroad.

He used the urgent renewal service last year, when he was in the UK for a week for business.

He had to keep searching for a slot as they  issued slots throughout the day.

He did manage to get one but it was for the next day so  needed  to be able to travel at short notice.

He had an appointment time and although there was a queue ( it was when there was a large back log and many had turned up without appointments.) those with appointments were taken at their allotted time.

He got his new passport in 30 minutes.

QQQ

OK, how do British citizens who permanently live abroad (and not travelling to the UK) renew their passports then?

sheramber

QQQ said:

OK, how do British citizens who permanently live abroad (and not travelling to the UK) renew their passports then?

How do I renew my UK passport when living abroad?

How Do I Apply for a Passport Renewal from Outside of the UK?

1. Get a digital passport photo (which must meet the standards required)
2. Complete the online application form and pay the application fee.
3. Submit your passport and supporting documents.

Mands

QQQ said:

OK, how do British citizens who permanently live abroad (and not travelling to the UK) renew their passports then?

We send them overseas, via the prescribed route, and pay courier fees (*2) on top of the passport fee.

My last passport was printed in Spain, I believe. If I apply now I think it's Dublin.

Brie

And if you are applying overseas there may be additional delays.  I need to renew my non UK passport and will do so through the consulate in London.  The stated turn around time is stated as at least 20 working days, and they also state this does not include any time for postage - so just the time between when they first receive the application (which can't be done online) and when they have done all the checks, sent everything to the country in which I am a citizen, they print the passport, return it to the UK at which point it's posted back to me.  So not an easy option really.

eDicky

QQQ said:

OK, how do British citizens who permanently live abroad (and not travelling to the UK) renew their passports then?

They submit the required additional documentation as proof of their residential address.

onashoestring

QQQ said:

OK, how do British citizens who permanently live abroad (and not travelling to the UK) renew their passports then?

The fees for renewing a U.K. passport when you live overseas is not cheaper or quicker than standard renewal  in U.K. 
 A standard passport is £94 for an adult, Plus a £19.86 courier fee.


https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

If you divide the cost of the fast track option by the number of times you will use it and work out the “cost” for each trip .
 Compared to someone who uses their passport only once a year for a holiday - You will be getting good value for money from the fast track option as you are using your passport “frequently.” 

DullGreyGuy

QQQ said:

OK, how do British citizens who permanently live abroad (and not travelling to the UK) renew their passports then?

They do it online but have to pay extra for the couriers, same as many countries.

Even the Mrs' non-UK one is now renewed online (for $200) but they require more doc checks than we do and so you also have to go to the local embassy who charge an extra $100 for their services.