How can I minimise the time to get a new UK passport?
I am a UK citizen. I have lost my passport and planned to travel by Eurostar from London to Paris in five days' time. The quoted time for a fast-track replacement passport is "within 1 week" of an appointment.
When can I book the appointment? I.e., could I book one at 9am this morning, for midday? Could I book one for the evening (after 5pm) or would I have to wait until the next working day?
How likely is it that the new passport could arrive within less than a week? If I collect in person rather than it being posted, could I minimise the time to get one?
Is there any other way to minimise the time? E.g. if I have a scan of my old passport, and/or it was found by the police and returned to the passport office and cancelled? If I pay a premium?
Best Answer
My wife lost her British passport earlier this month. Here's the basic timeline...
3 July (Sunday): discovered the passport was lost
3 July (Sunday): filled out the lost passport form on the net
4 July (Monday): filed paperwork at the post office
6 July (Wednesday): received call from the passport office to schedule an appointment
11 July (Monday): attended in-person interview at the passport office (Victoria)
16 July (Saturday): delivery service dropped off new passport at our residence
Despite not being eligible for the 'premium service' we basically paid for every upgrade available (we are headed off to Russia in a few days for a brief holiday). The total outlay was GBP 106. Plus photos. Plus travel to Victoria.
Based on this experience I have it in mind that the minimum time span to replace a lost passport from discovery to possession is 14 days for Brits who can make it to Victoria.
Note: "Victoria" = "HM Passport Office, London Victoria"
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How can I hurry up my passport UK?
You need to book a passport office appointment and pay online. You can book an appointment up to 3 weeks in advance. If you need a passport to travel urgently for medical treatment or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, call the 'Passport Adviceline' instead.How can I hurry up my passport?
What you can do to speed up your passport applicationWhat is the fastest way to renew a UK passport?
You can use 1 week Fast Track to: renew an adult or child passport that has expired or that is about to expire. change personal details on your passport (for example your name, place of birth or gender) replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport.How long is the current wait for a UK passport?
Processing times in the UK Allow up to 10 weeks to receive your passport. There are different turnaround times if you're applying from another country.UK Passport Renewal Process and Waiting Times Explained (Fast \u0026 Easy Way)
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