British Passport Renewal in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide

UAE, the economic hub, attracts people from all over the world. Expats, including Britishers, come to settle or work here. When in the UAE, an up-to-date passport is essential for travelling outside the country. The best part is that British passport renewal is a simplified process with the online service available.

Scroll down to learn more about the process, documents and fees required for renewal!

• A Brief About British Passport Renewal
• Step-by-Step British Passport Renewal Process
• Track Application Status
• Required Fees
• FAQs

A Brief About British Passport Renewal

Passport renewal simply means updating an expired or soon-to-expire passport. As a British expat in the Emirates, having a passport allows you to travel globally.

Step-by-Step British Passport Renewal Process

The UK Government has launched an online ‘Overseas Passport Renewal’ service to facilitate British people living in the Emirates. British residents can now avail of this service online or in person at the two British consulates in the UAE.

We have broken down the process into simple steps to help you apply for passport renewal seamlessly. Without any further ado, let’s begin!

Step 1: Eligibility Criteria and Tips Before Applying

There are a few important things to know before applying for a renewal. First things first!

• An applicant must be a British national living in the UAE.
• They should have an expired or soon-to-expire passport.
• Please note that adult (16 years and above) passports are normally valid for 10 years with a maximum of 10 years and 9 months. On the other hand, children’s (under 16 years) passports are valid for a maximum of 5 years and 9 months. 
• It is advised not to book any travel before receiving your passport. The passport renewal process may take time.
• Ensure you apply for passport renewal on time to avoid delays.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

Gather all the documents ready before applying to save time. Here is the checklist of must-have documents:

• Old Passport.
• Two recent photographs / a digital picture for online application.
• Credit or debit card for online application.
• Birth certificate.
• Residency permit.

Step 3: Apply for Passport Renewal

There are different ways to apply for British passport renewal such as online services or in-person visits. Let’s discuss each one by one:

Renew Using UK Government Website

As a British expat in the UAE, you can only apply for standard service that requires no appointment. Follow the below process to apply for renewal online:

• Go to the official website of the UK Government.
• Search ‘Overseas British passport applications’.
• Click on ‘Start now’.
• An applicant can apply for himself or on behalf of another person.
• The first question will be ‘Do you live in the UK’? As a resident of the UAE, choose ‘No’.
• Enter ‘Date of Birth’.
• Answer basic questions and then upload your digital photograph. An applicant can take a digital photo at home or by visiting a photo shop. Ensure the digital photograph follows guidelines such as a light background and a visible face.
• Enter all necessary information including old passport details.
• Pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
• Sign a declaration form and review courier guidelines.
• Receive a confirmation email with the reference number.
• Send the old passport and other supporting documents to the UK via courier. An expert tip here is to choose reliable courier services such as DHL.
• Receive your passport delivered to your home address in the UAE within three weeks.

Renew Using a Post Office

You can also get help from a post office for British passport renewal. Here are the steps to apply via post office:

• Choose an online post office application service or visit the HM Passport Office to use the ‘Check and Send Service.’
• A post office can help you with application form filling and digital photographs.
• Provide your documents and pay the fees via credit/debit card or cheque.

Renew by Visiting British Consulates in the UAE

Another feasible option is to visit a British consulate in the UAE. Currently, the Emirates has two British consulates, one in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. Here is how to apply:

• Visit one of the two consulates with the required documents.
• Fill out the application form and pay fees.

Here are the British consulate office locations:

Dubai

• Address: Dubai Creek, Al Seef Street, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 4 309 4444

Abu Dhabi

• Address: Khalid Bin Waleed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Contact: +971 2 610 1100

Track Application Status

Once you have filled out the application form, here is how you can track the application status:

• If you have applied online, easily check your status using the UK Government’s official website. Enter the passport application reference number (PEX) to search for the status.
• If you have applied using a paper application, check your status by calling the passport advice line. Choose option 1 and enter the 10-digit barcode (for the application form) and 9-digit number on the receipt (for the post office).
  • Contact: +44 (0) 300 222 0000
  • Timings: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Monday to Friday) and 09:00 am to 05:30 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Required Fees

Service fees differ by the method of application. Here is a breakdown of charges for different methods:

• Standard passport fee (online):
  • Adult: Euro 101 (AED 413.64)
  • Children: Euro 65.50 (AED 268.25)
  • Passport Check and Send service: Same application fees and Euro 16 (AED 65.53)
• Paper application: Euro 100 (AED 409.54)
• Courier fees: Euro 19.68 (AED 80.60)

FAQs

Renewing a British passport in the UAE is easier than ever with our guide. Follow the steps and apply for passport renewal on time to avoid future hassle. Happy travel journey in advance!

Furthermore, here is what you should know about healthcare in the UAE for expats.

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