How to Get a UK Passport in 2024 – Costs, Process and Eligibility

Countries for which You Need Visa on Arrival

• Ethiopia
• Malawi
• Jordan
• Timor-Leste
• Oman
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Togo
• Mauritania
• Lebanon
• Samoa
• Zambia
• Burundi
• Indonesia
• Kuwait
• Ghana
• Egypt
• Rwanda
• Tajikistan
• Comoros
• Burkina Faso
• Zimbabwe
• Palau
• Solomon Islands
• Saudi Arabia
• Laos
• Guinea-Bissau
• Madagascar
• Iraq
• Somalia
• Tanzania
• Bhutan
• Laos
• Madagascar
• Maldives

British Passport Holders Need E-visa for:

• Kenya
• Papua New Guinea
• Guinea
• New Zealand
• Ivory Coast
• Cameroon
• India
• Djibouti
• Azerbaijan
• Pakistan
• Myanmar
• Uganda
• Equatorial Guinea
• Sri Lanka
• Benin
• Australia
• South Sudan
• Nigeria
• Canada
• DR Congo
• Bhutan
• United States

UK Passport Holders Need visas For These Countries:

1. Syria
2. China
3. Niger
4. Cuba
5. Iran
6. Turkmenistan
7. North Korea
8. Chad
9. Liberia
10. Sudan
11. Yemen
12. Suriname
13. Algeria
14. Mali
15. Eritrea
16. Congo
17. Central African Republic
18. Afghanistan
19. Libya
20. Nauru
21. Russia

Can you have dual citizenship with UK passports?

Yes, the UK allows dual citizenship, which means that you can hold a British passport alongside another nationality. This arrangement provides flexibility for those who have personal or professional ties in multiple countries. It’s essential, however, to confirm that your other country of citizenship also allows dual nationality, as some countries do not permit this and may require you to renounce your other citizenship to acquire theirs​.

UK Passport Requirements and Eligibility

To be eligible for a UK passport, one must be a British citizen. This status is typically achieved through birth, descent, naturalization, or registration. Those applying for their first British passport must provide proof of citizenship, usually through a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or similar documentation, alongside identification and photographs that meet strict specifications. Additionally, having Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status in the UK does not automatically make one eligible for a British passport; citizenship is a separate requirement​.

How to Get Your First UK Passport

To apply for your first UK passport, gather the necessary documents: proof of British citizenship, identification, and a recent photo. Complete an online UK passport application or collect a form from the Post Office. A countersignature is required for your application if it’s your first passport, and once your paperwork is ready, you’ll submit it along with your payment. The application can take several weeks, especially if additional verification is needed​.

Getting Your First UK Passport: Step-By-Step Process

Now that you understand the fundamental UK passport requirements, let’s walk through the key steps for first-timers obtaining their inaugural British passport:

Step 1: Determine your citizenship/nationality status

As a first step, you’ll need to confirm whether you meet the eligibility requirements for a UK passport. Only British citizens, UK Nationals, and citizens of the British overseas territories can apply for a standard UK passport.

You can use the UK government’s online tool to determine your status and find out what documentation you’ll need to provide to confirm your nationality.

Step 2: Collect supporting documents

As a first-time applicant, you’ll need to provide additional documentation above the standard UK passport requirements. The specific documents depend on how you acquired your British nationality.

For example, if you were:

• Born in the UK – you’ll need your full birth certificate
• Born abroad to British parents – you may need their birth/naturalization certificates
• Naturalized as a British citizen – you’ll provide your naturalization certificate

Visit the UK passport document checker to determine exactly which supporting documents you’ll need to apply the first time around.

Step 3: Complete photo and paper application

The standard UK passport requirements around photos apply for first-timers too. You’ll need to provide two identical printed photos and paper application forms for your first UK passport application.

Make sure your photos meet all the guidelines, including size, framing, expression, and background color.

When filling out the application, take extra care providing details accurately – any mismatches between your application and documents can delay processing.

Step 4: Pay fee

There is a fee to obtain your first-ever UK passport, just as there would be for renewal. As of 2023, a standard adult UK passport costs £88.50 for online applications and £100 for paper applications for adults aged 16 or over.

You can pay by debit/credit card online, by postal order, or by cheque in some cases.

Step 5: Submit UK passport application

To complete your application for your first UK passport, you’ll need to send all supporting documents including your photos, application forms, proof of payment and identity/citizenship documentation.

You may be able to use the Post Office Check and Send service for assistance.

Step 6: Attend passport interview (if applicable)

Some applicants may be asked to attend an in-person passport interview before their first UK passport is approved, especially if the case requires clarification around citizenship rights.

This is rare, but it’s good to be aware. Interviews would be scheduled at a local passport office or service center.

Step 7: Receive your new UK passport!

Once approved, your first-ever UK passport will be printed and sent to you via secure delivery. This usually takes about 3 weeks but can be expedited for an additional fee.

Once you receive that brand-new passport in the mail, take a moment to celebrate obtaining your first official document as a British citizen!

Cost of a UK Passport

A standard adult UK passport costs around £88.50 for the 10-year document. A child’s passport costs approximately £57.50. Fees are higher for expedited services, like the 1-week fast-track or same-day service options.  British Passport Application fees are:

These costs are updated periodically, so it’s essential to check the latest pricing when applying​

UK Passport by Marriage

Marriage to a British might make you eligible to apply for a UK passport. Spouses typically apply for citizenship through naturalization, a process that usually requires living in the UK for at least three years. Once you’ve become a British citizen through this route, you can apply for a UK passport​.

Getting Your First UK Passport After Studying in the UK

International students who complete studies in the UK and wish to become British citizens must first transition from a UK Student Visa to a work or residency status like Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After fulfilling the residency requirements, which are usually 5 years, students can apply for UK citizenship. Following this, they become eligible to apply for a UK passport​.

Getting a First UK Passport via Skilled Worker Visa

Foreign workers in the UK on the UK Skilled Worker Visa can also work toward citizenship. After five years of residence and employment, skilled workers can apply for UK permanent residency or ILR. Once granted, they can apply for citizenship, and eventually, a British passport. The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most common routes to citizenship for non-British nationals working in the UK​.

How to Apply for a UK Passport

To apply for a UK passport, start by filling out the online UK passport application form or picking one up at a Post Office. You’ll need a valid photo ID, a recent passport-compliant photograph, and the necessary documentation proving your citizenship. If you’re renewing or updating your passport, the process is quicker as it requires fewer documents than a first-time application​.

How to Renew Your UK Passport

To replace an old or lost passport, or if it’s expired, follow the passport renewal steps. Applying online is typically the best way to renew a UK passport, as it speeds up processing. For emergencies or imminent travel, you can apply for a fast-track service at an additional cost, where your passport can be ready within one week. Regular renewals may take up to ten weeks during peak times​.

Cost of UK Passport Renewal

Renewing a UK passport involves several fees depending on the service you choose. A standard adult passport renewal costs around £88.50, while a fast-track service may cost upwards of £150. Prices are slightly lower for child passport renewals. Renewing online is usually cheaper than submitting a paper application​.

UK Passport Photo Requirements

UK passport photos have strict guidelines: the photo must be clear, with a neutral facial expression, and no glasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious or medical reasons). The background must be plain, light-colored, and free from shadows. The passport office also requires that the photo is recent (within the last month)​.

Current UK Passport Processing and Waiting Time

Processing times vary but generally take up to 10 weeks for standard applications, with delays during peak travel seasons. If you need the passport urgently, the fast-track service usually takes about a week, while the urgent same-day service is also available but limited to specific cases​.

Expiry Date on UK Passport

UK passports are valid for ten years (five years for children). It’s advised to renew the passport six months before it expires, especially if you plan to travel, as some countries require your passport to have at least six months of validity remaining upon entry. The expiration date can be found on the identification page of the passport​.

In conclusion, a UK passport offers immense travel flexibility, work and study opportunities, and access to various public services. With paths available for students, skilled workers, and spouses, the UK provides multiple ways for those who meet residency and citizenship requirements to eventually obtain a passport. From gathering necessary documents to choosing the correct application path, it’s crucial to follow UK passport guidelines to ensure a smooth process. For those in unique situations, consulting additional resources or legal advice can help ensure a successful application.