UK expats in UAE can apply for passport online

British expats in the UAE no longer have to send their application to the UK when applying for a British passport, as the service has been made available online.

Since the changes announced by the British Government last month, British expats in the UAE are now able to apply and pay for a new passport online.

Furthermore, they will be able to track their application.

However, processing times will remain the same, and supporting documents will still need to be sent to the UK.

“Applicants were previously required to fill in a paper form and send it the UK.

“It is now expected that the new online service will make passport replacements and renewals more efficient for applicants based in the UAE,” explained Newland Chase, a UK-based immigration consultancy firm.

The online application is available when applying for a new passport, report a lost, stolen or damaged passport or apply for a passport renewal.

“The online application service allows you to submit your personal information securely, and pay for your passport online.

“The service will tell you which sections to complete and what supporting documents you need to provide, based on how old you are, and the type of passport you’re applying for,” is written on the application website.

Once the application form has been sent and the application has been paid, the applicant will receive a declaration form.

This declaration form must be signed by the applicant, and together with the supporting documents and photos be posted to the HM Passport Office to the address given in the pack.

“HM Passport Office will begin processing your application when we receive your completed declaration form,” read the instructions.

“This is good news,” commented Tom Grainger, a British expat who has one year left until he must renew his passport.

“I generally do not like doing things online very much, but if this saves me time it will definitely benefit me.”

The online application, which is only available in some countries, is the only option once it is in place.

Applicants can visit and follow online instructions.

On Monday February 24, from 21:00 to 02:30 the online application service will be unavailable due to maintenance work.

Users of the website are urged to save their application and note down the username and password, which will only be given to them once.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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