Can I travel when I've already applied for a passport renewal?
Posted by ughlala@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 14 comments
Hi all,
I applied for a renewal on my passport, and haven't sent my old one off yet - only submitted the application and paid. So this may be a silly question, but can I still travel abroad with my current passport(not yet expired) and send it to the HPMO once I get back for the renewal?? I'm not sure how the processing works, but I may urgently need to leave, and with the current waiting time, I don't know if I will get it back in time.
Abandon_angel@reddit
Did this work for you? I’m in a similar situation of having paid and submitted the application, but not yet sent off the passport. I’m hoping to use it to travel this week and send it off as soon as I arrive back in UK
ughlala@reddit (OP)
Yes, everything was fine, so nothing to worry about!
Flimsy-Ad7906@reddit
I’ve got a similar issue. Basically keen to get my passport renewed soon and have everything ready, but travelling at the end of this week. Worried if I apply now (rather than when I return from travelling) that will cause issues, cos of this sentence highlighted on the gov.uk website. Even though I think it should be fine to travel if I’ve still got my valid (expiring November) passport with me?
ughlala@reddit (OP)
Honestly don't remember if that line was there when I made my application. Might help to give them a call to confirm! But if you're flying at the end of this week, I'd wait, seeing as you still have time before expiry. When I eventually sent mine in, it took about 6 days for me to get it back, and it was delivered on Christmas Eve!
Flimsy-Ad7906@reddit
Cheers for the answer. I figure if I call and ask they’ll defer to the website. I guess you’re right, I’ll just wait til back from this trip and put in asap then (before next trip lol)
george1057@reddit
Did everything work out fine for you and travelling?
Difficult_Egg_4350@reddit
Yes, but also the current turn around time for a straight forward passport renewal is something like 10 days, often less. So if you're not travelling for a few weeks you might as well send your old one off and get the new one.
ughlala@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I have seen that, but I think I will need to leave around the 27th. Not sure if my anxiety could take all the waiting. At first, I thought I could make it, but if I send my passport on Monday(next day delivery) not sure how long it will be processed on their side.
cooky561@reddit
I last renewed mine 2 years ago via the standard service and came in 4 days. It’s quite fast. But there are priority options that might be worth it if you are travelling within 15 days. To be safe
ARobertNotABob@reddit
You can only travel on a valid passport. If your old one hasn't expired, you can travel on that, but if it has expired, or will do during your travels, you will need the new one.
FTR, the old one is "clipped" to make it unusable when you're sent your new one (and old one is sent back to you).
ughlala@reddit (OP)
That's perfect! Thank you for your response
Fwoggie2@reddit
Providing the country you're going to accepts the period of validity left on your passport (EU is minimum 3 months after the intended departure date for example, UAE is six months from date of entry, etc) then you're fine.
ughlala@reddit (OP)
Great! Thank you so much. Knowing this has helped calm my nerves.
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